POSITION IN WELLINGTON SUBURBS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1531, 29 August 1912, Page 6

POSITION IN WELLINGTON SUBURBS.

DEBATE m PARLIAMENT.

CLOSE DIVISION: BILL PROBABLY KILLED.

REFORM OF THE COUNCIL.

:In the House, of Representatives yesterday >a discussion • arose out of the presentation of a Committee's report oii, , a. petition—or one of two opposing petitions—one at least of. which sought to'traverse; tlio. decision of-a Magistrate in Christchurch: on a case which came under his view*. This discussion endured for upwards'of an , "hour/ .'■ • Then, followed a more than ordinarily uninteresting discussion on questions and replies; several .'members,criticising the .Wanganui .River service, and tho renewal of ; the Gbrerhnisnt contract with tho company.; _■'.',■'■''■ ' . . ■ ' '/.Tne 'first order of. the. day was • The .Licensing Amendment Bill, tho second reading of which .was proposed by Mr. \V: H..D. BelK" The object of the Bill was to remove anomalies in tho law which, it. was 'stated, caused injustice wlien boundaries were changed on the fringe of No-License districts, and hotels were closed }in consequence, and not by the fact that tho vote of tho people had. been■for No-License. .Friends of tho Billdid not speak, but opponents sought to talk it out.. At -11.40 p.m. the Hon. A. T.. Kgata moved that the debate'be. adjourned, and the motion was carried by '32 votes to 30-which' -neons that tho Bill is probably dead. .' ', '. -. \ .." The.House rose at 11.55 p.m. , ; The debate on- tho Reform- Bill occupied' tho Legislative Council' throughout tho whole'of itsj.sitting" yesterday' aftef,noon and'evening,' andthe' debate was stiir-infinished when' the. Council' rose for the night.' It is anticipated that the few remaining- spsakers will riso this afternoon, and that the Leader- of the Council will reply -before tho Council adjourns for dinner. It is stated.that Mr. Rigg's amendment that the/Bill bo read this day six months wi .!!, r! * e -V e .W scanty'support, although i t D .i,?y*o. :; pre.ssed to.a division., As far hs ..the.'division on .the.-'motion for- the f.econd -. readmg -.is concerned,-it is-stated that- head-counting- by members -ir the tebby has. made-'ft practically. cerfanr that the'■motion 'will be., carried by ii" -fairly large majority-sonic niembei'3 have it as two to one. Whilst" many members nro supporting the second reading, they reservo the right to strenuously oppose tho Hill thereafter if it is proceeded with. ■