30 APRIL 1864, Page 1

On Wednesday the House of Commons discussed Mr. Newde- gate's

Commutation of Church-rates Bill,—the principle of which is to make the Church-rate—at least up to the average of 2d. in the pound—a charge upon property, the occupier being allowed to deduct it from his rent as he now does the property-tax on his house-rent. He believed the whole amount of Church-rates levied to be not more than 318,0001. per annum,—a calculation in which, he said, he was assisted by the late Sir G. C. Lewis. The House highly eulogized Mr. Newdegate for the pains spent upon his Bill and—rejected it. The majority against it was 100 (160 to 60).