THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dunstan Times, Issue 589, 1 August 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[By Telegraph.] Wellington, July 21. The Provincial Council’s Powers Bill empowers Provincial Councils to make laws constituting tribunals of civil or criminal jurisdiction and punishing offenders who may be dealt with summarily ; also for amending the constitution of such Courts and to make laws adding to the jurisdiction of Eesident Magistrates or Justices of the Peace. The Legislature is empowered to attach penalties, not exceeding LSOO, to offences against the Provincial laws. The Civil Service Amendment Act provides that from certain officers’ salaries shall be deducted four per cent, yearly to be made monthly and invested in the Trust Funds, and officers retaining to have the option of pension or a refundment of the deductions with interest, or if they be not entitled to a pemion, the deduction with interest to be refunded. The Bill for the re-onnstruction of the Legislative Council provides that every member summoned to the Council shall hold his seat to the end of 1878 only ; but if no Act be passed before 1878, making further alterations, the members of the Council may hold their seats till the year 1880,

July 22. In the House of Representatives, on the second reading of the Animals Importation Prohibition Bill coming on, Mr Vogel read what bad taken place on the matter at the Conference, as well as the replies of the several Superintendents. The Superintendent of Canterbury recommended the quarantine system. The Superintendent o£ Hawke’s Bay said that the quarantine system only was necessary. The Superintendent of Auckland entirely opposed prohibition, and recommended inspection, and quarantine when necessary. Air Bluett said that in Committee he would propose that the regulations adopted by the Provincial Council of Canterbury be added to the Bill. Prohibition would retard the increase of the wealth of the country, and the people of Canterbury were entirely opposed to it. There was no guarantee that the Colony would be in a better position two y.ars hence than now. Air Gillies said the Government already had the power proposed to be given them in the Bill. Quarantine was sufficient; and we might as well prohibit immigration for fear of small-pox. The Bill would place too much power in the hands of the Government. Sir J. 0. Wilson moved, and Air G. B. Parker seconded, that the Bill be read a second time that day six months. Mr Rhodes supported the Bill. Mr Rolleston suggested the amendment of the Diseased Cattle Act to meet the diffi. culty. Mr Vogel said he would leave the Bill to the House. At present the Bill only gave power to prevent the importation of cattle. The Bid was thrown out on a division by 28 rotes to 25. (The Bill was intended to give the Governor in Council power to make regulations prohibiting the importation into the Colony of animals of all kinds, or meat, skins, horns, hoofs, hay, or fodder which might be considered likely to propagate any infectious or contagious disease. The penalty of a breach of tho regulations was LIOO, to be recovered in a summary way. The Bill was introduced chiefly with a view to prevent the importation of the foot-and-mouth disease.) Mr Fitzherbert gave notice of motion for the introduction of a Bill for granting a loan of L 210.000 to the Piovince of Wellington. Mr Vogel said, with reference to the mail arrangements with Messrs ADAleokau, Blackwood, and Co., that they repudiated the six months’ contract entered into with their agent here. The Government had been in negotiation with Alessrs APAleokan, Blackwood, and Co. with reference to a three years’ agreement, but had reserved the contract for the approval of the House. Aleantime, arrangements would be made for the carriage of the next mail per iiangitato. • In reply to Mr Swanson, Mr Vogel said that he was not aware of any correspondence between Mr Waterhouse and the banks of >ew Zealand with reference to the public account. The following Bills were read a first time : Evidence Further Amendment; Law