HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2867, 3 October 1866, Page 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

V- ' WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. '" The Speaker took the chair at five o'clock. -*- EAST COAST NATIVES, sS^Mr. Oemond asked the Colonial Secretary, '\ Whether or nob the lands of the natires lately in rebellion on the- East Coast of the Northern laland, in the district aituate between East Cape and Mahia Peninsula, are intended to be made liable for the expenditure incurred by the colony in suppressing the insurrection within that district ; ' also, whether it ii proposed to acknowledge the services of the Native allies of that district by giving them ' substantial rewards ' for the numerous and signal services they have rendered to the colony during the disturbances that have taken place in that district ; and whether such reward is proposed to be made by the payment to them of a sum of money, and, if so, whether the same is intended to be made a charge upon the district in question, or be borne as a general charge upon the colony." The Hon. E. W. Stafford said that he would have preferred if this question had been put on the paper in the form of a notice of motion. The present Government, and, indeed, every Government, were of opinion that, where disturbances arose, some endeavour should be made to recoup any consequent expense from the property of the hostile \atives ; but the Government could not hold out any hope of any early or substantial return from the lands on the East Coast. The Government were also of opinion that friendly \atives should be rewarded from the same source. \ eOALKELDS. Mr. Ball asked the Colonial Seoretary, \ the Geological Director, Dr. Hector, has reported on his inspection of the coalfields in the North ; and if so, whether it is the intention of the Government to lay such report on the table of this House."' •Hie Hon. E. W. Stafford said that there had been a report made on this subject by Dr. Hector, which had been incorporated with his report on the other coalfields of the colony, in consequence of a despatch from the Secretary for such a return to be laid before the Imperial Parliament, along with reports as to coalfields in other parts of her Majesty's dominions. The report was now in the hands of the printers. Mr. Walker asked the H6n.;X Hall, "Whether it is the intention of the Government to take off the duty on iron-standards and other ironmongery employed in wire-fencing, and whether there is any hope that such duties already paid may be ultimately remitted to the parties who have paid them." The Hon. Mr. Richmond said he could hardly at the present Jame state the intentions of the Government on this point, as it would be premature to do so. With regard to the duties referred to, no hope could be held out of their ultimate remission. NEW BILLS. '"'The following bills brought down from the Upper House were [read a first time : — The Resident Magistrates and Justices of 6 the Peace Repeal, and the Intestate Estates Act Amendment Bills. SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS SALE BILL. On the motion of the Hon. E. W. Stafford the following bill was introduced and read a first time : " Arf'Act to amend an Ordinance for regulating the Sale' of Fermented and Spirituous Liquors, passed by the Governor and late Legislative Council of the colony, Session Three, number Twenty-five." J> DR. MOtTATT'S LAND GRANT. w On the motion' of Mr. Atkinson the following resolution was agreed to :— J^That there be laid on the table copies of any correspondence or other papers relative to giving a grant of land to Dr. Mouatt, late Principal Medical Officer to the troops in New Zealand." NEW BILLS. On the jnotion of Mr. Carleton the following bills were brought in and read a first time:— An Act to amend the Laud Clauses Consolidation Act, 1863, and an Act to make Provision for the Final Settlement of Land Claims. -POSTAL SERVICES. , Mr. Macandrew, in moving, "That, & the opinion of this House, it is inexpedient to continue the subsidies for steam postal services, after the expiration of existing contracts, excepting in respect of the conveyance of the English mails^**said £bjat, after the full discussion on this subject which had taken place on a previous occasion, it would hardly be necessary to say much. He was of [.opinion that there was no necessity to subsidize the steamers carrying the inter-provincial mails, as at the present time they could do without any subsidy, in consequence of the increase of traffic. There was no occasion to have such frequent postal communication between the provinces, in consequence of the establishment of the electric telegraph. He might also add that the colony coujd save £6,000 if Auckland could wait' one day longer for the English mail, by having it brought by way of