A deputation, consisting of Messrs Samuel, Marchant, Seddon, Guinness, Beeves, Gra ham, and O’Conor, waited on the Premier to-night in reference to the proposed repeal of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act. Bach member in turn pointed out the hard ships that would accrue to his district if these revenues were taken away, and pressed the Premier to consider whether, after repealing the Act, he could not devise some means to still assist the loeal bodies affected. The Premier, in reply, pointed out that it was proposed to enable local bodies to collect for themselves rates on native lands. A large number of leading natives had expressed their warm approval of the Government proposals, and he had no doubt that part of the ques tion’.would be quite satisfactory. As to Crown land rates great dissatisfaction had arisen owing to the excessive claims of the West Coast (Middle Island), which it was felt had received an altogether undue share of the fund. Rates would be paid in full for this year up to the 31st March, 1888, and Parlia ment would reassemble the following month. He would then consider the matter, and although the repeal of the Act was inevit able, he would see whether it might iho possi ble to make any provision for “ easing down ” loeal bodies. He wished it to be distinctly understood,.however, that that must not be construed into a promise to continue these subsidies. The deputation then thanked the Premier, and withdrew. THE LINE OR CONDUCT. Government have decided not to give Sir J. Vogel a special opportunity to bring on his motions traversing the Speaker’s ruling, and they will consequently have to be taken as amendments on the motion for going into Committee of Supply. Government it is thought will not debate the question from their side.