Arrest Amendment ; T.eases and Sales of Settled Estates Act Amendment ; Notaries Bill ; Bill to constitute Local' Councils in Rative Districts, and define their Functions and Duties ; Regulation of Elections Bill; Electoral Bill; Provincial do ; Bill enabling the Governors of Wellington College to borrow Money for tho College; Bill to amend the Municipal Corporations Act, The following Bills were passed Municipal Corporations Water Works Act Amendment; Assaults ou Constables. A Telegraph Cable Bill was introduced by Message from the Governor, and read a first time. Mr Steward asked whether the materials for the Waitaki Bridge were unsuitable, and when tenders would be called for the construction of the bridge Air Richardson said he was informed that the materials sent out were suitable for the purpose they were intended for. The materials were not the same as originally ordered by the Engineer-in-Chief, as the consulting engineers in England did not consider the materials ordered to be suitable, and altered them, with tho consent of the Agent-General. They had sent out a machine called “ Webb’s Excavator,’ but tlie Engineer-in-Chief preferred the pneumatic process. The machinery was being altered to suit the materials, and whichever process was most suitable would be adopted. Tenders would then bo invited. Leave of absence for ten days was granted to Mr J. C. Brown, and to Air Al'Glashan and Air Alacaudrew for one week. The Miners’ Franchise Extension Bill entitles every holder of a miner’s right or business license, who is qualified to vote for the election of members oi the Hoase of Ropre- ; sentatives or Provincial Council, to vote at , the election of tlie Superintendent of the Province in which such miner’s right or business license is issued. Tho qualification is to commence from the passing of tlie Act. In the Legislative Council, the Interest Bill was defeated by a large majority. The Bill proposed to fix the statutory rate of interest, except under contract, at six per cent. A Bank Holidays Bill has been introduced to make the following days close holidays : New Year's Day, Easter Alouday. the 24th May, if a week day, and the 2(lth December, if a week day ; Bills of Exchange due on any of these days, to bo due on the following days. July 23. Air Reynolds moved for leave of absence to be granted to Air Creighton for three weeks. A debate ensued, and several members opposed the motion. A division was called for hut not taken. 1 he motion was agreed to. Air Bradshaw mov.>d that leave of absence be granted to Air Donald Reid, 011 account of urgent public affairs. Dr Webster moved, as an amendment, that the words “ private affairs ” be substituted, which was agreed to. In the Lower House, last night, Air Bathgate moved the second reading of the District 1 ourts Act Amendment Bill. He explained that tho Bill is intended toextend the equity jurisdiction in the District Courts to L3OO, so as to cheapen litigation. Air T. L. Shepherd supported tho Bill. On reporting the Bill, the Government, instead of amending the old Bill, introduced an entirely new Bill. Air Steward supported the Bill. It would enable parties to carry cases from R. AI. to District ' ourts cheaply, and also enable certain criminal prosecutions to be more economically conducted than at present. Mr Gillies criticised the Bill as retrogressive, not reformatory. It rendered tho offices of the Judges of the Supreme Court sinecures, and simply the patronage of the Government, as the necessity arose for more district judges, Tho Bill raised a distinction between law and equity, which it was alw ays sought here to amalgamate. The decision as to matters within the jurisdiction of thc,District Courts under the new Bi 1, would he difficult. There were too many Courts already. Reform should discourage litigation, and he hoped the Bill : would be modified in Committee. Air Bathgate replied the proposed Bill ' would not interfere with the Supreme Courts, > which were occupied with large and im- ■ portant questions, and there was no intention I to make new appointments. The second reading was eg rood to.

