HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LIII, Issue 2808, 29 September 1903, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The Speaker stated tint ho had received a cable from Mr Chamberlain in reply to the resolution adopted by the House, saying he was deeply sensible of the high honour paid to him by the r<-pn sentatives of New Zealand.

The Owing and Lotteries Ac* l Amendment Bill (Hon. J. M'Gowar*) and Labour D°p*rtment "Rill {the Premier) were intr'o" duced and read a first time; o ... < ■ The Public Domaina-Act Amendment Bill (Hon; T. Duncan)-was read a second'time pro forma and referred to the Lands Com* mittee.

The Hon; C. H. Mills moved the fecond reading of the Cook and Other Islands Government Act Amendment Bill, to make belter provision for the government of the Cook group. He explained that a good deal of feeling existed at Niue Island because the island was administered by Raratonga, when it wa? understood that It would be governed by New Maalind; The Bill passed its second reading. The Midland Railway Petitions Settlement Act Amendment Bill, Sea Fisheries Act Amendment Bill, and a for the erraticn of a Department of Labour, and to define the powers and duties thereof, were introduced by Governor's Message and read a first time. The Water Power Bill passed itß Becond reading after considereble discussion. Shptbmbeb 25. A 'ong debate on the Imprest Supply Bill took place. The Premier, replying, said he did not see why there should be such a lengthy debate on this Bill. The Opposition, all the session, had been declaring there mint be no decrease In the Public Works' Expenditure, and yet fhpy did not wish to increase the publio debt of the Colony. The Bill passed its final stages on the voices.