MANAIA PARLIAMENT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume VI, Issue 1100, 25 August 1885, Page 2

MANAIA PARLIAMENT.

(from our own correspondent.) Wednesday^ August 19. Tho Acting- Speaker took the chair a'< 7.45 p.m. The following bills were brought in and read a first time : — A bill- to abolish district courts, a bill to extend the jurisdiction of rdsideut magistrates' courts, aud a bill to amend the Bankruptcy Act (Mr. Cuff). Mr. Gibb gave notice of motion, That railway fares- and freights be reduced throughout the colony, so that the returns will not pay more than working expenses. Orders of the day. The House went into committee of supply. Items civil list, interest on sinking fund, under special Acts of legislature, legislature, Colonial Secretary, Colonial Treasurer, and Minister of Jasticp, were passed. Item, Postmaster-General : Several oi3mbers having spoken very 6trongly iv favor of continuing the subsidy to the Sau Francisco mail service, the item was struck out. Commissioners ot Customs aud Stamps passed. Minister of Education : After an animated debate on the proposals of the Government to bring in a bill limiting State aid to primary schools, progress was reported, and the Speaker resumed the chair. Debate adjourned until next sitting. Adjourned debate on motion, " That oaths in legal and parliamentary procedure are unnecessary and obnoxious." Mr. Gibb supported the motion. Mr. Allsworth moved an amendment, "That in the opinion of this House ample provision has already been made to meet the views of those having conscientious objections to the taking of an oath." Mr. Hurley, mover of the original motion, having spokeu against tbe amendment, it was put aad carried oa a dmsioa. The House ro6e at 10 p.m. There were about 45 persons present, including ladies and other visitors.