GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Marlborough Press, Volume VIII, Issue 30, 24 July 1867, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Following the precedent in our last issue we intend, from week to week, to give a summary of the most important events taking place in the General Assembly. Thursday, July 12.—Leave was granted to Mr Carlton to bring in a Bill to repeal “ The Native Lands Act Amendment Act.” The Bill was read a first time. Mr llichmoiid introduced a Bill to amend and consolidate the laws relating to Coroners. A Bill was introduced by the same gentleman entitled “An Act to enable the pulling down of buildings to prevent the spread of fire.” Mr Fitzherbert said the returns of the net and gross amour.t of revenue raised under the Stamp Act for the halfyear should be laid on the table as soon as possible. Friday, July 13th.—The Colonial Secretary laid on the table correspondence on the subject of Arbitration Courts, also correspondence relating to the Marriage Act, and other papers. In reply to a question, the Colonial Treasurer said that he was not prepared at present to state whether the Government would propose to reduce the taxation of the colony. The Speaker announced that the Governor had been pleased to receive the address in reply to his speech, and had returned the following reply : —“ Gentlemen, I thank you for your loyal address, and do not doubt that I shall have your cordial co-o| eration in all measures tending to increase the prosperity and promote the welfare of the colony.” Tuesday, July 10th.—Mr Vogel moved, “That, in the opinion of this House, the authority under the Goldfields Act should be delegated to the Superintendents of the provinces within which the goldfields are respectively situated.” In a carefully prepared speech, the hon gentleman endeavored to show the great mistake the Government had committed in the course they had pursued in relation to Mr Macandrew’s election, and in the disposal of the management of the goldfields of Otago. Mr Stafford spoke in reply, and proposed as an amendment that the words “ unless under exceptional circumstances,” he added to the resolution. The debate was continued the whole of the day. On the 17th, Mr Macandrew renewed the debate. Several members spoke both for and against the course taken by the Government. At the close of the debate a division was taken, and the Ministry obtained a majority of five votes in a House of fifty-two.