PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 174, 5 August 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, August 4. The Report of the Select Committeeon excise duties has been brought up. It states, that to immediately adopt the proposals of tbe Government would not he consistent with good faith, and tbat it is inexpedient to altogether stop distillation, but io view of the loss resulting to the revenue therefrom, and as parties engaged io the industry express tbeir willingness to accept compensation, the Government should endeavour to arrange with them on equitable terms, Mr Webster has been granted leave of absence for the remainder of the Bession. The adjourned debate on the State Forests Bill occupied the afternoon . sitting to-day. It was opened by Mr Murray, who opposed it principally on the grounds that it was quite unnecessary. Mr Macandrew said that the idea was good, but the machinery bad. Otago bad already recognised the importance of the question, and had faced the difficulty. Mr O'Conor supported the Bill warmly. Mr Buckland spoke in strong terms against the Bill. Mr Roileston concurred in the principle of tbe Bill, but condemned its provisions. Mr Bluett supported the measure, as likely to be a great boon to Canterbury. Mr Bunny opposed the Bill, as being a means of contkcating the lands of tbo . colony. Mr T. Kelly opposed the scheme, as not required and likely to be a financial failure. Mr Johnson could only regard the

schemeas one to enable the General Government to acquire money out of tbe lands of the provinces by laying tbeir hands on all forest frontages to the Sounds and Bays on the West Coast. Mr Luckie supported the measure, as one that would deserve the thanks of future generations. Mr Hunter opposed and Mr Andrew supported it. The debate is still going on.