Otago. Tie-HonrJ. Hall said that he was aware that the postal service* were very costly, and formed a large part of the expenditure, but the expense of them had been much diminished year by year during tne last few years. He was glad to see the resolution brought forward, because any Government required the support of the House in this matter, but iw could not assent to the resolution, as it went too far. The fact was that the hon. member could not be aware how much the inter-provincial steamers were occupied in distributing the English mails, One of the first duties of a Government was to provide regular, if not frequent, postal communication. He would move as an amendment, yylhat, excepting in respect of the conveyance of the English mail, it will be inexpedient to continue subsidies for steam postal services after expiration of the present contracts, if equal accommodation cannot be obtained without seriously increasing the present rate ef subsidy.)' | Mr. Dillon Bell objected to the amendment, as it meant nothing definite. Mr. Vogeel objected to the amendment and the resolution, and thought it would be sufficient to negative the original motion. Mtf $r Cargill was of opinion that the system of subsidizing the coastal steamers was a bad one; for it was very costly and was no longer necessary. At the present time it was not unusual to see two steamers going to the same place, only one carrying a mail ; and he believed that the postal service coma be carried on now without subsidm

Mr.UD'IT«LL guggested tWt both the resolution and amendment should' be withdrawn, as the report of the Postal Committee would be shortly before the Houss ; making this among other recommendations, that the Napier and Tantnaki boats should be discontinued. „, Mr. Burws said that he was certain that if a certain sum were paid on each letter and newspaper to boats carrying them, instead of an annual subsidy to. particular companies, it would be found far more economical. Mr. Maoandrkw expressed his willingness to withdraw his resolution, as the Government would not assent to it. . Mr. Patbjrson said" wtt/it was, absolutely necessary for some of the boils to leave the ports' of New Zealand on a particular day, and this was what the subsidy was paid for. He did not think the mails should be left to be taken by chance boats. Mr. Stafford replied to some of the remarks of Mi. Bums, statingthat it was rather extraordinary, if X there were boats ready to undertake the carrying of of mails without subsidies, they had not tendered to carry them when tenders were invited a short time ago. The motion and amendment were then with* drajrn. i^Z^ WESTLAND REPRESENTATION" BILL. -Mr. Moorhouse, in moving for leave to bring in a bill to increase the representation of Westland, called attention to the large population of that district, and the large share of revenue paid by it. He would leave the detail* to be settled by the House. Mr. «^ Ward seconded the motion. Mr. Newman suggested as an amendment that the bill should be for the purpose of adjusting the representation of the colony. The province of Auckland, and particularly his district, wanted more members. The Speaker ruled that the amendment was not in order. Mr. O'Neill asked whether the substitution of the words "Middle Island" for "colony" would be agreed to. He believed the motion had been brought forward by th© member for Westland, so that he might get a cheer from his constituents. He thought it was most unfair that the -Middle Island should have more members than the Northern Island, ' ' Mr. Stafford said it would disturb the, representation of the whole colony if any district, nad another member given to it, and nothing of the kind should be done except on the eve of a general election, He would prefer a resolutiaiLJw|the, effect that the whole^ujgajaoiLghould be colsideredm>y Jne --Mr. Qjtfiqm Graham hoped, befort^nntherMember was given to the South, tli^Jmitfc woijd be represented in the House. Mr. John Williamson would certainly oppose this motion, as he thought the question of representation should reconsidered as a whole. The proper, course would have been to bring forward a resolution, so that the hon. members might have made amendments in it. Leave was given to introduce th« bill, and it was read a first time. X I DISTRICT BOARDS BILL. — ADJOURNED DEBATE, 'fr Major Richardson in supporting the bill said that he thought that it was of great importance to the provinces of New Zealand that it should be passed, and advanced various arguments in favour of the bill. It might have a great many clauses, but there was no necessity to bring them, into operation in every province. "\< ixJ ■ ® ■ Mr. Crosbie Ward said that the bill" appeared to him to be a most complicated one, and not suited to the circumstances of this colony. The hon. member then proceeded to state his objections