PARLIAMENTARY.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1300, 24 July 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Electric Telegraph.]

WELLINGTON. This day. The Government at the request of Mr Sheehan agreed to furnish a return showing the receipts and expenditure upon the Onehunga branch railway. In reply to Mr O'Neill, Mr Ileynolds said it was impossible to furnish a return of duties collected for the past year on the Australian -wines, as they treated all kinds of wines alike in the Customs. Mr Curtis moved the second reading of the Goldfields Act ISCG Amendment Bill. Mr Buckland said that if this Act was beneficial to Nelson and a good measure it ought to be made applicable to the whole colony, which could be done by the alteration of a few words. It was read a second time and referred to the Goldfields Committee. The Nelson Waterworks Loan Bill was read a second time. Mr Cracroft Wilson moved the Becond reading of the Provincial Fencing Law Empowering Bill. Read accordingly. A very long discussion ensued upon the Regulation of Mines Bill while in committee, but was chiefly confined to goldfields' members, who urged various objections to details in the Bill. The Bill was ultimately reported with slight amendment. A division ensued on an amendment in clause 40 proposed by Mr Reid to the affect that expenses in carrying out provisions of the Act be appropriated by the General Assembly instead of being defrayed by provinces in which it was in operation. The result was a tie of 20 each. The chairman gave a casting vote in favour of the.original clause.

The Conveyancing Ordinance Bill and Offeuees agaiust Persons Act was read a third time and passed.

In the Municipal Corporations Gas Works Bill Mr J« Cuthbertson obtained leave to introduce a new clause authorising the Bill to apply to Invercargill on proclamation by the Governor atthe request of the Superintendent of Otago.

The Premier introduced a new clause in the Telegraph Bill with the object of indemnifying any witness against penalties for any evidence he may give. regarding the person who has improperly divulged the contents of a telegram. Agreed to, and the Bill reported with amendments.

In the House of Representatives yesterday the Plans of Towns Regulation Bill was read a second time.

The Premier thought it calculated to retard settlement in a new country, and hoped it would not be proceeded further with.

Mr Stewart's bill legalising marriage with deceased wife's sister was read a third time on division of 24 against 17. The Electric Telegraph Bill in committe was amended se as to enable the sender of a message to obtain a copy upon making application in writing. .

The House adjourned at 10 o'clock. In the Legislative Council a motion was carried that a committee of the Council be appointed to enquire into matters respecting the Ward-Chapman telegrams,