HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3629, 13 August 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Thursday.

The House met at 2 30.

la replying to questions the Government would make enquiries regarding the sum of £200,. promised by the late Government to Geo. Harcourt and Jas. Goodwin for prospecting part of the Thames Goldfield. It was thought the regulations had not been complied with.

- Government had taken the opinion of law officers on the Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Bill, and when in committee they would be prepared to take action in accordance therewith.

The salary of the Governor could not be interfered with daring the incumbency of the gentleman lately appointed to the Governorship, and in that case it was not expedient that time should be taken up this session in discussing a bill proposing to reduce the salary of future Governors.

The vote for the New Zealand Institute would be brought down again on the Supplementary Estimates, as the Govern* meat did not think it had been struck out.

After consideration, Government would not undertake to place £480 on the Supplementary Estimates for the opening of the Pakiri block of .7800 acres in Bodney.

In accordance with resolution passed by the House, Government had given notice of an all-round reduction of ten per cent, upon all salaries alike. Despite the fact that liabilities for uniforms having been incurred by volunteer'officers on the faith of full capitation allowances being continued, it was not the intention of Government to make provision on the Supplementary Estimates for meeting such liabilities, which half the capitation allowance will not cover. If they made, concessions of that kind in one case they would hare to make it in every cue.

THE FJUOPEBTY TAX. The Property Tax would be levied on districts such as Chatham Islands, where the inhabitants were represented in the Legislature or received any benefits from public works expenditure. A concession of the kind, if made in one case would have to be made in a very great many. Provision for the representation of the Chatham Island would, however be made by including them in the Akaroa district. 0 Local Finance Bills would be brought down when the Estimates were passed. On the motion for going into committee on the Wellington Race Club Bill, Sir W. Fox moved that they go into committee that day six months.

The motion for going into committee was carried on a division of 28 to 17.

In committee the bill was blocked at every stage by amendments and motions for reporting progress.

Bill interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.