The Gold Mining Bill was read a second time, as was also the Canterbury Waste Lands Bill. Mr Thomson moved that to-morrow the House resolves itself into Committee, to consider the Clutha Public Works Loan. Mr Wilson wished to know to what extent the land was already hypothecated, and which land was proposed to be hypothecated under the Bill ? Mr Shepherd proposed that the question be postponed until after the financial statement. Mr Header Wood supported the motion, which was then agreed to. A Select Committee was appointed to consider the Civil Service Amendment Permanent Officers Salaries Bill. In the House of Representatives last night the Law of Arrest Amendment Act was introduced by Mr Bathgate. It provides that Superintendents and Councils may apply the third section of the Act to offences against Provincial laws. The third section provides that Provincial Acts to which this Act is applicable are to be specified by proclamation in the Gazette. Persons committing offences against such specified Acts, either upon indictments or as misdemeanors upon _ summary conviction may be arrested without warrant, by a constable or peace officer. The arrested person to bo brought before a justice as soon as convenient, and not to be detained beyond sixty hours. The Act to come into force within forty days from date of proolation in Gazette. The Rotaries Bill provides that none are to practise as Rotaries unless those appointed under the Act. Judges of the Supreme Court may appoint persons holding the following qualifications Solicitors and barristers, authorised Notaries Public of Great Britain, practising in the Colony. Application to bs made to the Supreme Court. The penalty after the end of the year to he L2O, and LSO for practising without a certificate, 'the certificate must be renewed annually. Rotaries, not being barristers or solicitors, are prohibited from acting as conveyancers. Notaries’ fees are to bo fixed by the Government. The Leases and Sale of Settled Estates Amendment Act Bill was introduced by Mr Bathgate. It provides that in orders hereafter made, under the 10th section of the Act, ne condition shall be inserted requiring leases thereby authorised to be settled by Court, or made conformable with a model lease, save with the consent of the parties. Any conditions already inserted may be excised by the Court. In judging what are settled estates within the meaning of the Act, the Court is to be governed by the facts and limitations of the settlement at the time of its taking effect. But where pre-emptive tights, under Provincial Waste Land Regulations, or other personal estate are involved, the Court is to be guided by facts and limitations at the time of application, to exercise powers conferred by the Act, Pre-emptive rights conferred or acquired by law, or interest or estate acquired under pre emptive rioht, shall, when subject to settlement under the Act, be deemed settled estates in the Lower House to-day, Mr Cutbbertson asked the Government how many immigrants bad been landed at the Bluff up to the present time on behalf of the Government, exclusive of Brogden’s immigrants, and what instructions the Agent-General had been given relative to further shipments of immigrants ? Mr O’Eorke replied that the only vessel was the Zealaudia, with 319, of whom only 13 were Government immigrants. Instructions had been sent to the AgentGeneral to send a ship direct to the Bluff with 3UO. . Mr Steward asked the Native Minister for information relative to Golenso's Maori Lexicon. Mr M'Lean said that LI, 180 had been expended, and the work was not yet completed. Colenso’s alleged illness prevented the completion of the work. Nothing had been paid since 1870. A large amount of matter had accumulated, which was now in Colenso’s hands. On a motion for three weeks’ leave of absence yesterday to Mr Creighton, the member for Eden, Mr Buckland contended that the time was too long. It would virtually disfranchise the constituency. Mr Reeves suggested that some provision should be made relative to members who were also members of Provincial Councils being absent attending to their Council duties. Mr Fitzherbcrt suggested that the sessions of Provincial Councils should be restricted to the recess. Mr Fox asked the Government whether, in response to petitions, Government intended to introduce measures amending the Licensing Bill. The Premier replied, referring to Mr Fox’s exertions in connection with the cause of total abstinence. Ue went on strongly to condemn drunkenness, and criticised the Permissive Bill. That Bill would jeopardize the property rights of licensed victuallers, and would not improve houses already licensed; but, by jeopardizing the value of property, render the character of houses worse. The Government favored the improvement of the existing licensing law, but would prefer to prevent the adulteration of drink and the sale of absolute poison, and to render more difficult the obtaining of licenses for new houses. The Government recognised the fact that the present system of granting licenses by unpaid Justices does not work