PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 229, 23 September 1873, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, September 23, In the Upper House yesterday, Colonel Whitmore's motion for the introduction of b general system of taxation was practically shelved by being adjourned for three weeks. The Civil Service Act Amendment Bill was thrown out on the second reading by twenty-two to seven. In the House last night, a long discussion took placo as to whether the number, functions, and salaries of Miuisters should be decided by the House. The Premier suggested that pensions for Ministers should be granted. Eventually the House went into Committee to consider an address to the Governor, asking him to send down a measure increasing the salaries of Ministers; and a resolution to that effect was carried. Tbe Licensing Bill was read a third time on a division of 27 to 15. The Miners' Rights Extension Bill was thrown out by 20 to 11. Mr Yogel explained that he proposed to alter the Provincial Loan Bills to restricting borrowing to within provinces, and for useful and necessary works. He hoped the Council would accept this. The Bills were accordingly postponed till today. An amendment by the Legislative Council in the Timber Floatage Bill for bringing the Bill into operation in Auckland immediately, and elsewhere on a proclamation by the Superintendent and Council, was disagreed with. The Miners' Franchise Extension Bill, for enabling miners to vote for Superintendents, was read the second time. The Employment of Females in Factories Bill and the Goldfields Act 1866 Amendment Bill were committed and read the third time. The Maori Representation Act Amendment Bili was read the second time. To-day Mr Yogel moved the question of Webb's penalties, and explained that Mr Webb was originally liable, but had sold out his interest to a company, but admits his liability now. He was not now in a position to pay the penalties. It was not ÜBual to inflict penalties except in the case of fault. 'I he new contractors were not Burnside and Co, but were in some way connected with Hall. If pressure were put on Mr Webb, it would prejudice the new contracts. The penalties amounted to £10,000. The question was whether to exonerate Webb, or to leave the matter over for some time. The latter course would risk the loss of the amount. The Government would do what the House wished, but he suggests that they should give Ministers discretion. Advices from New York say that while the money is recoverable, Webb would resist ; but if the Houee decided, the fear of a lawsuit would not stop the Government. The discussion is now proceeding.