to certain clauses of the bill, and concluded by saying that it reminded him of a man in one of Hogarth's pictures who had an enormous engine ' made for the purpose of drawing a cork out of a bottle. Mr. Vogel said it had been originally intended that the bill should be brought in for Otago alone, but at the request of some of the Canterbury members it had been brought in as a general bill. It would, however, only be applied in any province if it desired it. Another recommendation of the bill was, that the clauses need not be brought into operation in any province. " s* The second reading was agreed to. CT ' MARINE BOARD BILL. . Tills bill was read a third time and passed. REPRESENTATION ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The amendments made by the Legislative Council in this bill was agreed to. COMMITTEE OP WAYS AND MEANS. STAMP DUTIES. The Hon. E. W. Stafford, in moving that the House go into Committee of Ways and Means, said that the Stamp Duties had been before the House for a w».ek, and he hoped that hon. members would see their way to coming to some decision tomorrow. The House then went into Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. Vogel regretted to see the practice Government appeared to be getting into of postponing all important questions till the end of the session ; such as in the present case was being done with the duties, the Tariff, and the questions of the retention of the troops, and of the confiscated lands. The hon. member then commented on the speech made by the Colonial Treasurer, and said that he had noticed on many occasions that that member sneered at the provinces and provincial institutions. With regard to the Budget, he was of opinion'that the Colonial Treasurer had increased the proposed expenditure above the estimate of the late Treasurer, for though he had taken off £39,000 from the Defence Estimates he had added £50,000 to be placed on loan. The arrangement with respect to the three-eighths was unsatisfactory, and the speech made by the Treasurer in reply to the member for Avon (Mr. Ward) was of too jocose a character, and was not a fitting reply to that member's remarks. Colonel Haultain merely rose to supplement the remarks made by the Treasurer in reply to the member for the Avon (Mr. Ward) on the subject of defence. He would first say in reply to the member for the-Goldfields (Mr. Vogel) that the £50,000 alluded to would not all come in payment during the present year, but had been put down as the sum which would close the liabilities for that item. He would also explain how it was that the Government had been able to see their way to a reduction of the Defence Estimates. It wa3 in consequence of the expected retention of one regiment, to be placed in a central position ; and owing to the short time which the Government had had to consider the changed aspect of affair?, the items had not been put down in detail. There was an advantage in this, because it might be requisite under certain circumstances to employ the Militia as well as the Constabulary Force. He could assure the member for Avon .(Mr. Ward) that there was no intention to overlook the claims of the Volunteers, or " holiday soldiers" as they had been termed (he thought) unjustly. They were very numerous both in the North and South, and he (Colonel Haultain) thought it mostdesirable^tbat they should be properly organised, trained, and disciplined, He might also say that the Government had used every possible expedition to get the settlers on their land. ' Mr. C. Ward said that he had not imputed blame to the Government for encouraging delays, but had spoken of delays which had occurred. * Colonel Haultain said that he believed the House had understood .blame to be imputed. [The Defence Minister then described some of the delays, which had arisen through lands being unfit for allotment owing to being boggy, swampy, or mountainous.] The diffioulldeBatTaurang»ha.d arisen from anothercause, viz.', from the fact that three-fourths of the land had to be given back to the natives, and there was a difficulty as to whatfahould be given back ; but it was settled in the time of the present Government by the personal influence of his Excellency and the member for Parnell (Mr. Whi taker). At Patea also every effort was being made to get the settlers placed on their lands. Those men, however, who were still on pay, were utilized by being placed at posts which, it was necessary to occupy. Mr. Crosbie Ward asked what the Ist Waikato Begiment was doing. Colonel Haultain said that some of the men were at Tauranga, some at Opotiki, and some in the Waikato, helping to occupy the advanced posts there, which were necessary, in consequence of the hostile intentions of Rewt and other natives. Mr. C. Wilson would vote against Stamp Duties; as-he thought them unnecessary at the present time, aud'that they were abont to be imposed for ft very trivial purpose. •Mr. John Hall thought it necessary that the last speaker should be soothed somewhat before retiring .tocnis couch. An insinuation , had been made that soxne arrangement had been made between some hon. ttembers^nd the Govemmenton this question. That «iJ+^^ ollyto . deii y- The Government was Sfhl 0 fe UBmg co « rcion » 1»* the contrary appeared S^F^*/*^!?