AUSTRALIAN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7071, 17 February 1893, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

(P»B Emoxbio Telegraph—Copyright. ) (Paa Press Association. ) (Received 11.30 a.m*, Feb. 17th.) INCOME TAX ADOPTED-EXCITING DEBATE. Sydney, Feb. 17. The Committee of W»ya and Means’ resolution in favour of the introduction of an Income Tax produced an exciting debate in the Legislative Assembly. Mr Oarrutbers was proceeding to criticise the action of the Government, when Mr Crick, backed by five other members, called attention to the presence of strangers, and the galleries were cleared. Mr Oarrutbers moved that the report of the committee be taken into consideration after the House had been afforded a further opportunity ot giving effect to the resolution passed in October last, in favour of the imposition of direct taxation on land. Ha explained that this step was taken not with a view of opposing the Income Tax, but in order to bring about a Land Tax conjointly with it. The amendment was rejected by 53 to 45, and the original resolution carried by 73 to 10. . . The Premier disclaimed any part m the exclusion of the Press. The Leader of the Opposition in an Interview condemned the action of the Government in forcing the Press and public to retire from the galleries of the Chamber, when so important a matter affecting the taxation of the people was ander consideration, and thus bringing about a secret Parliament. - (Received noon, Feb. 17tb.) THE TE ANAU, Arrived—Te Anau, from Auckland yesterday. extraordinary WEATHER. Brisbane, Feb. 17. Mr Wrsgge, the Government meteologist* predicts equally and unsettled weather, between south and west, between Gabo Island and New Zealand. Among phenomenal rainfalls recently 35 inches in 24 hours was recorded at the Blackall ranges, about 625 miles north-west of Brisbane. This is believed to be a world’s record. Heavy rain is falling at Toowoomba and most of the Darling Down stations expect great floods. Tremendous floods are anticipated in Bandaberg, 273 miles north of Brisbane,

and trains are in readiness to convey the inhabitants from north Bundaberg. If the drought continues in central Queensland for another two mouths most of tbe stock will be dead.