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Grey River Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5555, 24 July 1886, Page 4

to the bill with certain amendments which had been put in, but he had persisted in his opposition all the same. This gave rise to a personal discussion between the Premier, M'Millan, Buckland, and Hislop as to what really occurred during the conversation referred to. Duncan's motion was lost by 25 to 7. The bill was reported with admendments after four hours' discussion, and the House rose at 12.40 a.m. Wellington, July 23. Hislop moved the second reading of the Wairau Gass Bill. Dodson opposed the bill at great length, and moved it be read that day month. Stout supported the second reading, and said the bill Bhould be allowed to go to the Private Bills Committee in the usual way. It could then be rejected on the third reading if the Hous6 wished to do so. After a long discussion the motion for the second reading was lost by 27 to 26. Recce moved that the bill be read a second time on next sitting day, which was also lost by 28 to 26. The bill was then ordered to be read that day month. Ormond brought up the report of the Government Insurance Committee. Atkinson asked whether the hon. gentleman intended taking any further action on it. Ormond said he had no such intention at present, but no doubt Government would afford an opportunity for the report being discussed, as the subject was one which required attention. In reply to Ormond, Stout said that Government proposed giving an opportunity for the discussion of the report this session. Replying to questions, it was stated — - That the question of differential duty on dressed and undressed timber would have to be dealt with when the Customß tariff was again under consideration. That the Tarawera natives had been approached with a view to ascertain whether they would be willing to exchange the land of the terraces for a. site in another part of the colony. That a number of contractors had informed the Minister for Public Works that they were satisfied with the alterations made in the form of specifications for tenders for the Gorge contract, Napier to Palmerston railway, and with the present form of contract. That country postmasters and telegraphists who had to keep their offices open between seven and eight p.m., had not received any gratuities last year ; the extra'duty being part of the regular duty of those officers. That Colenso's Maori lexicon would not be finished for some time yet. The letter " A," a very important one, was completed, and it was proposed to complete the work in parts.' Government would only pay for the work as it was completed, and would not incur any expenditure beyond what was necessary. No distinct progress was made in the work last year. Stout moved that the House at its rising adjourn till half -past two on Monday. Agreed te. The House rose at 5.30 p.m.