well. The power of granting licenses should be taken out of the power of Justices of the Peace, and commissioners should he appointed to watch over and inspect licensed houses ; also, to watch over improvements, and to instruct owners to make the necessary improvements, and to see that such were made in sufficient time. They should have the power to suspend licenses for misconduct, and should only grant fresh licenses where such were really necessary. They should inspect houses before granting licenses, and prescribe the conditions upon which bars should be conducted, and grant encouragement to working men’s clubs. They should stringently suppress adulteration, and impose heavy penalties. Any deficiencies in the revenue under the new system could ho made up by increasing the cost of licenses. The Government was not able to give any definite promise upon the subject raised by Mr Fox, but would consider the question during the recess, and draft a Bill. In reply to Mr Rolleston, Mr M’Lean promised to produce despatches from the Governor to the Secretary of State, relative to the Native meeting at Ngarauwahaia, and to the change of Ministry; also the despatches from the Acting-Governor relative to the Luna’s visit to Kawhia. Mr Richardson promised a return of the amount paid to tho owners of private property for land taken for railway purposes. 1 The Juvenile Offenders Bill, 'the Bill for disqualifying holders of Publicans’ Licenses for Commissioners of the Peace ; the Marine Surveyors Bill, and Native Reserves Bill, were read the first time. The Joint Stock Companies, aud the Canterbury Water Supply Bill, passed the second reading. The Wellington College Bill was read a first time. The Prisons Bill passed its second reading, Mr Bathgate explaining that it was a simnle Consolidation Bill, except danse 10, which empowered the Governor to appoint a place for a penal establishment. Un the motion lor the addition of Mr Collins’s name to the Goldfidds Committee, Mr Wakefield pointed out that no Wellington or Canterbury members were on the Committee. Mr Merryn said they would be of no use : thev understood nothing of such matters. Mr" Rolleston severely condemned the reparka o£ Mr Mervyn, and said that the

Goldfields and Native Committees contained the names of too many persons interested in such matters. On a discussion relative to Mr Reeves’s motion for returns of ships chartered for conveying immigrants, with the names of the owners and agents, and the price charged ner head, Mr Johnston attacked the Government contract with the New Zealand Shipping Company. Mr Laokie defended the Gsvarnment. Mr Gillies said that the New Zealand Company’s monopoly of six months was equally as dangerous as that of Shaw, Saville, and Co.; he referred to the connection of the former with the Bank of New Zealand and the Trust and Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. The return was agreed to. The Bill for constituting Native Councils and defining their functions, provides that the Bill should be permissive and at the option of the majority of Natives, where the major part of the inhabitants of any district are Natives whose title to the land is not extinguished. The Governor may alter or extend the boundaries of the districts, and also define the districts affected by the regulations under the Act. A mixed population may resolve to be brought under the operation of the Act. The land over which the Native title has been extinguished is to cease to he a part of the district. The Councils are to consist of not less than six members, and not more than twelve. The term of office is to be three years. The Governor may prorogue or dissolve the Council. Resident Magistrates are to be ex officio members. All male Natives who have attained their majority are qualified to vote. The Rolls are to be made up to the Resident Magistrate, and posted up. The Resident Magistrate is to act as Returning Officer, but the Governor may appoint others. The Council is to elect a president, subject to the Governor’s approval. He maybe either Native or European. The majority of the Council is to decide matters. Councillors are to be entitled to a remuneration fixed by the Governor, the salary of the president being paid out of the Consolidated Fund. The Council is to have the power to inquire into petitions regarding land disputes, and to facilitate amicable settlement and adjudication in such cases as are recognisable by the Native Lands Court. The Council is to report to the Governor relative to the observance of Native rights and customs. The Council may frame health regulations and for cleaning of bouses. Also in respect to nuisances, public property, drunkenness, prevention of fires, dogs, cattle, branding, trespass and boundary, and fencing, 'The Council may also impose penalties. When the Act has been brought into operation in any Native district, the Provincial Ordinances shall cease to exist. Mr Bradshaw moved that leave of absence be granted to Mr Donald Reid, on account of urgent public affairs. Dr Webster moved as an amendment, that the words “ private affairs,” be