HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY'S SITTING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1419, 6 August 1881, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY'S SITTING.

Miscellaneous. The Chinch of England Trustees Incorporation Bill was, after discussion, ordered to be re-committed. Mr Dick gave notice that he would ask leave to introduce a Prisons Amendment Bill. Replying to Mr Reeves,, Air Hall said the Public Works Statement would probably be brought down next week.

Pensions Bill. Mr Shrimski, in moving the second reading of the bill, said he had no desire to deprive any pers*^ of what was his due, but wished tof an end to the abuse of the system. He objected to peeple engaged m other countries drawing pensions from this. Civil servants had no more right to pensions than people in other walks of life. The bill left the granting of pensions in the hands of the House, and debarred persons m receipt of pensions irom entering Parliament. Mr Hall opposed the bill, as it was an infraction with statute rights, although he fully recognised the necessity for economy. Mr Ballance supported the bill. Mr McLean suggested its postponement. Sir George Grey supported the bill. He said the rule in England was that when a pensioner again took service under the Crown he only drew half the salary accruing from such office. Mr Sheehan approved of the plan of allowing the House to exercise the sole control in the matter of granting pensions, and supported the bill. Several other members having spoken, Mr Shrimski replied, and the second reading was carried on the voices.

Abolition of Gold Duty. Mr Seddon moved the second reading of the Gold Duty Abolition Bill. He pointed out that the tax pressed heavily upon mining communties, and that the local bodies benefiting by it were willing that it should be abolished. Messrs Brown. Reeves, Gisborne, Weston, and Sheehan supported the bill, the latter urging that the imposition or remission of the tax should be left to the local governing bodies. Mr Rolleston said the Government would not oppose the bill, although he could see a difficulty arising fiom the loss of a tax winch was so easily collected. Mr Seddon, in replying, said he was willing to adopt the optional proposal, and hoped the Government would take the bill up. The bill was then read a second time and rofeired to the Goldfields Committee.

Other Bills. The Adoption of Children Rill and thp Gisborne Harbour Board Bill were read a second tune.