PARLIAMENTARY.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7382, 7 August 1889, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

The following is a brief Summary of the business transacted in the. General Assembly since the publication >f car last Summary:—

IntheLegi.lati re Comcilon J, Jy 10th tho Church Property Trust of Canterbury Act, 1579, Auiendructit Biil, was read a third time and passed. The Attorney-General introduced the Canterbury Society of Arts Reserves Bill, and after some formal business the Council adjourned at 3.45 p.m. till to-day.

In the House of Representatives Mr Fisher said that the Gisparini correspondence had been printed at the request of Sir "W . Jervois, who had expressed his regret that he (Mr Fisher) " should bave been subjected to such an unfounded accusation as had been made against him in connection with this matter." Mr Perceval introduced thi* Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Kill. Mr Duncan moved a resolution apparently in favor of establi-hingr State distilleries. The debate was ultimately adjourned for a week. Mr Barron moved his resolution in favor of the gradual extinction of the property tax, any deficiency in the public revenue caused thereby to be made good by further retrenchment. Mr Moss moved as an amendment—"Tuat in the opinion of the House the property tax is unfair in its incidence, harassing in its effect, and an obstacle to progress and settlement of the colony." Both resolution and amendment, however, were shelved by the adjournment of the debate for a month being carried. Mr Tyke's Private Schools Bill was debated all the evening and up to an early hour this mciming, this being the first late sitting of the session. The object of the Bill, as Mr Pyke explained it, was " to give justice to the Itoniau Catholic community in regard to education." The special feature of the debate was the outspoken manner in which the Premier supported the Bill and Mr Fergus opposed it. A division took place at half-past twelve, when the majority against the second reading of the Bill was 12, viz., 37 to 25. The House rose at 12.'.15 p.m.

Iv tho Legislative Council on July llth tbe Attorney-General introduced an Act to prevent the Aboriginal Natives assembling in a manner calculated to create alarm and inconvenience and danger to the public peace. The Libel Bill passed through Committee, and was reported with amendments. An important new clause was added providing for plaintiffs being made to give security for costs under certain conditions. This is to prevent newspapers from being harassed by vexatious and speculative actions by " men of straw." The Council rose at 4.10 p.m.

July llth was again a private members' day in the House of Representatives. The Oamaru Harbor Board Loan Bill (Mr Duncan) was opposed by the "Young New Zealand Party,'' but was Tead-a second time. The second readiug of the Auctioneers Bill was mov.d by Mr Samuel and carried. The Ilouse also agreed to the second reading of the Californian Thistle Bill (Mr T. Mackenzie), the Licensing Act Amendment 811 (Mr Fish), the Otago University Council Election Biil (Or. Fitchett), and the Dog Registration Bill (Mr Duncan). The Registration of Births Extension Bill passed through the final stage. The House rose at 10.40 p.m.

The sittin? ff the Legislative Council on July 12 lasted only {half-an-hour. The only measure, of general public interest dealt with was the Law of Libel Bill, which was read a third <ime and passed.

