GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume XXI, Issue 2491, 30 July 1873, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[Peg Anglo-Austalian Press Telegraph Agency.] Wellington, July 28. In the House to-day, Mr O'Conor gave notice of motion—" To ask the Government whether they were aware that certain members of the Legislative Council were receiving salaries, wages, allowance, emolument, and profit contrary to the provisions of the 15th clause of the Disqualification Act, 186. ? and if so, whether the Government will enforce the forfeiture of £100 per day, according to the 12th clause of the Disqualification Act V Mr Fox moved the second reading of the National Bank of New Zealand Limited Bill. Sir Cracroft Wilson presented a petition from Mr Coster, of the Bank of New Zealand, against the name of the Bank, but not otherwise opposing the Act. The Speaker ruled that the petition could not be rcceivnd, but that thc objects'of thc petition could be obtaiued during the passage of thc Bill-through thc House. Mr BATHGATE said that the Government would propose amendments in committee! particularly one providing that the. list of shareholders be deposited. If a Bank became insolvent involuntary shareholders would have considerable difficulty in taking proceedings against voluntary shareholders. Mr Fox said that the Bank being constituted uuder the Joint Stock Companies Act*, if it failed it would be wound up under it. Mr Shepherd suggested the publication of the names of depositors not claiming interest or principal within three years. The Bill was read a second time. Sir Cracroft Wilson gave notice of motion for the appointment of a committee to revise the Protection to Animals Act. Mr Rolleston gave notice of motion to ask the Government whether they will extend the service between Fiji aud Auckland to the Southern provinces. Mr Gillies gave notice 6f a Bill to amend the Justices of Peace Act, 1866. Mr BUCKXAND gave notice of a Bill to amend the Law Practitioners Act. The Evideuce Amendment Bill was read a second time. The following Government Bills were postponed :—Electoral Bill Regulation of Elections Bill ; Provincial Electoral Bill; Native Reserves Bill ; Washdyke and Pleasant Point Railway Bill ; Telegraph Cables Subsidy Bill; Provincial Council Powers Bill. The following Government Bills were discharged : — Leases and Sales Amendment Bill ; Notaries Bill j Law Arrests Amendment Bill ; Sheriffs Act Ameudment Bill. The second reading of thc District Courts Amendment Bill was carried on a division, by 35 to 17. Mr Bathgate said that the Government had no intention to make new appointments under the Bill, but proposed to empower Judges of Supreme Courts to sit in District Courts. The Municipal. Corporations Amendment Bill was read a second time. Thc following were read a first time : — A Bill to Regulate the Liquor Traffic ; a Bill to Amend the Highway Boards Empowering Act, 1872 ; a Bill authorising Mining for gold and silver on private property. The House agreed to a return of travelling allowances to Ministers, and allowances to the Governor, during the five years ended March, 1872. Mr Stafford has given notice of motion for returns relative to the Malvern Hills railway contracts.