HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XXII, Issue 1671, 19 July 1892, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

July 14. Leave of absence for a fortnight was granted to Sir G. Grey on account of illness. A long discussion took place on the action ot the Premier in refusing to give information in connection with the taxing of debenture holders, a question by Mr Haikness being the cause of the debate on this occasion.

Mr Ballance Baid no authoritative statement of his had been telegraphed to London. Ho had told the House that the question was being dealt with, and when the Bill was ready the House would see how far the Government was prepared to go. They were receiving information every day as to the effect of the proposals in the Land and Income Tax Bill. Replying to Mr Palmer, Mr Reeves said ho saw no hope of bringing in a Bill tbis session to assist small public libraries in tbe colony. Replying to Mr Swan as to what steps had been taken to further tho fruit-grow-ing industry during the recess, and what was proposed to be done in the future for this important industry, Mr J. McKenzie said a fruit expert hAd been appointed, who had travelled through tho colony and had lectured in various parts of it. The Government were using every effort to forward the industry. Tbe Wanganui Hospital Board Vesting Bill nnd Wellington City Sanitation Loan Empowering Bills were read a second tirao. Tho debate on the motion for the second reading of the Wairarapa Hospital District Bill was interrupted by Ihe adjournment.

Tbe Courts of Justice Defects Removal Bil and the Libel Bill were received from the Legislative Council and road the first time. The Oyster Fisheries Bill was read a third time and passed. The Registration of Birthß and Deaths Acts Amendment Bill and the Westland and Grey Eduoation Boards Bill passed through Committee. The Electoral Bill was further considered in Committee. The length of residence in a district necessary to enable a person to vote was fixed at three months instead of one, and the clauso moved by Mr Ballance to tbe effect that a Maori possessed of freehold qualification may be registered under the Act, but in such case he shall not be entitled to vote for the election of Maori members, was carried. Progress was reported.

The Registration of Births and Deaths Act Amendment Bill and the Westland and Grey Education Boards Bill were read a third time and passed. Joly 15. Mr Bruce, the new member for Rangitikei. took his Eeat. Mr W. P. Reeves moved that ft Select Committee be appointed to consider how the manufactures and industries of the colony may be encouraged, the Committee to consist of Messrs Buckland, Duncan, Sir John Hall, Messrs Lawry, Mitchelson, Pinkerton, O'Conor, E. M. Smith, Tanner, and the mover. The motion wbb carried. The rest of the sitting was occupied hy Mr Fisher, who spoke strongly on the question of Ministerial travelling allowances and expenses, Btating, among other things, that a Minister now costs the country £1400 a year. The debate on the Financial Statement was commenced in the evening by Mr Rolleston, who keenly criticised the policy of tbe Government. Mr Ward replied from the Treasury Benches. Mr G. Hutchison and Mr Guinness also spoke for the Opposition and Government side of the House respectively.

The Bill which Mr Joyce is introducing to enable the ratepayers in licensing districts to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors recites in tbe preamble that " Whereas the legalised sale of intoxicating liquors is a fruitful source of crime, immorality, pauperism, disease, and death, it is expedient to confer upon the ratepayers power to prohibit ouch within the licencing districts of the colony." The Liquor Traffic Looal Option Aot, which is the title of the Bill ie to take effect immediately on its passage. Machinery ib provided for taking a poll of the ratepayers every three years, and when the majority decide against tbe issue of licenses it is enacted that no license shall be granted within the district. The existing annual licenses are terminated at the end of the period for which they were granted, provided the local option poll is unfavourable. Though a majority of the House is favors able to tbis measure there is a powerful minority which will obstruct its being carried into law.

The Waste Lands Committee have recommended to the favourable consideration of the Government the petition of James Parlane and others, 'of Ellesmere. Canterbury, representing that their land cannot be drained, as when they purchased it they were assured it would be, and praying for relief or compensntion. The Com mittee have referred to the Government for consideration tbe petition of Thomas Hamilton and others for opening of land at the Lake Flats, -sixteen miles S.E. of Christchnroh. for sale.