In the House on Friday, July 12 th, Mr Scobie Mackenzie gave notice of three motions challenging the Speaker's ruling in regard to the Private Schools Bill. An animated passage-at-arins next took place between the Premier, and Mr Fisher in regard to the Gasparini correspondence. No motion was made, but Sir George Grey argued that what had taken place was sufficient to show that no Minister of tbe Crown should be the servant of a Foreign Power, and this view of the ease evidently met with the approval of the House. In the evening the debate on the Representation Bill was resumed, and after several speakers had expressed their views on the measure the Government asked for and obtained leave to withdraw it. Another Bill was substitute 1 'and read a first timeAn Otago free fight then ensued on the Dunedin Exhibition, Street Closing and Licensing Bill, which was considered in Committee. The struggle took place over the uroposed"licensing of the building for the "sale of intoxicating drink. The difficulty was at length surmounted in j a common-sense fr.shion by passing the clause with a proviso, moved by Mr Rhodes, to the effect that a license should not be granted till the ratepayers by poll had had aa opportunity of deciding J whether it should be granted under the Licensing Act, 1881. Another proviso, moved by Major Steward, to the effect that the cost of such poll be defrayed by the Exhibition Company, was also agreed to. The' House rose at 11.45 p.m. In the Council on July 16th it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Wilson— " That copies of all the correspondence between the Government and District Judge Ward relative to the case of Chrfstie/ a bankrupt, be laid on the table." The Attorney - General moved the second reading of tbe Legislative Council Reform Bill. Sir G. Whitmore did not see any necessity for reforming the body to which he belongs, and suggested that the Attorney-General should' allow the Bill to be referred to a Select Committee appointed by the Council. On the motion of Mr Oliver tne debate was adjourned till next day. The Council rose at 4.45 p.m. In the House of Representatives Sir John Hall moved the second reading of the Church Property Trust (Canterbury) Amendment Bill, which was agreed to. The Public Accounts Committee was appointed. During the questions Mr Smith asked the Government if they will bring in a Bill to provide for tho making of the railway line between Eketahuna and WoodviHe on similar terms to those proposed in connection with the Otago Central Railway. Tho Premier replied in the negative, and a prolonged discussion ensued, during which it was evident that the Otago Central Railway Bill is likely to meet with a good deal of opposition. The following Bills were introduced:— Geraldine Public School Site Bill, Bill to further amend the Employment of Females and Others Act, 1885. Sir H. Atkinson gave notice to move next day for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the best form of local government for the colony. ,Mr Scobie Mackenzie was unable to obtain precedence for his motion traversing the Speaker's ruling, and it is doubtful now whether it will ever come on. Mr llislop moved the second reading of the new Representation Bill, and after considerable debate it was adjourned till next day. The Dunedin Exhibition BUI passed its final stages. Tiie Chattel.* Transfer Bill was read a second time, and the Bill was referred to it Select Commit tee. The motion for the secend reading of the Law j of Libel Bill was also agreed to. The House rose at 11 p.»:. lnthe LegislariveOouneilon July 17ththe p'tVx de r-'sUtancc was the adjourned debate on the second reading of the Legislative Council Bill, which was resumed. The Bill was supported hy Messrs Reynolds, Pharazyn, Scotland and Barnicoat, and opposed by Messrs Oliver. Pollen, Wilson, Walker and Pt—cock. Mr Shephardmoved the adjournment of the dcb:ite, which was agreed to. In the House of Iv-pivsenratives it was resolved, on the motion or Mr K. Reeves — " That- copies of all the correspondence between the Government- and District Judge Ward relative to the case of Christie, a bauirii f »r, h- laid before the j House." Mr Wi: i.y (tor Mr Fulton) moved a resolution expressing the opinion that in the opinion of the House it was imperative that Government should without delay int:oiucc a Bill power to the people by direct vote at th. ballot bo*, peri*'.i-ally taken, to prohibit the sale 01 such ■liquor- within tbe district in which they reside. This motion was carried by 3.J to _>j. In ivp»y to a question, th« Pr.!in ; -r srad th* Government intended to cou't-iiv: the *'"H of last year i dealing with ti.p. restriction, of Chinese immigration, Jvr i-'«-..i-_v Grey moved a resolution having for its object the taking of the Po.ut; .Absolution purchase

into the Supreme Court. Mr Mitchelson promised to ascertain whether there was any case to go to the Supreme Court, and on his proposition the debate was adjourned. Mr Verrall moved for a return of the names of all persons vrho tendered last time for the office of Property Tax Valuers and the amounts of their tenders. The motion was opposed by the Premier on the ground that the return would be very expensive and practically useless. The motion was lost by 44 to 20. Some further debate took place on the property tax question, and no decision had been arrived at when the adjournment for dinner took place. In the evening Mr Joyce's Shop Hours Bill came under discussion, and the second reading was carried on the voices. The Criminal Evidence Bill was reported with amendments, read a third time, and passed. The second reading of the Gold Duty Abolition Bill, moved by Mr Seddon, was carried by 37 to 21, and the House adjourned at 11.45 p.m. Lathe Legislative Council.on July lSth.Mr Acland presented a petition from Canterbury, praying that the " age of consent " be raised from thirteen to sixteen years of age. The debate was resumed on the Legislative Council Eeforrn Bill, which was thrown out by 21 votes to 10. The Canter bury Society of Arts Reserve Bill was read a second time, and some other miscellaneous business having been transacted, the Council rcse at 4.17 p.m.

