Afternoon Sitting.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3640, 26 August 1880, Page 2

Afternoon Sitting.

Weminoton, Wednesday. The House met at 2 30 to day.

Mr Hutchison gave notice of motion that the 10 per cent, reductions should not apply to salaries of £150 a year and 'under. •' . "':'" '■ ■ V'"' : '--' J-'. .- •■ ■

In reply to a question put, it was stated that if the occasion arose at Okarito, provision would be made for lighting the harbour, and for judicial, telegraphic, postal, and other public requirements of the district. v , THE BEER DUTY PASSED.

The Beer Duty Bill was re committed, with the view of 'reconsidering clauses 38 and 51 in committee. Clause 38 was amended by the addition of the words " and in each case shall be similarly marked the number of imperial* gallons it is capable of holding," and clause 51 was struck out. The bill was reported with these amendments. On the motion for: third reading, Messrs M.aoandrew, Fyke, and Beeves protested against the measure, the former suggesting: that as an appropriate title it should be called a bill to discourage local; industries, and to inflict pains and penalties on brewers. . The motion for the third reading was carried and the bill passed. . - PBOPEBTY TAX. Hon. J. Hall said that after the reduction made in the Beer Tax, Government could not afford to go on with the exemptions proposed by the Property Assessment Amendment Bill. They would ask that the Bill be further considered in committee, with the view of simply carrying the amended schedule. He would ask the House to resist any attempt at reductions or exemptions, as the country,' as things had transpired, could not possibly afford it. .

In committee Mr Saunders moved that clause 2 be amended so as to make exemptions apply to farm implements, drains, water canals, agricultural implements, dairy cattle, and sheep, not exceeding 1,000 in the possession of one pen. ■.. ■ ■••■;;•;■•*;.' '.'.'■■••' • ■ ' ■ ' ::^!'-' After discussion, the Hon. J. Hall moved that progress be reported, stating that Government would endeavour to simplify the schedules in some other way. ;. ,;.'■ _.-. ■. '■. '. ':. ■.;.'. ;;^ ,;..., ' .■.■ 'i ;O' .Sir Geo. Grey objected to this.