GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8583, 9 September 1893, Page 9

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

--——"•—— In the Legislative Council at the afternoon sitting, the Palmerston North Hospital and Charitable Aid Board Bill and Wanganui Harbour Board Bill were read a first time. The Council resolved to ait on Mondays for the remainder of the session. The Colonial Secretary moved without remark the third reading of the Electoral Bill, and the debate on it was commenced by Mr. Bowen, who moved that hi be read that day six months. An animated debate followed, and the third reading was carried, on division, by 20 to 18. After some formal business the Council adjourned at 5 p.m. till Monday. In the House this morning, after the telegraph office closed, the debate in Committee on the Shops and Shop Assistants Bill was continued with great vigocr, passing through eventually without material alteration, at nine o'clock and the House adjourned. At the afternoon sitting nearly all the time was taken up by discussing Mr £. M. Smith's application for a grant in aid to exploit the iron sand industry. The Manufactures Committee reported adversely, and it was finally referred back to them to report again in a month. In answer to a question by Mr Wright, Mr Ward said no attempted fraud on the Customs was alleged against a Christchurch firm. The debate on this filled up till the 5.30 adjournment. On resuming, the Electoral Bill with amendments was received from the Upper House, and, after some opposition, the Premier's motion that they be considered next sitting day was carried. The S abmarine Cables Bill and the Counties Vehicles Licensing Bill passed. Mr Guinness intercepted supply by moving that * permanent railway passes be granted to those members who had eat in the House for two full Parliaments at least. After a short discussion the motion was lost and the House went into Committee of Supply, and passed a considerable number of items. On progress being reported, Mr Seddon stated thafc in view of the large portion of the Estimates yet to be goue through, he could not bring down the Public Works Statement so soon as he had promised. This el'cited complaints from Mr Rolleston, Sir R. Stout, and Sir J. HalL The House rose at 1 a.m.