substituted, which was agreed to. In the Lower House last night, Mr Bathgate moved the second reading of the District Courts Act Amcnnraent Bill. He explained that the Bill is intended to extend the equity jurisdiction in tho District Courts to L3OO, so as to cheapen litigation. Mr T. L. Shepherd supported the BiU. Mr Steward supported the Bill. It would enable parties to carry cases from Resident Magistrates’ to District Courts cheaply, and also enable certain criminal proseetions to he more economically conducted than at present. Mr Gillies criticised the Bill as retrogressive, not reformatory. It rendered the offices of tho Judges of the Supreme Court sinecures, and simpiy increased the patronage of the Government, as the necessity arose for more District Judges. The Bill raised a distinction between law and equity which it was always sought here to amalgamate. The decision as to matters within the jurisdiction of the District Courts under the new Bill, would be difficult. There were too many Courts already. Reform should discourage litigation, and he hoped the Bill would be modified in Committee. Mr Bathgate replied the proposed Bill would not interfere with the Supreme Courts, which were occupied with large and important questions, and there was no intention to make new appointments. The second reading was agreed to. The Gold Mining Bill was read a second time, as was also the Canterbury Waste Lands Bill. Mr Thomson moved that to-morrow the House resolves itself into Committee, to consider the Clutha Public Works Loan. Mr Wilson wished to know to what extent the land was already hypothecated, and which laud was proposed to be hypothecated under the Bill? Mr Shepherd proposed that the question be postponed until after the financial statement. Mr Reader Wood supported the motion, which was then agreed to. A Select Committee was appointed to consider the Civ'l Service Amendment Permanent Officers Salaries Bill. In the Upper House, yesterday, Mr Waterhouse. in moving the appointment of a Select Committee to report upon the reconstruction of the Legislative Council, said no power existed for the Lower House to abolish the Council; the matter was settled by the Constitution. A second Chamber was highly necessary for good government. The existence of one Chamber, wherever tried, had proved a failure. Reviewing tho measures from the Lower House was not so important as preventing one class from domineering over the other. He showed the difference between the House of Lords at Home, and the Council here. Nominations here were dependent upon the exigencies of party. The Council could not offer any resistance to popular pressure, and could not maintain itself against the elected body. He was in favor of an Elective Chamber, which should be a resemblance to the United States Senate. The qualifications should be the same for both Houses ; the duration of the Council being ten or twelve years. After furtherdiscussion, the motion was postponed. July 24. In the House, Mr Shepherd asked the Premier whether the Government intends to extend the telegraph during the financial year, from Naseby to Clyde, via Blacks and St. Balkans ? The Premier said the cost would be between L 3,000 and L 4,000 ; but that the Government would inquire into the matter. Mr Bradshaw asked the Government whether they had received any report from the Commission appointed by the Provincial authorities of Otago regarding the sale of waste lands known to be auriferous, to M’Donald, at Switzers? The Premier said the report would be laid on the table in a few days. In reply to Mr O’Neill, in the House of Representatives, the Premier said that abstracts and specifications of. patents were being rapidly proceeded with. In reply to a question from the same gentleman, the Premier said that despatches frum the Secretary of State were unfavorable to the establishment of a New Zealand mint. In reply to Mr Bradshaw, the Premier said that Government did not intend to introduce a measure this session authorising mining for gold and silver on private property. It was desired to watch the operation of Victorian legislation on the subject. In reply to Mr Murray, Mr Richardson said that materials for the public service were procured in Europe in the following manner Orders were sent to the AgentGeneral, who caused specifications to be prepared by the Government Engineer, Ten-

