NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 126, 29 June 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

(FSB UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, June 28. The House met at 2.30 p.m. NEW MEMBER, -

Mr. Weston, the newly-elected memberfor Grey Valley, was introduced by Messrs. Beid and Reeves, and took his seat.

FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE NEW PLYMOUTH

HARBOR BOARD.

Mr. Wright, member for Coleridge, gave notice that he would move for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the financial position of the New Ply* mouth Harbor Board, and its relation to' the public creditor. AMENDMENT OP DOG REGISTRATION ACT.

Mr. Ballance gave notice that he would ask the Government if they intended to introduce a measure to amend the Dog Registration Act, in the direction of reducing the taz.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS

Replying to questions, it was stated by the Government that they had no funds in band belonging to the deceased Thomas Birch, and could not undertake to erect a monument over his grave, unless they had a surplus after paying his creditors in full.

Inspectors Pender and Buckley had been appointed prior to Inspector Moore ; consequently, the latter was held to be reduced in rank first under the retrench* ment policy. The Government would, in framing its financial proposals, take into consideration the suggestion of restoring the capitation allowance to volunteers, and arranging for annual encampments of volunteers in each provincial district. The Imperial authorities had been 'appealed to, with the view of getting provision made for united action on the part of the Australian colonies in bringing to justice men who desert their wives and families.

The names of the telegraphic operators who struck work in New Zealand bad been sent to the Australian colonies, with the sanction of the Minister of the day. They were only ringleaders in the strike, and their conduct had been calculated to endanger the public security, as well aa inconvenience business, inasmuch as the safety of the railway system depended upon the efficient working of the telegraphic department. Steps were being taken to rescind the proclamation of 1878, reserving land in Canterbury, so as to throw it open for settlement.

The Government had not considered the propiiety of establishing a School of Mines at the Thames, as a school of that kind had been established at Dunedin, and it had not proved a success.

The Government had not come to any final decision respecting the amendment of the law dealing with juvenile offenders.

No correspondence had taken place with the Home authorities regarding the parcel post system. The Railway Department had the question of parcels delivery under consideration, but they had arrived at no decision on the point.

REGULATION OF ELECTION BILL.

The Hon. Mr. Johnston moved • the second reading of the Begulation of Elections Bill. It was similar to the Bills already twice before the House, and embodied the amendments made by the House in them. Its leading principles were the extension of the hours of polling to 8 p.m., the substitution of written for personal nominations, and providing for the representation of minorities, so that where three members were to be elected, no electors should vote for more than two.

A considerable debate ensued, but was interrupted by the adjournment for dinner at the usual hour.