HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2652, 11 July 1889, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WEDNESDAY. Tlio Hon.se me'", at 2.30 p.m. Mr Eisher explained that the correspondence relative to the (iasparini ali'aii - , which was laid on the tabic last liijjht, was printed by him. at the request of the late Governor, who afterwards expressed his regret that Mr Fisher had been subject to the annoyance of such unfounded accusations.

Replying to questions, Ministers said thev would .shortly propose a reduction of the"feu charged for the registration of letters. They did not see their way to legislate for the better preservation of New Zealand fl ix. Thev had no desire to hurry the passage of the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Dill, they desired to give local bodies a reasonable lime to understand its provisions, but hoped the Mill would be passed this session. They would extend the scope of the proposed Commission on the sweating system to include the case of shop girls.' Mr r-ercival introduced the Municipal Corporation Act Amendment Bill.

Air Duncan moved in the direction of home distillation of all spirits used in the colony and the early erection of central distilleries of sulHcienl capacity to produce all the spirits consumed in the colony. He argued that such an industry would bo a gre:if, advantage to the fanning interest.

Mr Ballance suggested that distillei ios bo erected in any part (if tho colony. Farmers would bo benefited while the revenue would not suli'er. The debute was adjourned fur a week. Mr Barron moved that the Propertytax, unless it can be abolished, should be annually decreased. He .said no doubt retrenchment could be carried a good deal further, and pressure should be kept on the Government until further reduction was made. Mr Fergus said the mover had failed to show any better meaus for providing revenue. Mr Ualkiuce said tins Government should have treated the motion as one of " no confidence." Ho approved of additional taxation on the people. Mr Scobie McKenzie supported the motion, although he did not think the reduction could take place in the way suggested. Mr [loss moved as an amendment that tin; property tax is unfair in its incidence, harrassing in its effect, and an obstacle to the progress and settlement of I he country. Mr Hodgkinsnn supported the amendment, and Mr Gunmen moved an adjournment, which was carried, and the House rose at r». SO. The House resumed nt 7.00 p.m. Mr Izard moved the second reading of the Cemeteries Act Amendment Bill. Mr Stewart and Mr .Samuel thought the Bill should have been introduced as a local Biil, as the object was to deal with the Wellington cemetery. ]jr. Newman supported the Bill, and the second reading was agreed to by 30 to 02. Mr Pyke moved the second reading of tho Private .Schools Bill. Tha object was neither more nor less than to give justice to Roman Catholics, whom he eulogised. The Bill provided that private schools .should, upon complying with the Education Act, receive as capitation allowance half that now paid to State schools. Mr Dodson supported the claims of Human Catholics. Mr Goldie opposed the Bill, on the ground that it would not satisfy the Roman Catholics, Mr Seymour opposed the Bill, which opened the clour to duumniiiationalisiii. Mr Turnbull supported the Bill, and said if it was rejected he would move that a sum be placed on the estimates for a grant to Roman Oath >!ic schools. Mr Verrall opposed, and Sir J. J [all supported, the Bill. The latter said it would assist in making the system roally national. Mr Moss opposed the Bill, as it was Stateaid to the Ohurch in disguise. I jr. Hodgkinson opposed the Bill, as it was establishing sectarianism, Mr Marchant supported the Bill. Sir 11. Atkinson supported the Uill. He was strongly in favour of a national system, but he hold a national must be a diverse system, whereas (ho present .system declared that all must be in the same groove. Mr Samuel opposed tho Bill. Messrs i?>nrton, Pereival and Hutchinson also supported the Bill. The House adjourned for supper. The House resumed after supper. Mr Uallance supported the Bill which instead of breaking the stabilty of the present system would mttorially strengthen it ami benefit, all classes. Ml' Eere.ii;; oppose! tho Bill, schools wouid be split up in outlying districts it such changes were effected. It was the duty of every member who voted lor the Hill to vote also that the Bible be read in schools. Mr PMi said the Bill would destroy tho nation,d secular system. He would seel: to get it imicoded in Committee so that; it should apply to Roman Uatliohcs only. Mr Rarkness said the effect of the proposal would be that education boards would not be able to give any pecuniary assistance to outlying districts. Messrs Fitzherbort, Tanner and Steward supported the Bill. (t,eft sitting).