* tne Government waTbeing -wlsft'n^f' HaUw » tn *n proceeding to explab? " JjgjJ 50,000 was spent for the benefit o! the natives' .."Mr., MooRHOTOJtJwked whether the £100,000 advanced > Alzokknd would be repaid in December, and whether a fijither loan would be proposed. Mr. Hall said that the Government calculatedon receiving it, and had further proposals which would

'be made in due time. Tlic lii>u. member then proceeded to argue in favour of the imposition of Stamp Duties as being Tiecessary at the present time. Sir D. Monko asked whether the Government •would reduce the Tariff by £50,000, if the provinces were willing to take bo much less than the threeeighths. .- Mr. Hall said that the Government would do so. l * The House adjourned shortly after one o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. The Speaker took' the chair at 5 o'clock. Several reports of committees were brought up. THE DEBTORS AND CREDITORS ACT. Mr. Hargrxaves, after making a few remarks on the present state of tthe bankruptcy law, in the colony, moved, "For leave to bring in a bill intituled' •An Act to repeal the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1862, and the Debtors and Creditors Act Amendment Act, 1865.'" Mr. 'James Williamson supported the motion, stating that the present law was much disliked in Auckland, and that it had the effect of giving too large a portion of debtors' estates to the officials. Major Cargell said that the Acts were good, but they had been badly admistered — ohiefly owing to the conduct of creditors. It would be rather a strong remedy to repeal them altogether; creditors would be worse off then than now, because the old ordinance, by which the first judgment creditors got the whole estate, and the rest went without, would then come in forces Mr. Stafford hoped after what had been said that the mover would withdraw his resolution ; he surely could not have considered what would be the position of affairs if such a bill as this were to become law. He (Mr. Stafford) did not look with any disfavour on Chambers of Commerce, but was inclined to receive their views with great caution and suspicion, as they were self-elected bodies looking after their own interests. Creditors appeared to be disappointed that they could not get 20s. in the pound without any expense, and that was the reason why they wanted to have the A cts repealed. A bill would be introduced by the Government very shortly to make some slight amendments in the law, and they proposed to go no further this session ; but they might propose some important alterations in the law next session, after seeing the action of the Imperial Parliament in matters connected with bankruptcy. Mr. Reynolds thought the bill should be introduced, but he by no means pledged himself to sgnaort the second reading. Henderson sai*:~Sir, I have no intention m eteviating from my usual course on the present occasion, and will not therefore inflict upon hon. members a long speech. I think the evils of the existing Act wiTl be best shown by illustrating one or two cases which have come" tinder my own notice. One of these happened a few months ago in Auckland. A Jew trader in that place had been unsuccessful in business, and 10s in the pound was offered to his creditors, and accepted by them ; but another trader, a co-religionist, thought that he would take advantage of his creditors and offered a like composition, which was refused, because on investigation - iHKwas found that his estate would yield at least 40sr to cOst in the pound ; he threatened to go through the Court, but of course did not. One other case I would mention is not so favourable for the creditors ; it is rather a large estate and unfortunately is being administered under the Act The said estate a few -months ago would have yielded, had it been left in the creditors' hands, 15s. or 16s. in the pound jand" I have been told-byj;he gentleman spokengWJymy hon; friend the member- foclCity Westtjrahin the last week that this estate wll* not realise as many pence ; so much for the law as it is. I would now say a few words about what the Premier calls the unreasonable demands or merchants and Chambers of Commerce expecting to get from every insolvent estate 495. in the pound without any cost whatever. I deft^t think the hon. member is warranted in, -'making such a statement ; besides it appears'fo me paradoxical to call an estate insolvent whieK can payees, fti