HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Bruce Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 1201, 8 June 1880, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Fjriday, 4th June. The House met at 2 30. Sir William Fox gave notice of a qnestion as to whether or not the Government had seen published in the London Times the prospectus of the New Zealand Land Co., with the name of Mr J.JBathgate as one of the directors, and as to whether Mr Bathgate went Home on private business or on public business. Mr Gisborne asked what course the Government purposed to take with relation to the aboriginal Natives committed for trial, and now in prison awaiting trial, under the provisions of the Confiscated Lands Inquiry aud Maori Prisoners Trials Act, 1579. The Hon. Mr Eolleston replied that the time authorised by Parliament for disposing of this matter had not yet expired. Before the expiry of that time, it woiild be,the duty of the Government to come down to Parliament and state it3 intentions. At the present it was not convenient for the Government to make that statement. Replying to Mr Hutchison as to whether the Government intended this session to bring in a bill prohibiting Chinese immigration. The Hon. Mr Hall said their attention had been directed to the subject. He was afraid he would not be able to deal with it this session but they would do so at all events next. Replying to Mr Reid, The Hon. Mr Oliver said no report had been received from the Commission on Railways, and that the only expenditure on railways at the present was carrying on contracts already entered into and the providing of work for the unployed. Replying to Mr M 'Donald, The Hon. Mr Hall said it was the intention of the Government to discontinue subsidies to local bodies. The Hon. Mr Hall movacl the second reading of the Hospitals ami Charitable Institutions Bill. He said the effect of legislation had been to create a variety of systems for the working of these institutions siucc the abolition of the provinces. Despite their endeavours to the con trary, very great diversity of modes of working still prevailed. After detailing the various proposals of the liill, he went on to say that a measure of this kind must necessary be open to a great deal of difference of opinion, and that the Government would go into committee on the bill quite prepared to consider every reasonable proposal. Mr Pyke described the Act as a good one, and one to which he wonld be prepared, in committee to move such amendments as he thought necessary to mske it perfect. Mr Montgomery generally concurred in the bill, and pointed out one or two details he thought admitted of improvement. Mr Stephens concurred in the opinion that the general principles of the Bill were good. The system of population was, in his opinion, the best to adapt in the fixing of contributions. The debate was adjourned at5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. On resuming, the debate on the second reading of the Bill was continued. Amongst the speakers were Sir W. Fox, Sir George Grey, Messrs Eolleston, De Lautour, Oliver, Hall aud others. The Bill made a favorable impression, but will have to undergo some alterations, to judge from the debate. Finally the motion was [put and carried on the voices. The House adjourned at 10.15 p.m.