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Clutha Leader, Volume XXI, Issue 1042, 13 July 1894, Page 5

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11. In the Legislative Council — The "Tramways Act 1894" was read a first time. • . Hon Colonel Baillie moved that the following report of the Joint House Committee be agreed to : — "That it is advisable that permission be given to the custodian to sell liquor in the refreshment room known as Bellamy's in terms of ' The Licensing Act 1881,' for the present session only, and that Bellamy's be under the control of the Joint House Committee." — After a debate the report was agreed to on the voices. In the House of Representatives — Replying to questions Ministers said the Government were not aware that Mr Jackson Palmer used franked letters to solicit the votes cf the Waiternata electors in September last, and therefore there was no dishonesty in the transaction. The gentleman who franked the letters held a high position in the civil service, and hf> felt sure from his standing in the service that he had done so unwittingly. — The removal of duties from sugar, tea, coffee, woollen goods, etc., was a very large question which would be ■ referred to the proposed Tariff Committee. Sir R. Stout moved that a committee consisting of Messrs Ruddo, Collins, W. Hutchison! Maslin; M'Gowan, M'Nab, Pirani, Ward, Saunders, and the mover be appointed to inquire how section 21 of " The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act 1893" was made retrospective, and what amendment (if any) should be made in that section, and whether such amendment should be made retrospective. In tlie course of a very warm discussion Mr Seddon contended that the motion was improper in view of the decision of the Court of Appeal, and that no committee had a right to inquire into the motive of members. It was, he reiterated, the most improper motion ever brought before the House. He admitted that he was responsible for the clause. The motion was ultimately lost by 39 to 17. Mr Guinness moved the second reading of the Criminal Code Act 1893 Amendment- Bill to enable juries in criminal cases to return a verdict of " not proven " in cases where it was thought desirable, as was the case in Scotland. Agreed to. Dr Newman moved the second reading of a bill to admit women to the General Assembly of New Zealand,

After a long debate the motion was carried by the casting vote of the Speaker, ' Mr M'Guire moved the second reading of the Importation or Manufacture of Intoxicating Liquors Prohibition Bill. Hon. Mr Scddon said that as the bill would mean a loss to the colony of nearly half a million, general and local, he could not see how it could possibly be carried into law. It would also be a direct interference with our relations with other countries, also with the property of the colony and with local and general finances. He hoped the House would reject it without wasting more time over it.— After considerable debate the motion was lost by 39 to 12. The House then went into committee on the Standing Orders.