Jh fffrp) &4Wi> -Thn p "farrriTT hrrr.inftirrifptnj the hon. member fby "saying hi -(Mr— Jl~) himself had referred to one which would pay 4QgTor>jjsos. i - : '\' > Mr. Henderson .OttDnat was not an v insolvent estate, but rather an attempt to make it one for the purpose of defrauding the creditors. He would support the motion for leave to bring in the bill to repeal the existing Debtors and Creditors Act, believing that the colony would be better without anyjaw on this subject__than to continue tinkering any more the present one. FitzGhkald supported the motion, and said that the bill could be so worded that there would not be a return to chaos, as Mr. Haughton had said. If the Acts referred to were repealed now, attention would be caUedTto the subject, and a new Act could be brought in next session. Mr. Whitaker supported the motion at some length. On the question that leave be given to introduce the bill, the House divided: — Ayes, 25; noes, 24. The bill was then read a first time. JURIES BILL. On the motion of Mr. Hall, the following bill was read a first time: — A bill to consolidate and amend the Law relating to Juries in New Zealand. POSTAL BILL. On the motion of Mr. Hall, the House went into committee to consider of leave being given to introduce a bill to amend the Post-office Act, and to fix certain rates of postage. The Government could have made the alterations by an order in council, but preferred to take the opinion of the House. Leave was given to introduce the bill, and the House resumed. ATTORNEY-GENERAL BILL. Mr. Stafford, in moving for leave to introduce a bill to regulate the appointment and tenure of office of Attorney-General of New Zealand, said that the object of it was to make the appointment a permanent one. The bill was introduced and read a first time. NELSON PASTORAL LANDS LEASING BILL. Mr. Citrtis. in moving the second reading of this bill, said that it had not been before the Provincial Council of Nelson, but was assented to by himself and another member who might be said to represent the two parties in that Council. After some discussion, the debate was adjourned. RELIGIOUS BODIES' TRIBUNALS BILL. On the question that the House go into committee on this bill, Mr. Whitaker made an explanation of the objects of the bill, stating that it had been prepared by Sir William Martin, and had been sanctioned by the Bishop of New Zealand, and would be applicable to all religious bodies. It did not make any new law, but simply declared what was believed to be the law, so as to place it beyond doubt, and avert the necessary of a lawsuit at any time hereafter to settle the question. Major Cargill said he would object to the bill, unless it was proposed toapply it only to the Church of England. Mr. Dick: looked on this bill a3 an attempt to get in the thin edge of the wedge of legislation in religious matters, and he would therefore object to it. Mr. Brandon said that the object of the bill was simply to give the Supreme Court power to enforce the edicts of religious tribunals. Mr. Hall said the bill was unnecessary, and he would therefore not support it. Mr. Borlase said the bill would cause tyranny and establish an inquisition in New Zealand. Mr. FitzGerald said that after the objections raised, which seemed to him to be badly founded, it would be advisable perhaps to withdraw the bill. Mr. Carleton said that he would object to the bill, as he believed it would the first step towards I creating an independent church in New Zealand. He could not understand the grounds on which several members had opposed the bill; for this "wicked" power of religious tribunals to have the Supreme Court was already undoubtedly enjoyed by every other body but the Church of England, and was, he believed, possessed by that Church. If there was a division he would not vote at all. Mr. Whitaker, in replying, said that the character of the bill had been much mistaken. The real objects of the bill were simply to remove from the Church of England the disabilities under which she laboured by the doubtful state of law. On a division, the bill was ordered to be committed that day six months : — Ayes, 40 ; noes, 15. 3KARLBOROUGH WASTE LANDS BILL. The House went into committee on this bill, DISTRICT ROADS BILL. This bill was advanced a stage in committee. The House adjourned at half-past nine o'clock till two o'clock to-day.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. The Speaker took the chair at 2 o'clock. petition; Mr. Bbycb preseted a petition from. John McGregor, of Wanganui. stating that petitioner had sustained losses during the native war in 1847, and had been engaged as, guide to the troops for six months. He therefore prayed for compensation. Mr. Stafford, on, behalf of the Government, recommended the petition, and it was ordered to lie on the table. ,«^

