LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIIL, Issue 211, 15 October 1878, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, Monday. This afternoon there was an animated discussion on the motion for leave of absence to Mr W. H. Reynolds. The previous question was carried by and leave was disallowed.

Dr Pollen moved for the production of all correspondence relating to the Bay of Islauds electoral roll. After a long reply from Colonel Whitmore, in the course of which he at times spoke with great heat, the discussion was interrupted by calling on the first order of the day, the Land Tax Bill. Mr Waterbouse announced his intention to rote for the second reading on the grounds of expediency. He did not, however, approve of the Bill, but contended that the propertied classes had already more than their fair taxation. He illustrated this position by analysing the revenue. The statement thiifc property did not bear its fair share of taxation was disgraceful. It reminded him of Carlylc's words, that England is inhabited by thirty millions of people, the majority of whom are fool?. The nonsense talked about the unearned increment astonished him. He thought it a mistake to eiuL'le out any particular class for taxation. Speajkjng of the Beer Tax Bill and its withdrawal in thk other chamber, he said it was not the first time that Beer had triumphed over braina He thought that the action in withdrawing the Bill had been a mistake. In concluding he justified his vote for the second reading, on the ground that it wwjld give an opportunity to the demagogue to incite the passions of the people. Mr Q Buckley opposed the Bill, spewing at some length. The Council then adjourned for dinner.