PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 363, 9 October 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Per Press Agency.)

HOUSE OF HEPHESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON. October 8. The House; met last night at 7.30. In repiy to Mr rcemu-y, sir George Grey said that Government were collecting information on the subject of drainage, and would probably introduce a Bill next year. Borne discussion arose on the Beer Tax Bill, and Mr Ballance spoke at some length in explanation of the action of Government. He saiil this was the first check that Government had received, and as it was but an accident that had occurred, he deemed the measure was not ill-conceived or unpopular. In proof of this he referred to the fact that no petitions or protests had been received, but the opposition had simply sprung from the classes mainly affected by it. He expressed great sorrow that the Joint Stock Companies Tax was to be dropped, and said if such a Bill had not been brought forward, then the Land Tax would have been regarded, to a certain extent, in the light of confiscation. As to the reinstatement of the amount to have been derived from the Beer Duty Bill, the Government did not consider there should bo fresh taxation proposals at this late period of the session, as they did not think it possible to give them proper consideration nor did circumstances warrant the House being called to give attention to a new scheme of finance, and, therefore, they were not prepared to bring down new proposals for taxation nor did Government think that measures passed in House should be intercepted in another place. They hoped and believed they would be passed. Then the question arose how were Government to get this £40,000. Hon members would remember that in the Financial Statement he had referred to the item of harbor defences £44,000, the cost of which, although it was proposed to defray out of revenue,might fairly be charged on the public works account. Government would lose £30,000 by Beer Tax and £IO,OOO by Joint Stock Companies Bill, and £B,OOO by timber duties repeal. Now that in all would amount to between £40,000 and £50,000 and the removal of the cost of the harbor defences on to Public Works Act would equalise matters. After considerable discussion, Mr Johnson wanted to withdraw his amendment. As Mr Sheehan objected, it was put and negatived on the voices, and the Bill ordered to be read a second time to-morrow. The Companies Income Bill was discharged. The remainder of the business was mainly of a private character. The Deceased Wife’s Sister Marriage was passed after a good deal of discussion. The House sat till nearly 3 o’clock.