HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2473, 17 May 1888, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WEDNESDAY. The House met at 2.30 p.m. LBAVE OF ABSENCE. Absence for a week was granted to Mr .T. B. Whyte, and for a month to Sir J. Vogel, on urgent private business. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions it was stated that an amendment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, with a view of abolishing and restricting the use of the totalisator, was still under consideration by the Government. That in no case had officers been dismissed from the Police Department and others taken on in their places. That a Bill would be introduced dealing with the whole question of relief of Government settlers by a revaluation of their holdings. That it was not intended to interfere with the terms upon which Village Homostead settlers held their land That there was very littlo possibility of an amended Bankruptcy Act this session, owing to the large number of amendments suggested. That it was not intended to introduce any measure this session dealing with Local Government Reform and tho reduction in the number of local bodies. That the question nf Wasto Lands Boards was under the consideration of tho Government. THE TOTALISATOR. Mr Bectham moved " That, in the • opinion of this House it is desirable that the Government should introduce a measure during tho present session providing that a portion of the earnings of the totalisator and theatrical companies should_ be by Act Appropriated for tho purpose of hospitals and charitable aid. He said about £10,000 could be realised from the totalisator if a percentage was deducted from its earnings, which were computed to be about £50,000 or £1)0,000 a year. He thought also a small tax on theatrical tickets would not press very heavily on anybody as the system worked well in Paris and other places. Mr Goldie supported tho motion. Messrs Fish and Fraser also supported it, but strongly objected to any tax on theatrical companies. Mr S imuel disagreed with the proposal to put any tax on theatrical companies, but he should support that portion of the motion relating to the totalisator. Mr Hntchinson asked the House to pause before committing itself on this question. Hon. members expressed themselves strongly against tho totalisator, yet they were now asked to pass a motion which would popularise it by raising a revenue from it. Dr. Newman supported the motion, and protested against the largo number of race meetings that were being held in every little town and village in the colony. Mr Fitchett opposed it, and said that the totalisator minimised the evil of gambling in the colony.

Mr Carroll said that he saw no harm in the totalisator. What was wanted was to bring it more under control than it was at present. If it was illegal, drink was also illegal. He asked why public houses should not be abolished as well as thu totalisator. Mr Hobbs was not sure that tho amendment would meet the case, and he was surprised the Government had not led the House in such an important matter. He fully sympathised with the amendment. Mr Kerr thought it would be a wronc thing to do away with the totalisator at country meetings. His opinion was that it was the big meetings that tried to swallow the little meetings, and there was no dishonesty connected with the totalisattir. Hi' hoped the House would (jo on with business and not trouble itself with such matters. Mr Allen did not like either the motion or amendment, as they were simply shuffling out o£ the difficulty. He thought there were many other things which should be taxed before theatrical amusements, which were very often amusing and instructive. Ho preferred to see the whole question of gambling dealt with by tho Government. Mr Dodson said they must either have the totalisators or bookmakers. He held that the totalisators had abolished bookmakers, and in doing that they had accomplished a good work. He should vote against both motion and amendment. Mr Fulton's amendment was then put and lost by -15 to 21. Mr Feldwick moved to omit tho words, "Theatrical Companies" from the motion. 1 Mr Beetham accepted this amendment, which was carried on the voices. The motion, as amended, was then put, "when Mr Taylor rosn to speak on it, and was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. The House resiimud at 7.30. LOAN' 1111.1,. Bills to repeal tho Lo.ui Act and authorising tho borrowing of one million for immigration, public works, and other purposes were received by message from the Governor, and read a first, time. EDUCATIONAL. Mr Steward moved the soomd reading of the Educational Franchise Bill, which he ' mentioned was no new measure, and had already been before the House on several occasions. Mr Fisher commended the attention Mr ■ Steward had paid to tho subject, but pointed out that tho objection to the measure was thai; it sought to amend the Education Act. Ho should, however, support it with great pleasure, and hoped it would become law. Mr Merchant strongly objected to the abolition of the cumulative voting as it was the only means by which Catholics could secure representation, Mr Hall also supported Mr Marchant. Messrs Reeves, (St. Albans), Allen and others expressed strong objections to the present system of voting. The Bill was read a second time without a division. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE All). Mr Hutchinson moved a second reading of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Institutions Bill, the object of which was to separate Patea from the Wanganui district. Mr Tayor moved that the second reading be that day six months. The Premier said that where localities themselves agreed to such changes, it would be rather hard on them to prevent their separation. Mr Samuel said sufficient publicity was not given, and people did not know how these changes would affect thorn. Mr Beetham considered the whole Act a huge mistake.

Mr Seymour moved an adjournment for a fortnight, to give the Government an opportunity of considering the principle involved in the measure. Carried by 41! to 30. OTAtiO CKNTKAL. Mr Pyke moved the second reading of the Otago Central Railway Bill. Mr Mackenzie, (Waihemo), took exception to the nature of tho proposed land concessions. Mr Steward thought Oamavu ought to be be linked up with the line. Mr Fish moved tho adjournment of tho debate for a fortnight. Lost on the voices. Mr Taiwhanga hoped before long to see a similar Hill giving Maoris power to make railway* on their own land. The Bill was read a second time by 53 to 12. KAMO HAIIAVAY, Mr Mobbs moved the second reading of the Kami) and Kawakawa Kailway Construction Bill. Ho Raid tha line would only cost £200,000. Mr Monk supported the proposal. Considerable discussion followed, [Ltoft sitting.]