PARLIAMENTARY.

Kumara Times, Issue 3015, 2 July 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[united press association.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. LOCAL BODIES LOAN BILL. In the House on Tuesday, 29th inst., The House went into Commitee on the Local Bodies Loans Bill. A lengthy discussion took place on the clauses empowering local authorities to borrow money for erecting school buildings. Sir R. Stout pointed out that some districts might not be in a position to erect school buildings, and the clause was intended to allow them to borrow for the purpose. There was no compulsion whatever in the clause. He said Government could not constantly go into the money market to borrow for the erection of school buildings, and in a few years borrowing would have to cease altogether. Major Atkinson hoped the clause would be withdrawn. He said the matter was of so much importance that it should be dealt with as a whole and not in piecemeal fashion. He quite agreed with the Premier that borrowing would have to cease in a few years. Mr Montgomery also urged its withdrawal. He considered borrowing money for school buildings was quite as legitimate as for roads and bridges. Mr Russell thought that putting the question of taxation before people was a good one. Whether the preseut clause was a good one or not, his opinion was that eventally the whole education system would have to bo borne by local bodies. Messrs Sutter, Newman, Barron, Lakp, and Fisher opposed the clause. Sir J. Vogel defended the clause, and denied that Government wished to save anything by it. Mr Seddon moved an amendment to the clause to insert " may raise money also for the erection of mechanics' institutes, schools of art, and schools of mines." The amendment was lost. The original clause was then put and struck out. In Clause 8, relating to payment of interest and sinking fund, Major Atkinson moved that the words "if any," relating to the sinking fund be struck out. Sir Julius Vogel onnosed the amendment. M;' Fyke moved that tl;o words " -linking Amf] if vay" be :'riek onf. Kir Julius Vogcl hoped the House would pass this clause as it stood, and not strike oat sinking fund. Mr Pyke's amendment was lost on the voices, and Major Atkinson's amendment was lo.se by -10 to 22. Clause 7, "That the first year's interest may be paid out of the loan," was strongly opposed by Messrs Atkinson, Tritubbsind Montgomery. Si.- R. ytout raid there was :.c harm in -■no. yiui'i ;iiio;e.?l being ,-,aid ooc c; the loan. 'A'jfe clause pusagjl by 36 tg 35.

The House rose at 5.30, and resumed at 7.30 p.m. Sir J. Vogel moved the addition of a new clause to the Local Bodies Loan Bill, exempting Crown and Native lands from liability to special rating for loauß. The clause was opposed by various members on the ground that Maoris ought to be rated as well as Europeans. Mr Sutter offered tr> propose the abolition of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act, if anyone would second it. Sir J. Vogel said every speech against the clause was a nail in the coffin of that Act. Major Atkinson defended the Act, and said but for it Government would be dunned by every local body for assistance Mr W. F. Bucklaud said half the money raised under it went to Westland and Nelson. Mr Seddon retorted that no members from those distiicts opposed the clause. A division was taken after a lengthened discussion—ayes, 52 : noes. 24. Mr Garrick got another clause added enabling any local body to anticipate one year's rates. The bill then passed. The House went into Committee on the Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill. A number of amendments were proposed in the interpretation clause, but none were carried except the deletion of sub-section 6, providing for building schools out of loans. June 30. MIDLAND RAILWAY BILL. Sir J. Vogel moved that the House go into Committee on the Midland Railway Bill. Major Atkinson moved that the debate be reported in Hansard. Several members protested against so unusual a course, and the motion was lost by 36 to 31. In Clause 2, providing that the Governor may enter into a contract with the company, Mr G. P. Richardson moved as an amendment to insert the words, "authorised by this Act," instead of « indicated in correspondence set out in the second schedule." Sir J. Vogel opposed on the ground that if any terras were inserted, the company could reject the contract and come on the colony for compensation.