PANAMA SERVICE. Mr. Reynolds, without notice, asked when the Government proposed, and in what shape, to bring on the question raised by the Government of .New South Wales in reference to the Panama service. Mr. Hall said the Government had no occasion to bring on the question It was a matter which the Government had considered very carefully, not only the correspondence that had taken place between the New Zealand and New South Wales Governments, referred to by the hon. member, but all correspondence on the subject that had taken place. The Government had no intention of opposing the claim of New South Wales that Sydney should be made the terminus of the line. MEETINCI OF THE ASSEMBLY. Mr. Reynolds, without notice, begged leave to move, ,"That in the opinion of this House it is not desirable to extend the appropriation beyond the 30th June, 1867 ; and this House hereby protests against the introduction of such a clause into the Appropriation Act." The question being put, whether the hon. member should have leave to bring forward his motion, it was decided in the negative. Mr. Reynolds then gave notice that he would bring forward his motion next day. DEBTORS AND CREDITORS ACT. Mr. Stafford moved, "For' leave to bring in a. bill, intituled hah h 'ah act for further amending the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1862, and amending the Debtors and Creditors Act Amendment Act, 1865.' " Leave was given ; the bill was brought in and read a first time ; second reading was fixed for next day. LAND ORDERS IN TARANAKI. Mr. J. C. Richmond moved, "For leave to bring in a bill to enable the holders of certain land orders to select land in the province of Taranaki." Leave was given ; the bill brought up, read a first time, and ordered to be printed. Second reading was fixed for next day. EUROPEAN AND NATIVE CASES. Mr. Carleton moved, "For a return in continuation of Return D, No, 10, Appendix to Journals of the House, 1863, of all cases between Europeans and natives tried in the .Resident Magistrates' and Native Circuit Courts in the Districts of the Bay of Islands and Mongonui, distinguishing Resident Magistrates' and .Native Circuit Court cases." — Agreed to. PASTORAL LANDS (NELSON) LEASING BILL. This bill was read a second time, and ordered to; be committed on Monday. hawke's bay land laws. Mr. Dillon Bell, in the absence of Mr. Ormond, moved, "For leave to bring in a bill to extend the operation of the land laws of the province of Hawke's Bay to land acquired or hereafter to be acquired under ' The F^ative Lands Act, 1865.' " Leave was given ; the bill brought up, read afirst time, and ordered to be printed. t Second reading was fixed for Monday next, j THE DIVISION OS THE NORTHERN ISLAND.! The report of the debate on this subject has already appeared. Z--* THE WAIKATO MILITARY SETTLERS. We have already published the import of the speeches on this subject. If / THE MAWAWA3»r*7 ytAJ " Mr. FitzGerald movecL-' "For copita of any correspondence on the subjetffof the citato Vt affairs in the Manawatu sioaerthe date of the last correspondence." Mr ; Jk"*Cr .Richmond Assured the hon. gentleman thatftne Government would take care that no native who had any claim would be obstructed in any way in bringing his claims before the Supreme Court. Mr. {Stafford said that before his Excellency the Governor would be advised to issue a proclamation extinguishing the native title in the Mauawatu, the Government would find out whether matters had been arranged to the satisfaction of the natives interested. After some little discussion, the motion was put and agreed to. THE ARAWA TRIBE. Mr. Gjeobge Graham moved, " That the petition of Poihipi Tukairangi and other chiefs of the Ar&wa tribe be ordered to be printed." — Agreed to. POSTAGE. The resolution of the Committee of the whole House in reference to the imposition of orates of postage was reported and agreed to. Mr. Hall brought up a bill in conformity with the resolution. The bill was read a first time. STEAM NAVIGATION BILL. -- TKo -»nao»duiouta -xosula in. _pommi ttoe to tbio bill - ere reported and agreed to. BTTILDING AND LAND SOOIETIRS BILL. Thea mend men ts made in committee were reported and agreed to. The bill was read a third time and passed. STAMP DUTIES BILL. The second reading of this bill -was postponed till next day. v LAW PRACTITIONERS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. This bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed next day. AFFIRMATIONS IN LIEIT OF OATHS BILL. This bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed next day. LUNATICS ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BILL. Tkis bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed next day. REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. A further conference was appointed. SOUTHLAND PROVINCIAL DEBT ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The