GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1881, 17 August 1874, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

« HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [.ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN PRESS TELEGRAPH AGENCY.] Wellington, Aug. 15. In debate on second reading of Immigration and Public Works Act. Mr Tribe asked the Premier if the Government would not make the maintenance of the road between Westland and Canterbury a colonial charge, as the Westland Province had the most expensive portion of the road to maintain, and could not afford such an expenditure. The Premier thought that the cost should be defrayed jointly [ by the two Provinces, and he believed the Superintendent of Canterbury would offer no objection to that arrangement. He suggested that both the Superintendents should consult upon the matter. After a long debate upon the Manawatu and Rangitikei land claim of L 15,000 by Wellington against the Colony a resolution was carried against the Government, by 29 to 25. In the absence of Mr Richardson, the Premier moved the second readings of the Public Works Advances Bill, for giving effect to the proposals in the Financial Statement ; also the Immigration and Public Works Act Amendment Bill, providing iov the expenditure of L 60,000 on roads in the North Island, and an equivalent sum in the South Island ; also the Railways Bill. After a very short discussion, the Bills were read a second time. ; The Premier announced the Polynesian Island Trade Bill would not be proceeded with until the debate on the abolitiori resolutions were concluded, and probably not at all, as he would hasten on the session as much as possible. The House adjourned till Monday at 2.30. j