HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XIX, Issue 188, 25 August 1883, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, Aitoust 2t,

The House met at 2-30.

Replying to questions Ministers said | they would be glad to obtain an independent opinion by Royal Commission of the best route for the extension of the Mount Somers Railway. — Nearly all the Provincial Acts were out of print, and nearly all would soon be consolidated, and the cost of reprinting would be very large. — Railway guards and engine drivers would not be removed from one section to another Jmore than was jjreally "necessary. — Government did not see their way to grant capitation allowance to volunteer fire brigades.— Would not bo able to oarry the Munioipal Consolidation Bill through this session, but if any urgent necessity existed m any respect would be willing to pas 3 a short bill to meet it. — Could not m the Counties Act deal with the qnestion of farmers protecting themselves from storm or flood water without rendering themselves liable to damages, but wonld consider the subject— Would consider the question of dealing with Maerewhenua riparian rights next session if found possible. — Government were m communication with Mr W. A. Murray as to •n invention of his for preventing railway collisions. — Did not see their way to encouraging the establishment of distilleries m the colony. — Wonld if possible admit articles nsed m the manufacture of card-board boxes duty free. — Had obtained 50,000 jarrah sleepers from Australia for nse m onrves and on bridges. Experience showed that jarrah sleepers were the most economical. Some had been m use m Canterbury for nearly 20 years. The cost was between 4_s and 5s. — The West Coast Royal Commissioners had obtained oertain clothing at Government expense m Christchuroh, and on getting over the mountain had handed it over to the Resident Engineer, who had sold it for £13. The original cost was nearly £25. — Did not think it possible to consolidate the native land lws as to render them easily understood. The following new bills were introduced and read a first time: — Civil List Act Amendment (Conolly), Special Powers and Contracts (Rolleston), Road Boards Aot Amendment, Roads and Bridges Construction Act Amendment, Rating Aot Amendment, Town Distriot Aot Amendment (Atkinson). The debate was resumed on the question of summoning the proprietors of the Post to the bar of the House.

Major ATKINSON said he had consalted the Speaker, and Government had considered the matter. Under ordinary oiroumstanoe? he would not have gone farther, bat, as an hon. member had said the report was likely to prejudice him, he thought the hon. member should be consulted as to whether he wished the matter to go further. Mr DARGAVILLE said he had already stated he did not desire to press the matter any farther. Mr ATEIN3ON then moved that the order be discharged. Mr SVVANSON thought these privilege questions only rendered the House ridiculous m the eyes of the publio. Mr Dargaville thought it would be better to throw the committees open to reporters, so that the real faots should be known. Mr TURNBULL expressed the same opinion. Sir George GREY said he would move an amendment m that direobion. Interrupted b> the 5.30 adjournment.