PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 101, 22 August 1896, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

IN HOUSE AND COUNCIL. [By Telegraph.] Special to Standard. Wellington, this day. Those who supported the Premier's motion that leave of absence should be granted to the member for Wallace for the remainder of the session on account of ill-health did not deny that Mr Macintosh had been indisposed, but they argued that from his mature age and past services it was ungenerous to parade his indiscretion on the floor of the House. Two certificates were read to the effect that the member in question was suffering from ill-health. Dr Collins certified that he had attended Mr Mackintosh from the sth till 9th inst. for bronchial affection, and in addition he was suffering from " mental worry," while Dr Cahill had recommended that Mr Mackintosh should return home, as it was impossible for him to get the same attention in a lodging house as he would in his own home. After a debate lasting for an hour leave was granted by 38 to 16. The Government are not inclined to look favorably on the request that a flax expert be sent to England and America. Mr Saunders was informed that Government do not intend to subordinate their policy measures to the Alcoholic Liquors Amendment Bill, but they will do their best to get the bill through this session, as they consider it a measure that ought to be dealt with.

The question of placing a sum on the estimates for a geological survey of the northern goldfields is under the consideration of the Cabinet. The Premier is of opinion that each of the banks doing business in the colony should have their assets and liabititles in a better position. It is a matter, he thinks, which should be dealt with and the assets should be somewhat equal to the liabilities. The Hon. W. M. Bolt succeeded yesterday afternoon in getting leave from the Legislative Council to reintroduce his Female Law Practitioners Bill. The motion was carried by 17 to 15. The Medical Practitioners Registration Act Amendment Bill and the Public Morgues Bill passed their final stages. The Council by 14 to 10 rejected the motion for the second reading of the Shearers Accommodation Bill. Mr W. Hutchison has given notice of his intention to move that Government should bring down proposals for the establishment of a State bank, and as suitable initiation of the same that the million of money proposed to be borrowed for public works and land settlement should be found by the issue of state notes. Last evening's sitting was taken up with the loan proposals. The Premier moved the second reading of the Bill authorising the raising of £1,000,000 to be expended in public works, opening up Crown lands, acquiring Native lands, and promoting settlement. In the course of his remarks Mr Seddon stated that it was the intention of the Government to push on the Woodville —Eketahuna line with all possible speed. The Premier was followed by Mr Mitchelson, Mr Duthie, and Sir Robert Stout, all opposing the measure, objecting especially to the schedules in the Bill. Mr Hall-Jones took up the cudgels on behalf of the Government, but there was nothing new in his speech. After a lengthy discussion, in which Messrs G. W. Russell, Collins, R. Thompson, E. M. Smith, Buddo, Willis, and Allah, and Dr Newman took part, the debate was adjourned on the motion of Mr Mills.