HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mataura Ensign, Volume 17, 9 October 1894, Page 4

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thubsdat Octobee 4. Most of the afternoon was spent ir discussing the question of ordering t supply of liquor for Bellamy's and the giving authority to conclude a contract for a supply of sen munition for fivt years. Iv regard to the first matter, the Premier accepted amendments to the effect that no liquor should be 'ordered in the meantime aud that the report of a committee be brought up within a week. The Premier said he hoped to bring down the Public Works Statement earlj next week. The amendments made by the othei Chamber in tbe Hating Bill were agreed to. — On Major Steward s motion, a settler intending to put a swing-gate across a road must give notice by two advertisements in a newspaper circulating in the district. The Public Works Act Amendment Bill waa put through Committee and finally passed. Fbiday October 5. It was decided to disagree with the Council's amendments in the Consols Bill. The Native Lands Court Bill passed Committee, save a few clause.-. The Licensing Bill then came on, members protesting at proceeding with such a measure at so late an hour. An all-night sitting resulted. About 2 o'clock on Saturday morning Mr M'Nab moved an amendment on clause 3 to provide that in case the sale of liquor wa9 prohibited by the national option poll the permission otherwise allowed to perfumers, chemists, etc. to use alcohol should cease. The temperance members remained silent, but discussion on the amendment and raising various points of order kept up the debate until 7 20 a.m , when a motion to report progress was lost, and tbe amendment carried by 20 to 18. Mr G-. J. Smith then moved to strike out subsection 3 of clause 3, in order that the sellers of wine, cider, or perry from New Zealand grown fruit, in two-gallon quantities, might not be excepted from the local option poll. This gave rise to a considerable debate. Mr Smith said he was willing to accept the Premier's suggestion to retain the exemption of eider and perry and strike out wine. At 8 o'clock it was proposed to adjourn for breakfast, but a big chorus of " noes " refused, permisson. Several members protested against being kept for over 13 hours without food, and the Premier suggested they should adjourn till 2.30 p.m. A motion by Mr R. McKonzie to report progress was lost by 20 to 10. Mr McKonzie was repeatedly warned on account of his obstructive tactics. The Premier at 9.10 asked the Committee to come to a decision on the amendment, and Mr Buchanan moved that progress be. reported. He said it was farcical to proceed fig they were doing. The motion resulted in a tie, 21 voting each way. Mr Guinness gave his catting vote against the motion. Mr Duthie then moved that progress be reported, and thin was carried h y 23 to 22. The Native Land Court Bill was reported with amendment', which were i ordered to be considered next sitting day. Jibe Licensing Bill was ordered to be agairi considered on Monday, and the House adj'ott." ne i. »t JO-45 a.HV