ders were then invited, and the lewest have been always accepted. The plans of Towns Regulation Bill was introduced by Mr O’Neill, and read a first time; and on the motion of Mr Vogel, tho Education Bill was road a first time. The Wellington Loan Bill and the Sheriffs Act Amendment Bill were also read a first time. On the motion of Mr Gillies, it was agreed that the correspondence from Shaw, Saville & Co., on tho subject of chartering immigrant ships by the Agent-General, should be produced. In reply to Mr Bradshaw, the Government promised to lay on the table the Regulations for Goldfields Discovery Rewards. In reply to Dr. Webster, the Premier said the transactions between the Government and the Bank of New Zealand were carried on under an agreement laid before the House in 1871. On the motion of Mr Gillies, the Volunteer Laud Scrip Bill was read a second time. Mr Gillies proposed to amend the Bill iu Committee so as to leave the option of issuing scrip to the Provincial Councils. He said that in the Province of Auckland persons who had purchased scrip had afterwards bought up blocks of land by this means at half-a-crown an aore. The Defence Minister promised to introduce clauses in Committee protesting existing rights. Mr Vogel said that he hoped to be in a position to make the Financial Statement on Tuesday. Mr Vogel obtained leave to introduce an Imprest Supply BiU for a quarter of a million. Mr Gillies said that he did not appear as the leader of the Opposition ; there was no organised Opposition in existence. The necessity for an Imprest Supply Bill was caused by the House not being called together earlier. Mr Reader Wood saw no objection to the Bill. The Joint Stock Companies Act has been passed. Mr Wakefield has given notice of motion foi a return of sales and leases by Natives to Europeans since 1862, distinguishing between Government and private transactions, and giving all particulars. Major Atkinson moved for a copy of the correspondence between any officer of the Government and Mr W. Einnimore, of Wanganui, relative to the purchase of a large block of land on the West Coast, known as the Railway Reserve. Mr M'Lean said he was just about to lay the papers on the table. Mr Fox moved that the correspondence he read. A letter from Mr Einnimore, formerly Government Auctioneer at Wanganui, to Mr C. E. Haughton, Under Secretary for Immigration, was read, in which the writer referred to the sale by auction of certain lands, and went on to propose that he and Mr Haughton should enter into a land speculation, offering to pay Mr Haughton half the nett profits. Mr Einnimore did not wish his name to appear. He proposed that the land on the Railway reserve should he sold to him at the upset price, and then auctioned, the nett profits to be divided. He offered to deposit LI,OOO, but the transaction was to be strictly private aud confidential. Mr Finmmore referred to his services in the field, and said he might claim a large slice of land from the Government, but had not got a rood, and the Government had twice ruined him. He said if Mr Haughton joined him a large sum would be made. The letter was headed “private and confidential,” and signed “ W. Einnimore.” Mr Haughton replied, stating that he could not regard the letter as confidential, and he therefore handed it to the Native Minister. The latter dispensed with Mr Finnimore’s services and appointed Captain Ray, of Patea, to conduct all laud sales personally. July 25. Mr Bradshaw asks to-day whether the Government will extend the telegraph to Tapanui and Switzers; also, whether the Government will refer the report of the Mining Conference at Lawrence to the Goldfields Committee. In the House Mr O’Conor gave notice of a motion for the reconstruction of the constituencies. In reply to Mr Murray, Mr Vogel said that Government had no intention to introduce a Lands Improvement Bill, or a Bill enabling Road Boards to borrow money. Mr Webster asked what authority the Crown Lands Commissioners were subject to in their official capacity ? Were the Provincial Authorities justified in interfering with the action of the Commissioners in administering Land Acts ? He said tho position of the Commissioners was unsatisfactory ; they were more or less independent, being subject to no control whatever, and owed no allegiance either to the General or Provincial Governments. It was necessary to prevent local influences being brought to bear upon them.—Mr O’Rorke replied that the Commissioners were appointed by the Governor, subject to the direction of the Secretary for Crown Lands. Their duties were comprised in the Land Act of 1862, and the Provincial Land Laws Commissioners were ex officio members of Land Boards, and sometimes chairmen. The Provincial authorities had no power to interfere with the action of the Boards, or with the Commissioners, without local authority.—Mr Webster then inquired whether the Provincial authorities were justified in using their influence to compel the Commissioners to wrest the Land Laws to Provincial purposes. Mr O’Rorke replied : Not unless tho Provincial authorities were supported by law. fn some Provinces, Auckland for instance, the Commissioner was entirely a Provincial officer. An Imprest Supply Bill, of a quarter of a million, was passed through all its stages. Mr Vogel moved the second reading of the Telegraphic Cables Subsidy Agreement Ratification Bill. He said delay would be inexpedient : there was no probability of the Imperial Government immediately acting on the resolution adopted by the Intercolonial Conference. Tho Imperial Government had made strong representations to the Colonies against granting monopolies to companies for a number of years : they could risk such by the present grant. The existing communications between England and Australia was subject