PARLIAMENTARY.

Kumara Times, Issue 3020, 8 July 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

REJECTION OP GOLD DUTY ABOLITION BILL. THE ACTION OF GOLDFIELDS MEMBERS. [from our own correspondent.] Wellington, July 7. At the meeting of goldfields members re the action of the Legislative Council in throwing out the Gold Duty Abolition Bill, there were present the Colonial Treasurer (in the chair), Messrs Pyke, Seddon, Brown, Guinness, Cadman, Bevan, Hon'. M. S. Grace, Messrs Scobie Mackenzie, and Bradshaw. Mr O'Cbnor and five other membeis were accounted for, but conld not he pteseut. Considerable discussion ensued. Three schemes were proposed—"l. To bring in a bill giving 'the Governor power by Order iu Council to fix the duty, or to entirely suspend the same. "2 To bring in a bill for the total abolition at once. "3. To bring in a bill providing for its reduction by Is per ounce, at once ; or, the redaction at the rate of 6d per ounce for two years, leaving Is per ounce to be levied in lieu of rates." Mr Mackenzie moved —" That a deputation of members be lequested to wait on the Government, and urge that they should introduce a bill this session differing sufficiently from that which has already been before both Houses of Parliament, providing for the abolition or reduction of the duty on gold.—This was carried. Mr Seddon moved—" That inasmuch as the Legislative Council have thrown out the Abolition of Duty upon Gold Bill that the members now present form a deputation to wait on the Government re the abolition or reduction of the duty upon gold as per resolution previously passed ; and that the Premier, the Colonial Treasurer, and Minister of Mines be requested to ap. point a time to meet to confer with the deputation."—Carried. The Chairman was authorised to forward copies of the resolutions passed to the Government and to ask them to 6x the time to meet the deputation.