PARLIAMENTARY.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 5250, 23 July 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[from our correspondent.] Wellington, July 22. In the House to-night, Stout made a lengthy educational statement. It dealt largely with the system now in vogue, and which the Ministry has not perfected. He made many suggestions, however, for its amendment, in L eluding agriculture, schools, &c. After this the Colonel Whitmore Enabling Bill came up for its second reading, and was agreed to at 12, after a short discussion. July 22. In the House this afternoon, leave of absence was granted to Mr O'Connor for a week". In answer to questions, Miuisters Baid that copies of bills affecting cbmmeroial

interests passed by the Legislature would be forwarded to the various Chambers of Commerce. Long service medals would be granted to Volunteers of at least twenty years' service. The Government would take into consideration the reduction of charges for press cable messages. The press would take suggestions from members in regard to the fixing of boundaries for the Charitable Aid Bill. It was the intention of the Government at present to introduce a bill to provide for railway h oards. Mr Seddon got a little rough handling over a question he brought up in reference to certain remarks which had been made by a Mr Purnell, a lawyer in the R.M. Court at Ashburton, and asking for an inquiry into the administration of justice in that court. The legal members of the House immediately swooped down on the member for Kumara and smote him hip and thigh, insinuating that he has often used in the House language which was almost as bad as that ascribed to those young fellows. Mr Seddori vigorously replied, and the matter dropped. Bills were introduced to amend the Licensing Act, the Adulteration Prevention Act, and the law relating to contempt of courts. Mr Beetham moved his federation resolution to the effect that federation is necossary. The hon. gentleman made a very long speech, which consisted for the most part of extracts of speeches of gentlemen who have evinced an interest in the matter. The effect of Mr Beethatn's long oration was to drive out of the House all except a few who are known to have federation leanings, and those who probaby did not like to discourage the mover. At the conclusion of Mr Beetham's speech Sir George Grey announced his intention of supporting the proposal, and the debate was adjourned until the 12th of August, when Macandrew's motion relating to the grand federation of all English speaking nations comes on: The Plurality of Votes Bill was committed, agreed to, and passed.