In the Ilonse of Representatives, the Bank of New Zealand Bill was read a third time and passed, after a protest from Mr Gold.ie on behalf of somejof the Auckland people, who are afraid that it is intended to transfer the headquarters of the Bank to London. Mr Fisher made yet another explanation in regard to tbe Gasparini affair. Some debate took place in regard to the acceptance by the Agent-General of the position of Trustee for the Midland Railway Company. It was ultimately decided to suspend further consideration until the trußt deed bad arrived in the colony, so that it might be seen exactly what the position of the Agent-General was. The Oamaru Harbor Board Loan Bill was discussed in Committee, the debate being interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. The Educational Franchise Bill was committed, and a clause including holders of miners' rights as householders having been added, it was read a third time and passed. The Trinnial Licensing Committees Bill also passed through its final stages. The most striking feature in connection with the debate was that it was shown pretty clearly that there is a majority in the present House in favor of the female franchise. Mr Monk moved to insert a new clause extending the franchise to females. This was lost by 35 to 33, but it is explained by our correspondent that the Premier and other members in favor of tbe female franchise as a general question, voted against Mr Monk's amendment for fear of jeopardising the Bill. The Eight Hours Bill was discussed in Committee, and a motion being carried " that the Chairman leave the chair," it was killed for the Session. The Town Districts Bill was read a third time and passed. The House adjourned at 11.20.

In tbe Legislative Council on July 19 the business wa3 principally of a formal character. On the motion for the second reading of the Dunedin Exhibition Private Street Closing and Licensing Bill, the Speaker ruled it to be a private Bill, and referred it to the Standing Orders Committee. The Share Register Inspection Bill was read a second time without discussion. The Marriage Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the Native Meetings Bill, a measure apparently the fruit of the Te Kooti episode, and intended to prevent Natives from going about in large parties armed. The second reading was agreed to. The Council adjourned at 4.30 p.m. till Tuesday.

In the House of Representatives a long debate took place, originally on tbe subject of the leasing of the Otekaike runs, but branching out into the general question of the Government's land administration. In the evening, after a long discussion, a motion by the Premier that the House adjourn at its rising till half-past seven on Monday evening, for Government business only, was carried by 52 to 29. Mr Allen then resumed the debate on the Representation Bill. The Premier followed with a vigorous speech, iv which he defended the measure and urged the 25 per cent, proposal should be adopted as a reasonable compromise. Other speakers followed, but nothing particularly new came out in the debate, and the House adjourned at 12.10 a.m. until Monday evening at 7.30.

In tbe House of Representatives on July 22, the correspondence in reference to the charge made against Judge Ward by one Christie, of Oamaru, was laid on the table. Some d'scussion took place in regard to the conduct of certain newspapers in publishing a version of the correspondence before it was laid before Parliament, and there was some talk of taking action in the matter. The conduct of the journals in question was generally condemned, and Mr. Fish announced his intention of moving for a Committee to ascertain how the papers in question obtained the particulars. Mr Fergus took occasion to observe, in emphatic terms> that in his opinion special correspondents who were members of the House were au unmitigated curse. Mr Tanner resumed tbe debate on the Representation Bill, which was continued by Dr. Newman and Mr Mackenzie (Clutha). Mr Humphreys moved the adjournment, which was agreed to, and the House rose at 10.40 p.m.

