LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 478, 22 November 1879, Page 3

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

(Per Press Agency.) + . WELLINGTON. November 21. It is understood that the Property Tax Bills to be ready this'evening, will consist of two Bills—Assessment Bill and Property Tax Bill. • Two blank forms will be issued to every householder, one relating to land, and the other to personal property. The fonder is to: be filled in and dealt with in the same way as the present land tax, Which tax is doubled, besides other property being taxed as well. The second blank form will have to be filled in with an estimate of the value of all his worldly possessions, and every description of debts due to and debts owed by him. This statement-, supported by statutary declaration, is to be forwarded to a court composed of three Commissioners, sworn to secrecy. The court will deduct from the estimate all debts owed by a person, and L3OO exemption, the balance remaining is taxable property, Oil Which bhe peimy in the L is to be paid. If the Commissioners disbelieve thte statement hiade, they can call upon the property holder to support it by the evidence of a valuer appointed by themselves ; Criminal proceedings to be taken in case of fraud. In the Legislative Council to-day, Mr Whitaker announced that Colonel Scraldiley would visit the Colony next January.

—On the second reading of the Qualification of Electors Bill, about fifteen members spoke, all briefly, but generally in favor of the Bill.

It ia reported that in c'onsequence of the unsatisfactory financial position of the colony, none of the civil servants will be granted increases this year, unless upon written authority of Ministerial Head Department. Some special causes will be dealt with by Ministers hereafter. The heads of departments are instructed to call the attention of Ministers t'O every opportunity that occurs of consolidating offices, and reducing expenditure. The tobacconists hold a meeting to consider the proposed new tariff.

The chemists notify that thejy have increased the price of patent medicines and perfumery.

Mr Lance, of Canterbury, has been appointed handicapper of the Wellington Jockey Club. The House sat till a quarter to five this morning, and does not meet again till 7.30 to-night. Business people consider times greatly improved of late. No Public Works Statement will be delivered to-night, but a strong debate on Financial Statement is expected. NEW PLYMOUTH. November 21. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court today, Daniel Hill, hospital steward, was charged with committingrape on a German woman patient in the hospital. The case is still being heard. Hill is an old settler, and well known.