GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8523, 30 June 1893, Page 6

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

In the Legislative Council yesterday the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act Amendment Bill.and the District Courts Jurisdiction Bill were read a second time and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. On the motion of Sir G. Whitmore, a resolution expressing the Council's sincere regret at the death of Sir Wm. Fox was carried. At the afternoon sitting of the House of Representatives, question time wa3 enlivened by a Btoart passage of arms between Mr George Fisher and the Minister for Labour concerning the "ratting" which the former gentleman alleged had occurred La the Neio Zealand Time* office. The Imprest Supply Bill for £250,000 was passed through all its stages, and several new Bills were introduced. Mr McLean moved for the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the banking laws of the colony, with the vie w of assimilating them to those in force in Australia ; but Mr Seddon said he had no doubt the matter would be considered by the Public Accounts Committee in dealing with the Government measure in regard to bank audits, and he hoped the motion would be withdrawn. Mr Taylor talked the matter out to the dinner adjournment. In the evening Mr Reeves moved the second reading of the Shops and Shop Assistants Bill, in which a compulsory half-holiday is provided for, with certain exceptions. A long discussion took place, and the second reading was eventually agreed to, the Bill being sent to the Labour Bills Committee. The second reading of the Ellesmere Lake Lands Bill was agreed to, and then Mr Seddon moved the second reading of the Electoral BilL On the motion of Sir John Hall the debate was adjourned until Tuesday, and the House rose at 10.20 p.m.