DOINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7922, 23 July 1891, Page 4

DOINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

In the Legislative Council yesterday, the Stock Driving Bill was ordered to be committed. The Aliens Act, Imbecile Passengers Act, and Marriage Act Amendment Bills, were read a third time and passed. The Public Bodies Powers Act, ISS7, Amendment Bill, was considered ia Committee and reported with amendments the Council adjourning at 3.20 p.m.

In the House of Representatives reference waa made to tho death of Sir Frederick Weld by tho Premier, Mr Bryce, Sir John Hall and Sir Geo. Grey. Thj Distillation Act Amendment Bill wa» introduced, and the Land and Income Twj Bill read a first time. A motion by Mi Hutchison to the effect — " That ft shall he provided tnat where there is nothing of a criminal or oppres* sive character involved, an offender shall have liberty to pay a fine into Court without costs, thus saving tho time required to attend a Court, and that the Houso instruct the Government to submit a Bill to amend the Police Offences Act in this direction," was agreed to. On the motion of Mr Ballance, it was agreed that Government business should take precedence on Wednesdays for the rest of the session. Mr T. Mackonxle moved—"That, in tho opinion of the House, the Government should adopt some definite and energetic means of render* ing the magnificent natural scenery of Now Zealaud better known, and piore accessible to tourists and other^. , - , A long- debate followed, whioh continued until the dinner adjournment withon. any further boing done. In the evening Mr Joyce moved tho second reading of th* Licensing Acts Amendment Bill, which provoked keen debate, and wa» eventually carried by SI to 28. Mr Eeos moved the second read" in? of tho Legislative Council Ap-' pointments Cancellation Bill, to disqualify the gentlemen called to the Council by the Atkinson Government after the late elec« tions, from holding their seats. The Pre* mier said ho could not support the Bill, and suggested that it be ;withdrawn. A hot debate followed, whioh lasted for the rosb of the evening, the late Government in general, and Sir H. Atkinson in ; particular, coming in foi

a good deal of abuse. They were not without friends however, and Mr Fergus and Captain Russell espeoia_rj , upheld the honor of the Ministry to whioh they recently belonged. The Becond reading of the Bill waa at last agreed to oa the voices, and the House rose at 1.50 a.nfe