HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 136, 3 August 1881, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, 2nd August. The Housi met at 2.30. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION BELL. The Hon. Mr. Hall gave notice to ask

leave to introduce a Railway Construction BUI.

TOWN DISTRICTS BILL.

The Hon. Mr. Dick gave notice that he would ask leave to introduce the Town Districts Bill, which is similar to that introduced last session.

THE TEN PER CENT. REDUCTIONS.

Sir George Grey gave notice that, he would ask if the ten per cent, reduction had been made on the Civil servants' salaries last month ; and if so, by what authority ?

THE £300 JOB.

A communication was read from the Attorney- General, to the effect that the £300 illegally paid to Mr. Bees had not yet been refunded. The Hon. Mr. Hall moved that the communication be dealt with by the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr. Stewart strongly objected, insisting that the proper course was for the Government to refer the matter for advice to the Law Advisers, with a view to the recovery of the money. The Hon. Mr. Johnston said that the communication had been made by an officer who wfcs in no way amenable to the Government, and there was no option left with them as to the course to be pursued. The motion was then agreed to. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

Eeplying to questions put, it was stated that an additional supply of timber waggons was being prepared for the trade in Southland. — The Government would inquire into the alleged impossibility of ■ obtaining convictions for breaches of the Arms Act, in consequence of the severe punishments provided, with the view of getting the punishment more in accordance with the offence. — Inquiries would be made into the condition of affairs existing in small telegraphio stations, with the view of relieving the operators from Sunday duty. — To prevent confusion, Alexandria (Otago) would in future be designated Alexandria South, to distinguish from Alexandra North. — The Government considered the precautions already taken against the introduction of sm&ll-jMMt sufficient, a\i& wauld not suspend all communication with Sydney and Queensland. — The Government deemed that the law, as it existed between landlord and tenant, was unsatisfactory, and if time permitted, steps would be taken this session to have it amended.

REDISTRIBUTION BILL.

Tho Hon. Mr. Hall moved for leave to introduce a Bill to readjust the representation of the people. Mr. Barron moved as an amendment that it be a rocommendation to the Govornmeut iv passing tho above-named measure, that tho present number of representatives should not be oxceedod. Tho Hou. John Hall said that the amendment was most unusual, and at this Htngo would bo most inoonvenient. Ho suggested that the amendment should be withdrawn, and when tho Bill camo on for its Rooond reading it should then bo ropoutod. Mr, Lovostara stigmatised the amendment rb an attempt to influence the Governmont by means of a district caucus. Mr. Maoandrow donied that such was tho purnoso, and considered the present an eligible opportunity for disou6sing the point. Tho wholo framework of the Bill depended upon tho number of members to bo providod for, and the- sooner that was seltlod tho bettor.

Mr. Moss said the present was the most convenient opportunity they could get for discussing the point, as upon the socond reading the Government would regard any such criticism in the light of an adverse vote.

Sir George Grey said the amendment had come upon them in the form of a surprise, and he therefore moved the ad* journmenfc of the debate.

The Hon. Mr. Hall objected to the adjournment. Mr. De Latour supported the adjournment, and insisted that if they allowed the Bill to go to a second reading, any adverse criticism would be taken as a noconfidence motion.

The motion for adjournment was negatived, and on the original motion and amendment being put, that the latter stand part of the question, the House divided — Ayes, 22 ; noes, 40. The Bill was then introduced, and read a first time.

The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m., for dinner.