In the Legislative Council on July 23, the Bank of New Zealand Bill was read a second time. The debate on the second reading of the Medical Practitioners Bill was continued, and the second reading was carried on division by 17 votes _o 15. The second reading of the Criminal Evidence Bill was agreed to on the voices, and the Council rose at 4 p.m.

In the House of Representatives in the afternoon some time was spent in discussing a constitutional question raised by Sir George Grey, who, in referring to the Gasparini correspondence, contended that the Governor ought not to have written to the French Vice-Consul, adding that he had never known such an occurrence before during his many years' experience as the Governor of several colonies. No action was taken in tbe matter. In the evening, after some mild stonewalling on au Imprest Supply Bill, the debate on the Representation Bill was resumed by Mr Humphreys, who opposed it. Sir Geo. Grey also opposed the Bill, which was supported by Mr Bruce. Several other members, including Mr Ballance, continued the debate. At 11.45 a motion for adjournment was negatived by 47 to 17, and the House was still sitting wheu the telegraph otSce closed at 2 a.m.

In the Legislative Council on July 24, Mr Stevens gave notice to move for a Select Committee to whom should be referred the Medical Practitioners Bill. The Triennial Licensing Committees Bill was read

second time. Some other business, prine" pally of a local character, was transacte* and the Council rose at 3.50 p.m.

In the House of Representatives, aftei the telegraph office closed ou July 24th, the debate and stonewalling on the Representation Bill were continued in a somewhat acrimonious fashion. The galleries were cleared, and ultimately Mr Barron's resolution having been put and negatived by 34 to 12, the second reading was carried by 33 to 12. It was also resolved that the Bill be committed on the next sitting day. The House resumed at 7.30 o'clock last evening. After some discussion on the order of business, the House went into Committee on the Representation Bill. The whole evening waa spent in fruitless discussion and vain attempts to agree to some compromise on the Bill. At 2 a.m. the galleries were ordered to be cleared, and the House was left sitting with every prospect of protracted stonewalling being kept up. In the Legislative Council.on July 2oth,on the motion of Mr Stevens, the Medical Practitioners Bill was referred to a Select Committee. The Educational Franchise Bill, the second reading of which was moved by Mr McLean, was thrown out by IS to 10. The Town Dis- | tricts Bill was read a second time, as was also the Dunedin Street Closing and ■ Liceasmg Bill. The Triennial --ice-sing

Bill passed through Committee, two new clauses being added. In the House of Representatives the stonewalling on the Representation Bill waa continued with unabated vigor, the galleries being cleared during the whole time. The House was still sitting when the Telegraph Office closed, and arrangements had been made for continuing the stonewalling for an indefinite period. The business in the Legislative Council on July 26, was principally of a routine character. The Counties Act Amendment Bill was referred to the Local Bills Committee for further consideration. The Triennial Licensing Bill was read a third time and passed. The Native Meetings Bill was referred to the Native Affairs Committee. The Dunedin Exhibition Public Streets Closing and Licensing Bill was committed, and reported with amendments.

In the House of Representatives the stonewalling was continued with the same grim determination on both sides. Sir Maurice O'Rorke and Mr Hamlin took six hours' spells at presiding over the " deliberations," if such a word can be applied to the proceedings now going on in the House. Both parties have made arrangements for continuing the " stonewalling," which showed no signs of breaking down when the telegraph office closed on Saturday morning. The House resumed at 2.30 on Monday July 29th, and the stone-walling was continued. The speakers were Messrs Withy, Tanner, Moss, Reeves and Perceval. The House adjourned at 10.30 p.m. until 10.30 to-day, this course having been decided upon by the Government, owing to the great strain upon the -ountry party in having to keep twentysix members ou band night and day, so as to be prepared for divisions. A meeting of the country party was held last night to agree to a manifesto embodying their demands, but so far there is little sign of a compromise being arrived at. In the Legislative Council on August Ist the following bills were read a third time and passed -.—New Zealand Bank Act 1861 Amendment Bill, Napier Oddfellows' Lodge Site Bill, and Incorporated Bodies Share Register Inspection Bill. The Criminal Evidence Bill was committed, and reported with an amendment, which consisted of clause 4 being expunged. The Counties Act Amendment Bill was read a second, time. The Council rose at 3.40.