to frequent interruption. The tariff in existence was also very high. The Home Government and those of Queensland, New South Wales, and New Zealand were anxious for the establishment of an alternative line. The Indo-European Companies were largely interested in the new line. The Indian Government were willing to extend their line so as to meet the new line. Concessions had been secured from the King of Assam. Queensland, New South Wales, and New Zealand proposed to be equally responsible for a guarantee of five per cent on L1.000.01i0. The cost of the cable was estimated at L200.00U. All revenue over L 12.000 would go towards the reduction of the guarantee. The proposed tariff was very favorable. New Zealand’s annual liability was limited to onethird of L 50,000, only, being paid while the line was working. The Queensland Parliament had approved of the proposal; and the Sydney Government also approved of it, and would shortly submit a proposal to Parliament. The receipts of New Zealand, in the first instance, might not be over expenses, but this would alter in a short time. New Zealand could not afford to be left out. Steamers from Australia were uncertain.. Great commercial inconvenience occurred here in consequence of large financial transactions guing on constantly between London and Australia by cable.—Mr Pearce asked whether there was any fixed time for laying the cable.—Mr Vogel replied that it would be completed as expeditiously as possible. He was prepared to modify the

Bill, and make the period distinct.—Mr J. E. Brown asked when the shore end would be laid in the Colony ? —Mr Vogel said that the Government had undertaken to pay L6OO towards the cost of the surveys, and Queensland ana New South Wales were each to pay an equal amount. A vessel was being prepared in Australia for the survey. The French Government were anxious to pay a share of the guarantee, if the line were carried to Norfolk Island and New Caledonia. The Government, however, had declined the proposal. The New Zealand Government proposed that the shore end should be at the south end of Cook’s Straits, as the business on that side was the largest. The exact point of the shore end would be about Cape Farewell, in Nelson.—Mr Shepherd proposed to postpone the second reading until after the financial statement.—Messrs Ramsay and White supported L the second reading.—Mr Vogel, in reply to a question, said New Zealand would be responsible for her share of the guarantee, it the cable to Australia should be interrupted. The other Colonics would be in the same position with regard to the Singapore end.—The second reading was agreed to.—The Bill will be committed on Thursday. Mr Vogel moved the second reading of the Provincial Council Powers Bill, He said the Bill was intended by the Government to give the Councils the power to constitute Courts of Judicature and prescribe procedure, having the power to deal with scab disease, the sale of liquors, the sale of cattle and impounding, thistles, making and repairing highways, levying and recovering rates, and regulating boundary fences. The operation of the Bill will be similar to that of the new Education Bill, in not being applicable to the whole Colony, but leaving it optional with Provincial Councils to bring the Act into operation. The Bill is not meant to extend the power of Councils, nor to iu crease their permanency. It simply confers certain necessary powers.—Mr Bunny referred to the 9th section of the Constitution Act, which defines the subjects on which Provincial Councils have no power to legislate. Therefore, he might assume that Councils were empowered to deal with subjects not specified. There was much difficulty and doubt experienced by Provincial Councils, and caused by the tinkering of the General Government. Why should the legislative functions of Councils be limited to L 500? The Act should have specified matters on which the Councils were empowered to legislate. It would be better to deprive Councils of their legislative power, or not to interfere with many subjects which Councils were already empowered to legislate upon, not mentioned in the Bill. It would be much better to leave minor matter to Councils, 'giving them full powers.—Dr Webster considered the Bill retrospective, and also indicative of a change in the policy of the Premier, who was formerly a Centralist.—Mr Shepherd : The power to impose penalties to LSOO was dangerous, and there was a general feeling throughout the country against extending the powers of Councils. - Mr Seymour thought there was a middle course open. He advocated a permissive system. Certain Bills having been declared to be ultra vires, rendered a defining Act necessary.—Mr Cuthbertson supported the Bill, but advocated that the power of imposing penalties up to LSOO should he reduced. He referred to the doubts regarding the validity of certain Provincial Acts, and the necessity for valididating the powers of Councils. The subjects mentioned in the Act might be extended.—Mr Fox said the Act did not grant new powers to Councils which had already power to euforce Provincial Ordinances and impose penalties.