New Zealand Parliament.

Marlborough Express, Volume XII, Issue 940, 28 July 1877, Page 6

New Zealand Parliament.

[by telegraph.] Wednesday, July 25. The House met at 2.30, and there was a full order paper, but the business was not of general interest. The correspondence relating to the delegation of Superintendents' powers during the transition period of Abolition was ordered to be laid before the House. Mr Gisborne sought to make it appear that the Government exceeded their powers. The Hon. 0. C. Bowen, in reply to a question, said that a Commission would inquire into the Jurisdiction of Courts of Law in New Zealand, so as to fix their jurisdiction without clashing with the Supreme Court. There was a sharp discussion on a motion to put Mr Sheehan's name on the Native Affairs Committee, the Government arguing that one so mixed up in native disputes as a paid advocate ought scarcely to be on a 'Native Court. The motion was carried against the Government on the voices. On the motion of Mr Gisborne, a return was ordered for the last three financial years, so as to obtain the necessary information to enable the House to discuss the propriety of retaining ad valorem duties, which he considered premiums upon fraud. A return was ordered, showing how much money was paid to the Steam Companies last year, with the working expenses of the Stella and Hinemoa. The Government did not object, as there were many erroneous rumors about the matter. Very little business upon the Order Paper when the House resumed There was a good deal of talk upon the unfair constitution of the Waste Lands Committee, Auckland having" only one Representative and Otaf?o (?) Mr Reid said what they should chiefly look at was the quantity of land to be administered in the different divisions of the Colony. The motion was carried. The House adjourned at B*4o. Thursday, July 26. A very light Order Paper to-day. Government in replying to a question declined

to put a sum of money on the Estimates for distribution among Agricultural Societies, and to promote Agricultural and Pastoral Interests. It had been tried in Otago and found to have a pernicious effect. Government promised to re-erect a beacon on the Hapuka Keef in Blind Bay, as soon as possible. A Return is to be prepared regarding the details of tenders for the construction of all Rolling Stock in the Colony. Also a Return of all payments made to those who held office as Superintendents of Provinces and members of Provincial Executives, with the nature of the services for which the payments were made. Mr Stevens is to ask when the engagement of Sir Julius Vogel terminates. Mr Woolcock gave notice of motion regarding the Incidence of Taxation. The House adjourned early. The Friendly Societies Bill was read a second time in- the Upper House. Fbiday, July 27. In the House of Representatives, when replying to questions, Government said they would not deal this session with the law relating to Lunatics, but next session a comprehensive measure would be introduced. Nor did they intend taking steps to provide for a Deaf and Dumb Asylum. The question of dealing with Crown Lands was under their consideration. The engagement with Sir J. Vogel terminates twelve months after he reached England, which was in December. A return was promised of the value of unsatisfied Land Scrip in the Colony. Nothing would be done towards the Defence of the Colony until the arrival of Sir W. Jervois and Colonel Scratchley. The survey of the Railway between Grahams- ! town and Waikato is nearly completed. An Imprest Supply Bill for it 250, 000 was passed. The second reading of the Mines Bill elicited opposition, but was carried by 45 against 18. The rest of the Sitting was occupied over discussing the Charitable Institutions Bill, the main principle of which is that Government contributes out of ihe Consolidated Revenue the same amount as raised locally. Mr Rolleston strongly condemned the Bill, as leaving provision for charity a voluntary thing, instead of being national. The debate was interrupted by 5 "30. Mr Rees has obtained leave to introduce a Bill to validate certain actions of Highway Boards, and in respect to which a decision adverse to the Boards was recently given by Judge Gillies. Without such a measure they would be unable to exist.