PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 353, 4 September 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WELLINGTON. September 3. Before taking business on the order paper this afternoon, Mr Sheehan stated that he would not make the native statement to-night, nor until sucli time as the debate on the Land Tax Bill was concluded would Government take any other business. In reply to Mr Murray, Mr Macandrew said that the reason Newcastle coal was used on the Otago railways in preference to Kaitantigata, was because the latter caused clinkers, and had otherwise been found not so suitable for the railway. The adjourned debate on the Land Tax Bill, was resumed by Mr Gisborne, who severally criticised several of the proposals especially the Beer and Joint Stock Company Tax. He hardly disapproved of the land tax principle, though he did not quite agree with the way it was to be put in practice. If Government insisted upon carrying their proposals as a whole, he would be reluctantly compelled to support them, in order to preserve the land tax. Mr Rowe regretted having to oppose all the proposals. Mr Kelly criticised all in detail, and at considerable length. The land tax he considered so objectional that he must oppose it, and if Government insisted upon it he would have to consider what- course he would adopt. Mr Thomson confined his remarks mainly to the land tax, to which he objected on several grounds. Debate was interrupted by 5.30, and goes on again at 7.30.

CARLYLE TOWN BOARD. The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Board, was held in the Council Buildings, on Monday evening last. Present: Messrs Milroy (chairman), Adams, Aitchison, Hirst, and Taplin. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. Correspondence included—Letter from J. Richards, applying for lease of section 3, Block 15, at £2 .per annum ; from P. Collins, for same section, at 30s per annum ; from G. D. Hamerton, for fuller instructions re deeds ; from T, Wright, objecting to Stafford Street being closed ; from J. Kenworthy, for levels—agreed to. Proposed by Mr Taplin, seconded by Mr Aitchison, and car led, ‘‘That as Mr Wright and Mr Mercer both seem to claim the right of fencing oil Stafford-street, the Board cannot entertain Mr James Mercer’s application of July 31st. That the fence in Stafford Street be levelled by Mr Wright, and the street thrown open for the use of the public.” Proposed by Mr Aitchison, seconded by Mr Hirst, and carried, “That the Clerk inform the applicants for section 3, Block 15, that this Board has decided to retain said section for the present.” An amendment as follows, was proposed ly Mr Adams, seconded by Mr Milroy, and lost, “ That the Clerk inform the applicants that Mr William Cowern, auctioneer, is empowered to receive tenders for section 3, Block 15, in consequence of there being more than one applicant for the same section. Date for closing tenders to be decided by auctioneer.” Proposed by Mr Aitchison, seconded by Mr Taplin, and carried, “ That the plans of streets prepared by Messrs Fraser and Tregear, be adopted as far as practicable.” Proposed by Mr Hirst, seconded by Mr Adams, and carried, “ That Messrs Fraser and Tregear’s'offer of 2nd September, to superintend formation of streets and footpaths, be accepted.” Sergeant Whelan, Inspector of Nuisances, reported that 12 head of cattle, and 4 horses bad been impounded by the Police, the Poundkoeper being answerable for the foes. “ I would further, moat respectfully beg to add that there is one inhabited dwelling (in particular) within the. township, which, from its (interior) dilapidated condition and want of cleanliness, would bo likely to engender disease. There is also another dwelling in the town, which, from the number of occupants, would seem overcrowded, and may also be the cause of spreading disease. In the absence of medical opinion, whether the foregoing suspected houses are lit for human habitation in their present condition or not, the Inspector can only point ont such houses in accordance with clause 51 of the Public Health Act, and await further instructions, if considered necessary.” Proposed by Air Aitchison, seconded by Air Taplin, and carried, “That the Inspector of Nuisances be informed that the Board cannot take any action in reference to certain houses alluded to in iris report, as lie has neglected to supply the names of the parties or the situation of the houses, but (hat this Board considers it his duty to notify tlio parties complained of.” Proposed by Mr Milroy, seconded by Mr Aitchison, and carried, “That the trustees of the cricket ground and athletic sports ground be requested to call for tenders for the clearing and levelling of the north end of the present enclosed ground ; also (he repairing of ditch from Taranaki Road to the lake, and submit the same to the Board, at its first monthly meeting, tor acceptance or otherwise.”

The working committee reported that no day labor had boon employed during tiic mouth, the weather having been so unsuitable for carrying out street or other improvements. Mr Johnson not having linished footpaths in Uutbanks Road as requested, it was suggested that other steps should he taken to get the work done. In accordance with resolution passed at last meeting the committee had prepared an estimate of expenditure for the year ending 31st March, 1879, the total cost being£so7. Proposed by Mr Taplin, seconded by Mr Hirst, and carried, “That notice be at once given to Mr Johnson that unless he completes his contract within fourteen days, that the working committee will undertake the completion of the work, deducting the cost from the amount of Ins Original contract.”

Proposed by Mr Adams, seconded by Mr Hirst, and lost, “That a special meeting of the Board be called on the 9th instant to take into consideration the working committee’s report.” An amendment moved by Mr Aitchison, seconded by Mr Milroy, was carried, “ That a special meeting be held on Monday evening nest, at 7 p.m., to adopt or otherwise the estimate of expenditure for the present year, and if adopted to take action in getting the work begun as soon as possible.” Statementof accounts for August showed —Balance from July, £25011s sd. Receipts during month, £54 9s 4d. Expenditure, £72 14s 7d. Balance, £232 6s 2d. Accounts passed for payment—Town Hall Company, £3 ; Patea Mail, 15s. The meeting adjourned.