Parliamentary.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 802, 7 August 1877, Page 2

Parliamentary.

Wellington, last night [From Our Special Correspondent.] INCIDENCE OF TAXATION. A great debate is expected on Mr Woolcock's resolution affirming tbe necessity for a change m the incidence of taxation. The resolution is likely to be supported by a large party if not by a majority of the Hcuse. Mr Woolcock's personal influence is small, but the question itself will attract a large support. The resolution, if carried, will involve the rejection of the Treasurer's budget, that Minister having announced m his Financial Statement that the Government would not approve of any "change m taxation this year. Ministers may endeavour to get rid of the difficulty by moving the previous question, but it is doubtful if they could command a majority on it, or they may, if defeated, ask the Governor for a dissolution and appeal to the country. Messrs Ballance and Bryce will go over to the Opposition. It is understood the Government will not make a Ministerial question of the Native Lands Bill, but will accept such amendments as the House may propose, provided they do not interfere with the main | rinciples of the bill. Mr Rees will briug forward several very important proposals m the bill relating to clauses embodied from the Act of 1869. CONSTRUCTION OF BRANCH RAILWAY LINES. The Otago members received a deputation from Otago to - day with reference to the Wuitaki to Kingston main trunk interior railroad. The proposal is to set apart Crown land m alternate blocks to any private company construct- ,

ing the line, the. .' 'Government, retaining intermediate blocks to, soil at an enhanced value. Many people .hero acquainted with 'the circumstances, of yVaikato ' think such a plan ■ might be adapted for the extension of the Mercer to Te Awamutu line or the line to the Thames from Hamilton, The Otago members will probably fight hard to get the Kingston lime constructed. SIX W FIZHERBERT. Negotiations to induce Sir W Fitzhetbert to resign Speak ership and lead the Opposition party are being made, It is said that "Barkis is willing," but at present remains m the back ground. Bunny negotiates, and the negotiations' are rapidly assuming a successful aspect. •Fitzherbert will not come out unless assured of a majority. . Sir George Grey is understood to be willing to allow, Fitzherbert the Premiership, keeping general supervision over affairs, and the lead of the Auckland party. Sir George Grey will not accept office. It is said, on reliable authority, that the Ministry have not made up their mind as to their course m reference to Woolcock's lnotiou. Rees' resolutions regarding the " Waka Maori " are considered precipitate, not having been tabled with the cognisance of his party. A conference of borough representatives, to-day, passed a resolution that charitable institutions should be maintained out of the consolidated fund, ov by property tax m rateable value, which it is expected need not exceed one penny m the £.