In the House of Representatives the House at length got into Committee on the Representation Bill. At 3.35 the House divided on the question, with the result that the motion for going into Committee was carried by 57 to 27. The galleries were then thrown open, and the Press representatives once more took their seats amid hilarious cheers from the members below. In the evening Sir G. Grey moved his amendment to the Bill, with the view of suspending the operation of the Representation Ace of 1887, and to limit each elector to one vote. After some discussion the House at 10.30 resolved, by 58 to 27, on the motion of Mr Hislop, to adjourn tiil 10.30 a.m. next day.

The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. on August 2. The Copyrights Bill was read a first time. The following Bills were read a third time and passed:—Criminal Evidence Bill and New Zealand South Sea Exhibition Public Street Closing and Licensing Bill. The Counties Act Amendment Bill went through Committee, was reparted with amendments, and passed The Council rose at 3.15 p.m.

The House of Representatives resumed at 10.30 a.m. on Ist inst. Dr. Newman then raised the question whether the Repre sentation Bill had not been killed the previous night by the Chairman leaving the chair. Mr Hamlin (Chairman of Committees), however, held that the Bill was not affected by what had taken place, inasmuch as he, in putting the question of the Chairman leaving the chair, had coupled with it resuming at 10.30 next day. Mr Downie Stewart moved to report progress in order to obtain the Speaker's opinion on tbe ruling, but this was lost by 39 to 25. The House then continued at great length to debate Sir George Grey's amendments on the Representation Bill. The general tone of the debate seemed to be in favor of accepting the " one man one vote " principle, but rejecting the other amendments. The House adjourned at 11.20 p.m. without any decision being come to.

In the Legislative Council on Aug. 3, the Canterbury Society of Arts Reserves Bill was committed, and reported with amendments, the third reading being set down for Tuesday. The Public Reserves Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Council adjourned at 3 p.m. till Tuesday.

In the House of Representatives on Friday the famous Stonewall was at length observed to be tottering to its fall. All day long adjournments were taking place in the hope of a settlement, which it was felt was at length within attainable distance. The story of the negotiations is told at length by our Parliamentary correspondent. Suffice it here to say that it was not till 10 p.m. that the negotiators were in a position to announce a settlement had been arrived at. The main features in the compromise are that a quota of 28 per cent, is to be added to the country districts, boroughs of over 2000 inhabitants not to receive thi3 concession. The margin of 750, to be used at the discretion of the Commissioners, as provided in the Bill of 1887, is notto be used to the detriment of the towns in favor of the country. The only other matter of importance which occurred during yesterday's sitting was that Sir G. Grey withdrew his amendment, and gave notice of the introduction of a clause in the Bill providing for the abolition of plural voting. The House adjourned at 10.30 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Monday.

In the House of Representatives on Monday, Aug. sth the Dunedin Exhibition Street Closing and Licensing Bill was received from the Legislative Council with amendments. The debate was adjourned. In the evening the House went into Committee on the Representation Bill. There was some fight over the clause amalgamating the city electorates, but eventually it passed by 48 to 15. Mr. Taylor moved to exclude the borough of Sydenham from boroughs required to make up the population of the city electoral district, and this waslostby 39 to 15. Aproposal to amalgamate country electorates, was also rejected. In the new clause dealing with the margin, an amendment was inserted, on the Colonial Secretary's motion, giving Commissioners a discretionary "power of not exceeding 100 in arranging city electoral districts and other districts adjoining them. Clause 2as amended was added to the Bill by 55 to 16. Sir G. Grey's clause for the abolition of plural voting was supported by the Government and carried by 55 to 18. A penalty not exceeding £50 was added to the clause, and Sir G. Grey's drastic provision for imprisonment without the option of a fine was struck out. The House adjourned at 1 a.m.