HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Bruce Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 1754, 1 June 1886, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THURSDAY. Sir Robert Stout gave notice to move the introduction of the Civil Service Reform Bill. He said the bill was brought in in pursuance of a promise made in the Financial Statement — namely, that the Government would effect reductions in the civil service of the Colony. If the bill were passed into law it would effect a reduction to the extent of £30,000 or £40,000. Major Atkinßon, on behalf of the Opposition, conveyed to the Premier hearty congratulations on his elevation to the knighthood. Notwithstanding that party feeling had risen high between them, it had never, even for a day, interfered with the friendly communications he had with him. He felt and spoke in the name of the House and of New Zealand. Mr Macandrew spoke to the same question, and Sir Robert Stout briefly acknowledged the compliments, at the same time expresßing regret that the same distinction had not been conferred upon others who had held the position of Premier. In reply to a question, the Hon. Mr Richardson said the Government had considered the question of fortnightly payments to employes, but it was found that such a system would add greatly to the expenditure of the Public Works Department. Replying to Mr Fulton, if the Minister for Lands intends to amend clause 200 of the Land Act so as to clearly indicate the extent of land for which any one applicant may tender under the clauses dealing with small grazing runß, The Hon. Mr Ballance said the opinion expressed by the Legislature last session was distinctly that no man should hold more than one run. Mr Barron moved that a return be laid before the House showing the expenditure in the years 1860, 1866, 1870, 1875, 1880, and 1885 on account of salary and allowances to the Governor and maintenanca of Government houses, salaries of Cabinet Ministers, travelling and other expenses of such Ministers, maintaining Ministerial residences, Legislative Council, House of Representatives, and of each and every department of the Colonial Government of New Zealand. The motion was after some discussion carried on the voices. The Justices of the Peace Bill was read a second time. Friday. Sir Julius Yogel gave notice to introduce a bill to borrow one million and a-half for the construction of railways, also a bill to regulate borrowing by local bodiea and to provide for Government loans to local bodies. Sir R. Stout moved the iutroductiou of the Civil Service Reform Bill. In committee on the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill, Several members expressed objections to the appointment of chairmen of Road Boards. Mr Hobbs thought that it would raise the tone of chairmen of road boards if they were made Js.P., and Sir R. Stout expressed the same opinion. His view had always been that they shcwld be elected by the people. Mr Beetham suggested that the words "after the passing of this act," be inserted after the words, " chairman of road boards," so as to provide that future chairmen of those boards should only be appointed justices under the Act. The Hon. Mr Tole accepted the suggestion. Mr Fulton movei to insert " chairmen of school committees," and Mr Guinness "chairmen of licensing committees," while Mr Wakefield moved as a further amendment — " That every elector of the Colony should also be a Justice of the Peace. Further amendments were proposed that members of Education Boards, chairmen of Charitable Aid Boards, all Ms.L.C, and Ms.H.R. be Justices of the Peace. Mr Fergus moved that in counties where there were no road boards all members of the County Councils should be justices. He hoped the Minister would agree to thiß reasonable proposal. Sir G. Grey moved to add to the clause "That justices should be elected in the manner hereinafter provided." Sir G. Grey's amendment was put and carried by 46 to 33. A proviso exempting civil servants, and several unimportant amendments were agreed tc, and progress reported. A motion by the Hon. Mr Richardson, for the appointment of a Committee to report upon petitions re Mr Vaile'a system for the future management of the railways, was agreed to. Sir R. Stout moved the second reading of the Charitable Trust Extension Bill, and explained briefly its object, which was to empower trustees holding property for particular charitable purposes to appropriate the same in certain cases to other charitable purposes. — Agreed to. In Committee on the Municipal Corporation Sill, a motion that Councillors vote for the election of Mayor instead of burgesses, was lost. Mr M 'Arthur moved that there should be no disqualification of councillors for performing contracts up to £5. — Agreed to.

Mr Seddon moved that persons carrying on a newspaper either as proprietor or editor should be exempt from disqualification by reason of holding a contract. ' Sir R. Stout said this would prove dangerous in Bmall boroughs, besides the House had just affirmed that contracts up to £5 would not lead to disqualification. The motion was lost. Mr Levestam moved that the whole clause relating to disqualification be struck out. — Motion lost. Progress was repsrted, and the House rose.