The two millions guaranteed by the colony for the Bank of New Zealand had not yet been raised, and the Government had no responsibility yet in connection with the amalgamation negotiations which were proceeding. It was a matter entirely for the two * institutions, and no decision whatever would be arrived , at without the approval of (the House. He assured the House that, at the earliest possible opportunity 8 they would be informed of the full parti culars of the negotiations. After further discussion the motion j for adjournment was lost. | FENCING BILL. j On the motion of Mr McKenzie, the Fencing Bill, to regulate the erection and maintenance of dividing and rabbit-proof fences, was read a second time, and referred to the Stock Com mittee. The House rose at 5.30. 3 he House resumed at 7.30. RATING BILL. The Rating Bill was committed. After considerable discussion on the interpretation clause, Mr Ward, at the request of the native members, agreed to report progress so that the Bill could go the Statues Revision Com mittee. GAMING BILL. A message was received from the Legislative Council insisting on their amendment in the Gaming Bill. Sir Robert Stout, Mr Lannry, and Mr Duncan wore appointed to confer with the Council on the matter. RATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUE BILL. Mr Buchanan resumed the debate on the second reading of the Unim proved Value Bill. He said that if the Bill passed a gross injustice would be perpetrated throughout the coun try. Mr Hone Heke and Mr Parata ob jected to the Bill as one dealing with native lands. The Premier stated that the natives did not come under the Bill. Dr Newman supported the principle of the Bill. Mr Pirani and Mr Hogg heartily supported the Bill. Mr McKenzie (Clutha) said that the Bill was a most pernicious measure. Mr O'Regan heartily supported the Bill, but would prefer to see it made compulsory. Sir Robert Stout opposed the Bill, and said that the effect of it would be to exempt from taxation £18,000,000 worth of property in town, and £28,000,000 of property in the country. Those who would escape taxation were the owners of large offices, warehouses, banks, insurance offices, etc. _. Mr John McKenzie combatted Sir Robert Stout'a arguments, and took exactly the opposite views to that gentleman. Mr Macintosh, Mr R. 