The Premier dealt at some length with the question of property tax v a land and income tax, and in conclusion asjnonnced, in the plainest possible terms, that Government would not accept the nmendment, and if the House agreed to it " they must accept the consequences." Mr Walker followed, de nouncing Sir Harry Atkinson as " the arch-borrower of New Zealand," and after some remarks from Mr Ward, Mr Tanner moved the adjournment of the debate, and the House rose at 11.45 p.m. In the Legislative Council on Aug. 14th, a number of new Bills were introduced. Tbe Native Meetings Bill, which met with some opposition, was committed and progress was reported. The Selectors' Land Revaluation Bill waa committed, read a third time and passed, as was also the Animals' Protection Act Amendment Bill. The alterations made in the Patents, Designs and Trades Marks Bill were agreed to. In the House of Representatives on Aug. 14th the Premier stated that the Govern ment had replied to the Premiers of the other colonies that they (the New Zea land Government) would be quite willing to assist in procuring responsible Govern ment for Western Australia. He added, however, that they objected to the northern part of Australia being handed over to the Weßtern Australian Government. On the motion of the Premier, it was resolved that for the remainder of the session Government business should take pre cedence of all other business on Thursdays after 7.30 p.m. The financial debate on the second reading of the Property Assessment Bill was then resumed. The speakers were Mr Blake (for the amend ment) ; Mr Samuel, who asserted he should " with some reluctance " be compelled to support the Government; Mr Kerr, who agreed that that a land and income tax would be more oppressive them the 'property tax; Mr Goldie, who expressed himself greatly disappointed with Mr Ballance'e reference to further borrowing, but said he should vote for the amendment; Dr. Newman, who criticised the Government and their financial pro posals, but did not agree with the amend ment ; Mr W. P. Reeves (for the amend ment); and Mr Mackenzie (Clutha) in support of the Government. At 10.40 p.m., on the motion of Mr G. F. Richard son, the debate was adjourned and the House rose. In the Legislative Council on Aug. 