POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 9772, 31 July 1895, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[From Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, July 31. The Jury System. The Government have decided to bring in a Bill next session reforming the whole jury system. The Attorney-General, in making an intimation to that effect, anil asking leave to withdraw the measure now before the ClouneJ', expressed the opinion that the system of coroners’ juries should aluo be dealt with. Tie considered that coroners and coroners’ juries should be abolished. Local Government.

I have the Premier’s authority for saying that lie intends to make an effort to put a Local Government Bill through this session, and, as it is mainly a consolidating measure, ho tins hopes of placing it on the (Statute Book. It contains over SOU clauses, and consolidates over fifty existing Acta. The measure is drafted as outlined in the Premier's speech to his constituents before the session, and will provide for extending the franchise and amalgamation of local bodies. There will he, no necessity to persevere witli the Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill in the fare of this local government measure. Jottings. The House lias disagreed with the Council's amendment in the Criminal Code Bill reducing the age of consent to fifteen. Before the close of the session the Defence Minister promises to issue complete regulations dealing with promotions in the police force.