Last Night's Sitting.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3638, 24 August 1880, Page 2

Last Night's Sitting.

After some further debate the Beer Duty Bill was read a second time on a division, 51 to 20.

The Auckland Grammar School Bill amendments by the Legislative Council Were agreed to.

This day. Major Atkinson briefly moved the second reading of the Property Assessment liill.

Mr Wood strongly opposed the bill, and said the tax might be reduced onehalf, while the proposed exemptions were mischievous. He would move the following exemptions: All steam engines used for manufactures, pumping and mining operations, wearing apparel, books, etc, in actual use, agricultural implements in actual use, and the exemption clause being reduced from £SCD to £200. That, according to the Treasurer's own statement, would leave taxable property to the extent of £110,000,000, which at a halfpenny in the £ would realise £229,000, the Beer Tax at 3d per gallon £40,000, Stamp Duties £10,000, making a total of £270,000, leaving a Surplus over the £250.000 required by Treasurer of '£20,000.

Mr Saunders and Sir George Gray opposed the bill; the latter referring to Mr Wood's speech, alluded tjo certain animals which proverbially leave sink ing ships, and he thought the Government ship must be in a sinking state when the member spoke as he did. Messrs Sutton, Fox, Seddon, Speight and Steward supported the second reading, while Mr Macandrew disapproved of thei Bill. The second reading was carried by 31 to 9. :' \ ■'..' ■■.-. - ■ '. '.- ' ■•.: ■.- ■

The House rose at l; 20