House went into committee on this bill. ADULTERATION OF FOO» BILL. The amendments made by the Legislative Council in this bill were agreed to. MARINE BILL. The amendments made by the Legislative Council in this bill were agreed to. ATTORNEY-GENERAL BILL. Mr. Hall, in moving the second reading of this bill, explained that its object was to render it unnecessary that the Attorney-General should be considered a political officer. Mr. Reynolds remarked that the AttorneyGeneral should be paid a salary of £2,000 or £5,000 a-year, and that he should not take part in any legal proceeding, as between private parties. After a few remarks from Mr. Stafford, the bill was read * second time. PRIVILEGES BILL. The House went into committee on this bill. PRINCES-STREET RESERVES (DUNEDIN) BILL. The House went into committee on this bill, and also on the Otago Municipal Corporations Bill. After some conversation. The Chairman reported progress, with leave to sit again on the Otago Municipal Corporation Act. AUCKLAND WASTE LANDS AMENDMENT BILL. This bill was considered in committee, and reported with amendments. PETTY SESSIONS BILL. This bill was considered in committee, and passed. THE TELEGRAPH. Mr. BELL called attention to the delay that arose in the transmission of messages by telegraph A message bad been delivered at Dunsdin at 3.20 p.m., and he had received it at 10 p m. Mr. Hall explained that the amount of business was greatly in excess of what was anticipated. The Government were at present making arrangements to have the staff increased. WAYS AND MEANS. The House went into Committee of Ways and Means to consider the following resolution :: — *' That it is expedient to impose a duty on spirits manufactured within the colony, and for thjifpurpose to amend the Distillation Prohibition Ordinance." The measure which the Government intended to introduce would be merely a temporary one. It would be necessary to confine distilleries to where they could be looked after ; and it was not to be supposed that small bush distilleries could be established. The amount o£ duty proposed to be levied on spirits distilled in the colony was Bs. per gallon. The resolution was agreed to and reported. The House adjourned at 10.55 p.m. till 2 o'clock on Friday.

FJRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21. The Speaker took the chair at two o'clock. PETITION. Mr. Beattchamp presented a petition from certain electors in the province of Marlborough, complaining of the frequent changes of Superintendents, and praying that something might be done to remedy the grievance. TABANAKI, IRON SAND. Mr. John Williamson asked leave to put a questiod to the chairman of the committee on the laraI naki Iron Sand Fetftion. He had been requested to^skthehon. gentleman whether the remarks in the report brought up respecting the, leases had reference to that granted by the General Government, or to those granted by the Provincial Government of Taranaki. ' •vMr.-O'fiOߣE"replied that the report of the committee had^eference to the lease granted by the Goneral Government, and not to th« leases granted by the Taranaki Provincial Governmeut.

JURIES LAW CONSOLIDATION BILL. Mr, Hall moved the sccoud reading of this bill*, explaining that tbe object of it was to consolidate the existing Acts relating to juries, and make a few amendments >n the law. Mr. O'Neill asked whether it was intended to make some payment to petty and coroners' juries. Mr. Cableton spoke agaiust the payment of jurors, on tbe ground that it was a duty they owed to the country to serve on juries, Mr. Hall said that the bill did not propose to pay coroners' juries, but it did propose to pay something to jurors Attending the quarterly sittings of the Supreme Court. The second reading was agreed to. MARLBOROUGH WASTE LANDS BILL. This bill was further considered in committee. TREASURY BILLS BILL. The House went into committee on the motion of Mr. Fitzhekbert, to consider of leave being given to bring in a bill for raising the sum of £150, OuO by Treasury Bills. After a few remarks from the Colonel Treasurer urging that this bill should be read a first time that day, to which Mr. Fitz Gerald replied, deprecating such a course, leave was given to bring in the bill ; the House resumed, and the bill was read a first time. AUCKLAND LOAN. The following bill was aLo brought in and read a first time ' — A bill to sanction a certain loan proposed to be saised by the Superintendent of Auckland. WELLINGTON LOAN. - The following bill was brought in <and read a first time : — A. bid to sanction a certain loan proposed to be raised by the Superintendent of Wellington. ADJOURNMENT. Mr. Stafford moved, " That the House, at its rising at half-past five, adjourn till Monday next." On the question being put, the House divided :— Ayes, 25 ; uoes, 20. The House adjourned at half-past five.