PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 170, 20 July 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, July 18. j In the House of Representatives last j night, the debate oi the excise duty I was resumed. Mr Pyke opposed tho proposals stroDgly, but expressed himself in favor of an amendmeut which Mr Macandrew had given notice he would move, as meeting the exigencies of the case completely by at once securing tbe colony from further loss while protecting those engaged in distillation against any sudden change in the excise duty. Mr M'Gillivray opposed the proposals. Mr Thompson warmly supported the position taken by Mr Cawkwell in his pamphlet as being the best side of tbe argument. He considered that much of the hue aod cry was due to importers who were naturally jealous of the success of the colonial article. The question was put fo report progress, and negatived by 25 to 36. The resolution was then passed, and reported to the House. Tbe Post Office Savings Bank Bill passed without amendment. Mr Yogel moved the second reading of the Government Insurance Annuities Bill, nnd explained the provisions, first as being a consolidation of the laws regulating the Government Insurance office, and introducing provisions providing for an independent actual valuation every five years, and a division of the profits amongst tbe policy holders. A long and sharp discussion ensued upon the Civil Service Acts Amendment Bill. Messrs Reader Wood, Swanson, and others vehemently opposed allowing the Governor in Council to have discretionary power to grant pensions in excess of the annual fund of £9,000. Tbe House rose at one this morning.