POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 628, 4 July 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[arSOIAT. TO TUB STANDAIID.] Wullwoton, last night. The Government now recognise that the financial debate cannot conclude this v;eek. At its close the Land Bill will be <jqnsi4ered. The Public Statement will net be delivered for some time, as, until the Taxation Bills are passed, Government are unable to tell what funds are at their disposal for public works. So far the debate shows that the House is almost unanimous against the taxation of land improvements, and a majority are against the postage reductions. Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell claims that by request of the authorities ha remained in command of the colonial forces, and inflicted a crushing defeat on Te Kooti. He petitions the House for /500 then promised him, or other relief. Toa Rungatlra and twcnty-scvftn other

natives are petitioning the House against the law which prevents them from dealing direct with Europeans for the sale or lease of their lands. Mr McGuire is urging uponjGovernment that native land should bear its just and equitable proportion of rates. Mr Cadman, in reply to a question, says it is the intention of Government to introduce a consolidating measure dealing with native lands, and that such a Bill is now being prepared. The Legislative Council Reform Bill has passed the Upper House, but will probably be opposed in the House of Representatives. Sir George Grey regards the question of federation as of more importance to New Zealand than anything now before Parliament. The Premier has expressed his intention to introduce a Fair Rent Bill, or something similar, in the latter part of the session. As Sir George proposes to speak on the financial proposals this evening, I waited on him to ascertain on what lines he intends to proceed in regard to the taxation proposals. He said :—“ My great object is get a fair Land Bill, a true land tax of a just amount, which will be a real relief to the country, and satisfy in a great measurefthe claims of Labor by getting some proportion of the value of the unearned increment of land for the purposes of general revenue. Aland tax, with exemption for ail improvements, is what I desire, and if the necessary revenue can’t be obtained by that means, we must get it elsewhere.”