—Mr Gillies approved of the objects of the Bill, but it did not go far enough—the subjects included were already legislated upon by Councils. The Bill greatly increase! the powers of Councils in some respects, but in others curtailed them. At present there were only doubts regarding the powers of Councils. The question was not yet decided. The Bill did not settle doubts ; in fact, it converted doubts into realities. The Bill should have declared what powers are provided. The Councils Powers Bill of ISC6 created inabilities. This Bill did the same. The second clause conferred powers actually prohibited by the Constitution. The Councils had no powers to create Courts. After a further discussion, the Bill passed the second reading. in reply to Mr Bradshaw’s questions with regard to the telegraph line to Tapanui and Switzers, and the report of the Lawrence Mining Conference, Mr Vogel said that he could not at present give a distinct answer as to the construction of the line, but would consider the matter. The line would cost L 4,130. The report of the Confereuce would be shortly laid on the table. In the Upper House, the Government, on the motion of Mr Sewell, promised tne production of such papers connected with Sullivan’s murder as would uot interfere with matters pending. The Assaults on Constables Bill, the Insolvency Bill, and the Waterworks Bill were read a second time. Mr Reynolds moved the second reading of the Marine Surveyors Bill, which was carried without discussion. The Bill provides for the declaration of ports where Marine Surveyors may be licensed, the licenses to be granted by the Commissioner of Customs. The Surveyors, when requested, are to hold surveys in the presence of Lloyd’s agent or the agents of Insurance Companies. The [certificate of ?] a Marine Surveyor is only to be accepted when ho is licensed. The Sheriff's Act Amendment Bill provides that where the Sheriff is not present at sittings of the Court, his duties may be performed by any person appointed by the Court or Judge. July 26. Mr Reynolds moved the second reading of the Marine Surveyors Bill, which was carried without discussion. Mr Rolleston moved the second reading of the Canterbury Width of Tires Bill, and suggested its being made applicable to the whole Colony.—The Minister of Public Works suggested it should only apply to parts with metalled roads, Mr Cuthbertson thought the House should enable the Provinces to legislate on such a matter.—Mr Reynolds supported Mr Cuthbertson’s proposal—Mr Gillies explained that a Bill providing for penalties was out of the power of Provinces. —Mr Bunny said if the Bill were applied to the Colony it should be permissive, and brought into operation by a Provincial proclamation. The Bill was read a second time. In Committee, Mr Thomson obtained leave to introduce a Bill for raisiug money for public works to be constructed in the Clutha district, and postponed his remarks on the Bill till its second readiug. The Bill was read a first time. Mr Wakefield made his annual motion for the return of sales and leases of laud by Natives to Europeans. He spoke for one hour, and emptied the House.—Mr A. J. Richmond then drew the attention of the Speaker to the state of the House ; but there being a bare quorum present, Mr Wakefield resumed his speech quite refreshed.—Parata opposed the return, which the Native Minister refused to supply. He said the House had no right to call for returns of private transactions, and offered returns of Govern ment dealings.—Mr Murray supported the motion, which was lost on a division—2 to 27. Mr Wakefield’s motion for a nominal return of the officers in the Defence Department and Constabulary was carried. The Canterbury Cathedral Square Bill passed through Committee,

Mr Rolleston moved an address to his Excellency for all unpublished despatches from the late Governor and Actin-r-Governor to the Secretary of 'tate re ministerial changes, aud Earl Kimberley’s replies. Ministers promised them as soon as his Excellency had assented to the proposition. Mr Carrington gave notice of a motion for the desirability of provision being made for the construction of roads and bridges iu the 97,800 acres confiscated land given to military settlers in Taranaki, between the White Gliffs and the Patea district. Mr Reader Wood’s motion for further correspondence in re Mr Russell’s complaint against Mr Bectham, was carried. Mr Johnston gave notice of motion asking for a return of the travelling allowance of Ministers ; also, in detail, all allowances to the Governor during the rive years ending March 31st last. Mr Harrison gave notice of a motion that the Goldfields Committee consider the report upon water supply to the Goldfields. Mr Murray has given notice of motion for returns of particulars in connection with the purchase of the Port Chalmers Railway, Engineer’s report of the value and actual cost of the railway, the terms on which the Provincial Government works the railway, the list of shares and bond-holders of the Railway Company, showing the number of shares held by each.