PARLIAMENTARY.

Evening Post, Volume XIV, Issue 59, 7 September 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Thursday, 7th September. Numerous questions, motions, and orders were disposed of yesterday, and in most cases without any prolonged or prominent debate. The only deviations from dry discussion were made by Mr. Viucent Pyke, on an opportunity for sketching the member for Geraldine which Mr. Wakefield had himself afforded, and by Sir George Grey and Mr. Stafford, in an argument as to the accuracy of their memories respecting a private conversation some time past, lo questious put, members of the Ministry answered that the general question of extramural burying should receive attention during the recess; that a definite reply would be given in a week with regard to placing on the estimates £6000, to be paid to the native owners of the Duuedin Princes-street reserve ; and that the Government did not see their way to preventing, by legislation, the dangerous practice of driving railway workmen in ballast trucks in front of locomotives. Among the bills introduced was one to repeal the AttorneyGenerals Act, 1860. Mr. Murray raised a brief debate on the constitution of the Public Petitions Committee by a motion which was ultimately withdrawn. Ou the motion of Mr. Stout, amended by Mr. Button, it was recommended that Magistrates' Courts' offices • should bo provided with the New Zealand Jurist, or some similar publication. Mr. Tairoa moved that the request made by Tawhiao to the Native Minister, for a restoration of a portion of the confiscated lauds in tho Waikato should be given effect to, and even called for a division, but did not force it, the " Ayes" being evidently much in the iniuority. Mr. Wakefield moved " that the position of Government whip is incompatible with that of chairman of the Public Petitions Committee." Mr. Macaudrew, disclaiming auy want of respect for the chairman of the Petitions Committee (Mr. Kelly), thought there was an incompatibility between the offices described. Mr. Pyke, without disclaiming auy want of respect for Mr. Wakefield, humorously criticised the motion and the mover, who withdrew it, alter stating that by directing attention to the matter his object had been served. On the motion of Major Atkiuson, consideration of the Governor's message iv connection with Harbor Bills was postponed till Monday, which day will be devoted to such bills, of which there are several. There was a renewed discussion on the Canterbury Pastoral Leasing Bill, introduced by Mr. Wason, and on a division • being taken it was thrown out by 3G to 20. The Dunedin Municipal Corporation Bill, of which Mr. Stout was in charge, was for a short time in committee, and a number of other bills passed through various stages. The Law Practitioners' Act was opposed by Mr. Whitaker, on the ground that Mr. Smythies had already been paid £1000 in full satisfaction of all claims, and at' his suggestion the second reading was adjourued until Wednesday next. The bill for amending the Gold Duties Act was. read a second time without' discussion,' on *tho Understanding that the same should be taken in committee. It was half-past twelve when the House adjourned.