PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 268, 22 November 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE. Wellington, Saturday. The House met at 7 30. In reply to Macandrew Major Atkinson said the public works statement would not be brought down for a few days. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply Mr Pyke said the general impression abroad was tbat all local subsidies to Counties, Road Boards, and Municipalities would cease after the 31st March next, and this would mean the stoppage of all local, works. Ho therefore moved "That the House will not assent to the discontinuance* of subsidies to local bodies until otber and adequate provisions bave been made foe the continuance of the prosecution of local public works." The Colonial Treasurer was the last who should have brought forward such a' policy. On *the faith in the honor of Parliament works, bad been undertaken extending over many years, and it was understood that the subsidies would be maintained until 1882. The policy could be expressed in one word, namely "Repudiation." It meant crushing the smaller local bodies whilst the Governmet dared not attack the large ones. The Premier, said a great deal of unfounded alarm was aroused in reference to the subsidies, as the Colonial Treasurer had distinctly stated they would place all local bodies on a substantial basis ao far as future

funds Wnt. If it was trne that alarm was created, the Hon. member had done the Government good service iv drawing attention to the matter, and receiving the asurtance that though the subsidies should be witli«rawUj,othet provision would be made. He Said this would be prepared by next session, ' and be proceeded to say that the subsidy system was unfair to "many of the local bodies, especially the large cities aud their suburban districts, where good road* were already formed. Tl_ Government bad no obiectlbh to give Hon members the assurance he asked for, and he hope 1 tbat would calm any fear excited. He agreed with the Hon. member that the land fund should not be appropriated as it had been, and was glad that tbe Government would have the Hon. j member's support in this direction. Tbe Hon. member might rely tbat the Ijiovernjnent would protect the interests of the local bodies. Sir G Grey suggested that the Premier should drop the position of a coiiutry gentleman and rise td that of a statesman He 1 Merely took land that yielded nothing and allowed one of the inhabitants of the country to go on it and improve it on tbe payment of a certain sum of money. He defended the appropriation of tbe land fund for executing public works, or for other necessities of the country. He trusted tbe House would come to the conclusion that tbe land fund should be devoted to the improvement of the public estate in constructing harbors And public buildings ; and, in the maintenance of order or othet like purposes, they were applying the money to good and legitimate purposes Mr Macandrew was ratber amused at hearing the Premier say tbat the late Government made the land fund Colonial revenue, whereas it was the continuous Ministry that had appropriated it. He protested against going into the estimates, as he feared tbat they would have to be enormously cut down. — The returns laid on the table showed tbat £660,000 was pledged instead of tbe 2*\ millions that had been talked of. He wanted to see a return printed, and tbat members should have time to consider the matter. He would suggest that other business be proceeded with, and that progress be reported. Mr Pyke's motion was then put, and Mr Stewart move " That the House, considering the circumstances under which the Government took office, cannot grant supplies until the Ministry give a distinct promise that they will bring down a Redistribution of Seats Bill during the present session." When the Government took office there were several Liberal measures promised. The Triennial Parliaments Bill was now through, but the Manhood Suffrage Bill was so mangled tbat it did not fulfil anything nearly like what it was originally intended to do, indeed tha country, in this respect, wad no better than before. Mr Shepbard hoped the House would uot consent to interrupt business for some mere speculative matter that did not affect the country at the present time. The amendment was then put and lost on the voices, and the House went into Committee of Supply and proceeded with the consideration of the estimates. The Premier moved that £4030 be passed for '• General Post Office." Mr Montgomery protested against bringing the estimates forward now and thought they should first have the Public Works Statement brought down, and the financial position of the colony thoroughly understood. There was plenty of other important business to go on with, and he did not think they would at that time expedite but rather retard business. He therefore would suggest that they should report; progress. Mr Shepbard said the burden of taxation now borne by New Zealand was greater than that borne by any other community before, and he characterised ie as crushing. He objected to the increases of salaries as proposed. He moved that the item «•* £475 Accountant Money Order and Savings Bank" that had been raised from £450 to £475 Bbould be retained at the old figure. The Premier defended the increase as increased work was laid on the department He denied that any of the* officers were highly paid, and said they were miserably paid. Mr.J. T. Fisher hoped the member for Waimea would not press the amendment. He warmly supported the increased salaries as proposed, as the department was one of the most useful to the public, and its officers were poorly paid. Mr Ballance hoped the hon. member for Waimea would adhere to his amendment. The estimates laid before them had never been considered in Cabinet, but were merely prepared in the Departments. The proposed increase ia expenditure this year was £36,000. though it should not have increased at all. The telegraph revenue had actually fallen off nearly £2,000. An acrimonious debate followed, the Government insisting on proceeding with tbe estimates, and the Opposition staunchly insisting on the Property Tax Bill being brought in and the public works statement made before proceeding with them. The discussion continued till an early hour this morning, aud ultimately several several items were passed, and tbe House adjourned.