162
PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. 1873
Monday, May 19th
1873
PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER. 163
Hon. ATTY. GENERAL said it was
proposed to increase the toll upon vessels, for keeping up the Cape Race Lighthouse,
from one-sixteenth to one- twelfth of a penny per ton, and that this toll would be
collected from all new vessels before they leave the harbor. There is already a law
upon our Statute Book providing for the collection of this toll, and this despatch
merely asks for a small increase.
MR. A. J. McDONALD said that the
toll was regularly paid by all vessels trading between the Dominion, and Great Britain,
as well as vessels sailing between this Island and Great Britain, and was transmitted
to the English Board of Trade. If a vessel leaves this Island for Great Britan without
paying the toll, she pays it on her arrival there.
Mr. D. LAIRD thought the Dominion authorities would attend to this matter on our entering Confederation,
and that there was no necessity for the House to Legislate on the matter, under present
circumstances.
Hon. ATTY. GENERAL said that the Cape Race Lighthouse has not been erected at the cost of the Dominion,
and that the toll would not go into their treasury. At the same time, if the Colony
were in the Dominion, we would not be asked to pass such a law as this. If we go into
Confederation, it will be all right in reference to this toll, and if we remain out,
the proposed alteration in our present law will take effect when the Bill is passed.
He would move the following resolution:—
Resolved, That it is expedient to
introduce a Bill to increase the toll collected for the Cape Race Light Duties, and
to provide for the collection in this Island of the said toll.
Hon. B. DAVIES thought it premature to attempt to legislate on a matter of this kind on the eve
of Confederation, as it is a matter with which the Dominion Government will have to
deal. It would be advisable to let the question stand over till the Government have
decided what they intent to do with reference to Confederation.
The resolution was then put and
agreed to.
The Speaker took the chair, and the Chairman reported the resolution agreed to.
Hon. Mr. Brecken, Messrs. A.J.
McDonald and J. A. McDonald, were, on motion, appointed a Committee to bring in a
Bill in accordance with the said resolution.
Hon. ATTY. GENERAL, Chairman of said Committee, presented said Bill, and on motion, it was read a first
time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow.
House adjourned till ten o'clock to- morrow.
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