January 14, 1868

TAVERN TAX TO BE DEBATED

The Ontario Premier, Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald, has introduced a series of resolutions that, if passed, will enable the provincial government to impose a new surcharge on tavern keepers. Those holding tavern licenses within cities will pay a duty of $12 on top of any other fees. Those in incorporated towns will pay $10. Those in all other locations, including aboard vessels, will pay $5. The resolutions will be debated tomorrow.

NEW POLICE LEGISLATION

John Coyne (Conservative, Peel) has introduced Bill 15, An Bill to amend Section 397 of the Municipal Institutions of Upper Canada. The bill, if passed, will remove the prohibition on police officers belonging to secret societies. The legislation will allow Orangement, Freemasons, and members of other secret societies to work as police officers in the province.