PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 199, 23 August 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, Wednesday. The House met a 2.30 this afternoon. The Petitions Committee recommended that Mr Barton's petition re the Judges be referred io a special select committee. Replying to questions, Ministers said they did not intend to extend the operation of the

Armitage Pension Act, or to make a aiding on railway near Otepopo river, but- would make inquiries on both subjects. ■ The Wanganui Gas and the Native Marriage Validation Bills were introduced. Mr Bastings read a telegram stating that 47,0*30 acres were applied for at Teviot where 4000 acres were yesterday opened ia 200-acres bio ks for agricultural lease Mr Ballance resumed^the debate [on the incidence of taxation. He accepted the general accuracy of tbe financial statement, but not the comparison instituted regarding the public debt. He was opposed to further borrowing. No change could be hurriedly made in taxation, upr was any remission possible under present circumstances. He objected to increase the tax upon sugar, as used ior confectionery, preserves, etc, as well as beer; but he did not object to a small tax on the latter, says 5s per hogshead. Apart from either the class working for wages or the wealthy laud-owners, the important class of small settlers had been overlooked. On them the tax upon the necessaries of life pressed most heavily. An acreage tax would be unjust. The law of supply and demand would prevent a property tax affecting the rate of wages. He denied that an income tax would alter the investment of capital. It would be unfair to deprive local bodies of subsidies. The land fund should be applied to opening the country by roads, and not as general revenue. Mr Russell replied to certain reinarkamade by -Sir George Grey regarding himielf. * Additional taxation would be necessary next session. The Customs duties could not bear any increase; and sound policy dictated a reduction of taxation upon necessaries, apart from the poor-man cry. There was now uo necessity for breaking up large estates, bnt property should bear a fair ahare of taxation Mr Woolcock deprecated a far upon salt and sugar. Laboring men would be better off with lower wages if they could buy mora with what they earned. He urged that the necessaries of lif e should be relieved. He objected to an acreage tar. The debate was interrupted by 5.30.- - „ Thursday. 1 he debate was continued at 7.30. Mr Woolcock supported the tax, but wished it to be postponed to next session. Mr Brandon opposed a land or property tax, but supported an income tax. Mr Lusk urged a revision of the taxation with a view to adjusting the burdens more fairly. The Customs duties here pressed more heavily by one-third per head than in the neighboring colonies, and this pressed heavily on those least able to bear it, and yet sufficient revenue was not obtained. He condemned the Government proposal to seize a portion of the Southern land fund under the pretence of a refund. This was a miserable illegal policy. The land revenue should be used to open the lanJs of tho colony for settlement, and this should be the first charge. He urged the Government to declare more definitely what their proposals re taxation really meant, and if they were intended to be identical with Sir G. Grey's There was no need of further discussion as' no political rest would be possible till the burdens of the people were satisfactorily adjusted and the Native Lands question was settled. The House then divided on Mr Murray's amendment on Sir G. Grey's motion, substituting "next session" for "immediately" Eor the amendment 30, against 40. Sir G. Grey's amendment in the original form was then negatived on the voices. The Government resolution being now a substantive motion, Mr Stout in a long speech moved the addition of words to the effect that the Government would forfeit the confidence of the House if it did not prepare and circulate before the end of the present session the Bill intended to give effect to the resolution next session. o*°i" is Mr Mont goniery replied to Mr btafford s criticism on his former speech Mr Macandrew urged sending back the estimates to be reduced to the limits of the revenue. Mr Rees spoke on the general policy of Mimsters. *"' Mr Burns opposed any change in taxation .ikely injuriously to affect local industries. Mr Fitzroy said that the South would rather give up its land fund than submit to additional taxation. He urged a general system of free selection at a sufficient price according to the Canterbury system. Sir G. Grey urged the Government to readjust the representation on a fair basis, and immediately to appeal to the country. Mr Stout's amendment was negatived on the voices. Mr Pyke moved the insertion of the words aud income " in the resolution, which the Government accepted. The debate was then adjourned, and the House rose at 12.5 a.m.