House of Representatives.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9821, 21 July 1900, Page 7

House of Representatives.

FIRST BEADING.

The Limitation of Members' Privileges, City of Auckland Loan Act Amendment and Young Persons' Protection Bill were read a first time. questions. In reply to questions Ministers said:— That the regulations did not bar young men other than those who had been in the volunteer force from appointment to the permanent force, although preference was given to members of the volunteer force. The Government had no knowledge that a number of men had left the Contingents to join the African police force, while eighty mpn had been sent to make up the strength of the Contingents to the strength they were when they left the colony. The Government did not see their way to reduce the rates charged for cattle trucks, similar to reduced rates on sheep trucks. That consideration would be given to the proposal of conveyance by free railway passes of echolars attending the public schools in country districts, who have passed the higher standards, 10 the nearest large school, with a view to a more liberal grounding in subjects of higher standing. Triat more important works were required than straightening the line from Welliogtontothe Hutr, and the Government could hold out no hope that provision would be made for the work this session. That some provision would be made for assisting public libraries this session. That it was intended to bring in a Fair Rent Bill this session. That the question of appointing a commission to collect evidence on which to base legislation dealing with burning bush in forest-clad country, which is being settled by Crown and other tenant?, would be considered. That the question of removing the penalty of one per cent now imposed on settlers who, under tho optional system, have selected land within the right of purchase, would be considered. That the Government intended to introduce the Referendum Bill this session. THROUGH COMMITTEE. The Public Contracts Bill ' passed through committee with amendment. The Native Interpreters' Classification and the Lunatics Act Amendment Bills passed through committee without amendment. The House rose at 1.5 a.m.