LATER.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3918, 20 July 1881, Page 2

LATER.

Wellington, This day. The debate cm tUe Crown and Native

Lands Rating Bill was continued—Mr Johnson saying Mr Ormond had offered no substitute for the Government propo sals, and he did not believe any part of the Colony regretted Abolition. He defended the Government proposal at some leugth, and said the principle of proposed Board of Works was adopted in England, and worked well. The Government proposals might be unsatisfactory to Mr Ormond, but they were not so to the country Mr Whitaker accused Mr Ormond of having deserted his party after long threatening them. He did not enjoy his feelings, but was glad to be rid of him. Mr Ormond's sole object was the selfish desire to avoid taxation, and to get rid of the Property Tax. He quoted from Hansard to convict Mr Ormond of having entirely changed bis views on many important matters within the last twelve months, and for selfish reasons. Col. Trimble at some length defended the Government proposals, which were well estimated to advance the settlement and prosperity of the country. Mr McLean thought Mr Ormond should have given the Government notice of his intention to move the amendment. He did not believe any person or Government could devise proposals which would be s tisfactory to all parties, but as to returning to Provincialiism, had the Provinces existed when the late financial crisis occurred, the colony would have had to suspend payment. As to the Government having done nothing this session, passing the Licensing Bill was of itself a great work. The Opposition were courting popularity, and to raise money would sacrifice the public estate in large blocks. That was Ormond's proposal.

Mr Fullon moved the adjournment of the debate until 230 next day, and the House rose at 12.35.