HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1124, 1 September 1882, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, 13. Yesterday afternoon's proceedings in the Lower House were of a comparatively uninterating, though by no means unimportant character. The Colonial Treasurer briefly moved the second reading of the Counties' Act Amendment Bill. After a short debate, the motion was agreed to on the voices. . Major Atkinson next moved the second reading of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Bill. Considerable discussion took place on this motion, but the arguments adduced both in favor of and against the measure were substantially the same as those used on the occasions when bills dealing with this subject were previously before Parliament. The principal opponents of the measure, comprised iViessrs Macandrew, Hoimes, Moss, Daniel, De Latour, and the four Native members, while among thoße who spoke in support of the second reading, were Sir John Hall, Messrs Sutton, Connolly, and M. W. Green. Mr Taiaroa moved by way of amendment that the bill be read a secoud time six months hence. This was seconded by Mr Tole. Mr Tawhaio thi'catened to raise a stonewall against the measure in Committee, even if the second reading were agreed to. Sir Georgo Grey thought it was to be lamented that a bill of so great importance as the present should have been brought down at such a late period of the session, and he urged the Government A o withdraw it tell next year. Major Atkinson did not reply, and after Sir Geo. Grey had finished speaking, the House divided on the question that the Bill be now read a second time. The motion was carried by a majority of 17. The ayes numbering 38, and the noes 21. The Colonial Treasurer afterwards moved the second reading of the Rating Bill, the real principle of which was the question as to whether property should be rated at its capital value or at its annual value if, he added, any local body wished to make a valuation for itself, it could do so, but it was called upon to do so upon the capital, and not upon the annual value. Eventually, the second reading was carried on the voices, and at 1 a.m. the House adjourned till noon.