HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXV, Issue 149, 27 June 1889, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers said : There was no intention of amending the Rabbit Act m the direction of curtailing the powers of Inspectors ; the Government are considering the desirableness of appointing a Royal Commission to enquire into the sweating system ; the advances made to the New Plymouth Harbor Board were secured by the accruing land fund and rates. Part of the advances had been re-paid, and it was expected the whole amount of the advances would be repaid, •by September. The Government had acted on the advice of the law officers before making the advances. FIBSI HEADINGS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :HMr Hutchison) Criminal Evidence Bill ; (Mr Samuel) Bill to consolidate and amend the law with respect to auctioneers ; (Mr Seymour) a Bill to invest certain lands m the Corporation of the Borough of Picton; (Mr Ken) Waimea River Wofks Bill ; (Mr T. M'Kenzie) Californian Thistle Eradication Bill • (Mr Guinness) Borough of Brunner Enabling Bill ; (Mr Hislop) Corrupt Practices Bill ; (Mr Hislop) Registration of Electors Bill ; (Mr Hislop) Representation Bill. THE GASPABINI AEEAIB. Mr FISHER moved that an address be presented to the Governor for the production of copies of all correspondence between the Governor, the late Vice- Consul of France, and the late Minister of Education, relative to the escape of Gasparim, briefly defending himself against the accusations made against him m connection with the matter.— Agreed to. HOSPITALS AUD CHABITABLE AID. The Hon Mr HISLOP moved to introduce the Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill, which would cause the administration of Charitable Aid to vest m local bodies. The Government had first intended to have some such body as the Charitable Aid Board, but thought such a body not sufficiently representative, and had substituted one which he believed would be representative. The Government intended to contribute so much for patients, instead of pound for pound as formerly. Districts similar to the present hospital districts would be constituted. The administration of charitable aid would be invested m the controlling council. If buildings were needed it would be necessary to obtain the sanction of the coptributing bodies for any expenditure above £200. Powers would be given to local bodies to establish homes for destitute children, but the maintenance of orphans would be undertaken by the colony. Power was given under the Bill to establish one or more refuges for drunkards, loafers, and tramps. The Bill was read a first time, and the second reading fixed for Friday week. THE PBOPEBTY TAX. The PEBMIEB intimated that he would take the financial debate on the second reading of the Property Assessment Bill, which he proposed to bring down next week. PUBLIC WOBKS STATESIENT. Mr MITCHELSON said the Public Works Statement would be brought down within 14 days, and that the intention of the Government with respect to the North Island Main Trunk Line would be discussed m the Statement. The House went into Committee of Supply, and adjourned till 7.30 for the discussion of the Estimates.