LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7385, 10 August 1889, Page 6

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

[PRKSS ASSOCIATION TBLEGEAM.]

Friday, August 9. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. NEW BILLS. On the motion of Sir F. Whitaker the following Bills were introduced and read a first time:—An Act to Amend the Native Lands Frauds Prevention Acts; an Act to validate and explain a certain definition of the Fort of Thames, and to make provision in respect thereof; an Act to Amend the Native Land Court Act, 1886, and the Native Land Court Act, 1886, Amendment Act, 1888. On the motion of Mr Stevens the Animals Protection Act Amendment Bill was introduced and read a first time. THE HISLOP-WARD CORRESPONDENCE. Mr Wilson moved —"That a Select Committee of the Council be appointed to Inquire into and report upon the circumstances that have occasioned the correspondence between Ministers and Judge Ward, such Committee to have the power to call for persons and papers, and to consist of Dr. Pollen, and Messrs Stevens, Oliver, Buckley, Reynolds, Swanson, Shepherd, and the mover, and to report in fourteen days." The Attorney-General, on behalf of the Government, objected to the motion, saying that it would be unseemly to deal with the question now when there was an action pending in the Supreme Court. The Council divided—Ayes 21, noes 13. The motion was agreed to. WAIMBA RIVER WORKS. The Waimea River Works Bill was committed and reported with amendments. SECOND READINGS. The Mercantile Law Act Amendment Sill and Shipping and Seamen's Act Amendment Bill were read a second time. selectors' land revaluation. On resuming the adjourned debate on the motion for the second reading of the Selectors' Land Revaluation Bill, Mr Oliver supported the measure, saying that many of the settlers who had taken up holdings under the deferred payment system required assistance. Mr Sbbihski asked the Speaker's ruling whether or not the present Bill could emanate from the Council. The Speaker ruled that he saw no appropriation clause. It was only a machinery Bill, and he saw no objection. Mr Shrimski objected to the Bill, sayIng it was a good election Bill, and several Inducements were held out. He thought it would lead to great difficulties both in regard to the Government and private Individuals. He wculd support Mr Mantell's amendment that the Bill be read a second time this day six months. Mr Barniooat supported the motion. Dr. Pollen spoke against the Bill, saying that he did not see where all this molly-coddling was going to end. He would vote for the amendment. Mr Shephabd wanted to know what was to become of those people who were in arrears with their rent. He would like the Bill to be referred to the Waste Land. Committee to report upon. Col. Fraser looked upon the Bill as an excellent one, and gladly supported it. Sir G. Whitmore did not think the Bill was quite fair, as it referred particularly to Auckland and Otago, and left many other places out where relief was necessary, but he would not object to the second reading. Mr Stevens having replied, The Council divided, and the motion for the second reading was carried by 22 to 7. The Bill was then read a second time. NATIVE LAND PURCHASES ACT. The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the Government Native Land Purchases Act Amendment Bill, and On the motion of Major Ropata, the debate was adjourned till Tuesday. The Council rose at 4.12 p.m. till Tuesday.