House of Representatives.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9833, 4 August 1900, Page 2

House of Representatives.

OPIUM. Mr Guinness presented a petition from 480 Chinese residents in the colony, piaying for restrictions on the importation of opium. * ' FIRST READINGS. The Press Association Copyright, Indictable Offences Summary Jurisdiction Amendment and Education Boards Election Bills were introduced and read a first time. EDUCATION. Mr Fisher gave noiice to ask if, in view of the probable increase in ilie capitation allowance to Education Boards, the Government will request the Boards not to put into force proposals to reduce teachers' salaries until the proposal is considered. SLAUGHTERHOUSES. On the report of the committee on the Slaughterhouses' Inspection Bill, that the introduction of the b<ll be agreed to, Mr Colvin moved an amendment that it be referred back to the committee for reconsideration. The Premier opposed the amendment, stating that it was proposed to include ia the bill pi o vision to pay compensation to owners of slaughter houses whose premises were rendered uself ss under the bill, also to compensate owners whose cattle have been destroyed. On that explanation Mr Colvin agreed to withdraw his amendment, and the bill was set down for the Order Paper. THE SPEAKER. The Speaker asked and was granted leave of abience to visit Christchurch on important business. Mr Guinness took the chair. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions Micisters said — 'lhat every care had been taken to prevent the introduction of the bubonic plague iuio the colony. That the recent escapes from Wellington gaol were not due to insufficiency of warders. That it was proposed to amend the Old Age Pensions Act in the direction of allowing aliens to obtain a pension after one instead at five years' naturalisation. Tnut the Government would seaure from Herr Kiewichy, Vienna, the noted specialist on caucer, a copy of his report on the treatment ot thit disease. That the matter of increasing the amount of money lent out as loans to local bodies would be considered. That theie seemed to be ao finality to naval or military land claims, aud the Government were averse to reopening the question. That the Govemment were agreeable to extend the time over which the enqniiy into the management of the Stoke industrial School should be held, but the Commissioners did noD appear to think it necessary, und counsel for the Charitable Aid Buard did not press for an extension of time.

WKIGHTS AND MEASURES. The amendments made in the Weights and Measures Bill by the Legislative Council weie agreed to. ministers' salaries. The Ministers Salaries and Allowances Bill was read a second time by 36 to 12, and the House rose at 4 a.m.