HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 109, 10 May 1887, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Mr. Fitzherbert presontcd a petition from the Wellington Gas Company, prayincr for leave to bring in a BUI to extend the operation of tho Wellington Gas Company to the Hutt and Potone. Tho Bill was introduced and read a first time. Mr. Larnaoh gave notice to introduco the Coal Mines Act Amondment Bill. Mr. Thompson gave notice to ask whether the Government will consider tho question of giving more suitable accommodation to the representatives of the press in reporting the proceedings of the House. In reply to Mr. Bevan, who asked whether tho Mini a tor of Mines would recommend that a substantial sum (say, £50,000) be placed on the Estimates in order to encourage tho development of auriferous and argentiferous deposits in tho colony, the Minister said that, looking at the oiroumstanoes of the colony, he could not recommend any such sum, but he would be glad to recommend a moderate amount, for tho purpose of oncouroging the mining industry. He considered that exoept for opening roads and bridges, he did not think subsidies ought to be granted. Mr. Fisher asked the Minister of Lands whether tho Government will place on tho Estimates a sum of £100 for the purpose of pnblicly and practically testing Williams's rabbit exterminator in some rabbit-infested district ? Tho Minister said it would not bo fair to grant the subsidy asked for. Mr. Williams had taken out a patent for his invention, and if it effected tho purpose he should make a fortune by it. Mr. Guinncsa asked tho Government whether they will introduce a measure during tho present session to provide for the incorporation and enrolment of volnnteer fire brigades, and for tho payment of an annual capitation allowanoo to efficient volunteer firemen. The Premier said tho Government had no objection, but they had not tho moans to provide for capitation. They loft that to the local bodies. Mr. Fisher asked the Minister of Justice — 1. Whether his attention has been called to tho sentenqe passed by the Wellington Resident Magistrate on two mon convicted of shooting a cock-pheasant at Wainui, tbe penalty inflictod being a fine of £5 oaoh or fourteen days' imprisonment? 2. Will the Minister of Justice take steps, if the fines bo paid, to have the fines romitted; or, if the persons convicted aro not able to pay the fines, will he tako steps to have the term of imprisonment r oduced ? The Ministor said he had not been "aware of it till tho question was put on the Order Paper, and was now making inquiries, the result of whioh would be communicated to tho hon. member.