PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2668, 17 August 1889, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL(IiY TELIiCiRAI'II. —I'RESS ASSOCIATION). FRIDAY. An t act to amend the Native Equitable Owners Act 18y(i was road a first time. The following bills were read a second tiireNative Land Frauds Prevention Acts Amendment Hill, Mercantile Law Act Amendment Bill, and were read a thi'd time and passed. The Council roso at 3.45, till Tuesday.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FRIDAY. Tho House mot at 2.30. Mr Hobbs resumed the debate on the Property Assessment Bill. He characterised the amendment as of a mischievous character. Mr Thompson (Auckland North), was stiongly opposed to the Property-tax, and felt it his duty to support the amendment. Mr Monk would support the amoudment, although ho did not see what was to be gained by it. Mr Marchant reviewed the financial policy of the Government at length. He could not vote for the amendment till he saw what was to take the place of the Pro-perty-tax. Mr Valentine said the amendment only desired to catch votes ; the real issue before the House was confidence or no-confidence in the Government, and anyone could vote for the amendment. Mr Duncan said he intended voting for the amendment. The debate was interrupted for the 5.30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7 30 p.m., Mr Duncan continued his remarks. Sir G. Grey said the Propeity-tax Bill was designed to regulate and promote the interests of large land-holders. So long as the Property tax exists so long would it be impossible to get from the land the share it ought to contribute to the revenue An Income Tax would realise £130,000 a year, and an additional £20,000 could be levied on loans to local bodies. The Property-tax should be gradually reduced and should only be levied on unimproved lands. When in committee on the Bill he would move an amendment in the direction of taxing absentees. He hoped the House would do away with the Property-tax and put a tax on the land. Mr Tanner said the amendment freed members from pledges made to their constituents against the Property-tax because it did not propose to abolish the tax. He hoped the amendment would be rejected. Mr O'Connor said the amendment was of a ridiculous nature, and he regietted the Premier had made it a question of Xoconfideuce. Although opposed to the Pro-perty-tax, he was not going to be drawn by such an amendment. Mr Meuteath belonged to neither Government nor Opposition, and cared little for either party. He proceeded to criticise the financial policy of the Government. He concluded speaking in favour of the Pro-perty-tax. (Left sitting.)