PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XX, Issue 142, 16 June 1886, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY.

["Pkess Association, | COUNCIL. Petititiong were presented in favor of France New Hebrides by Sir F. Whitaker. Hon. Mr Menzies presented a petition in favor of Bible reading in schools. SirF. Whitaker moved a resolution favoring a treaty between Great Britain and France, whereby England should withdraw all opposition to the acquirement of New Hebribes by France, on condition that no more convicts bs sent by France to any of her possessions iv the Western Pacific, and that religious freedom and protection should be given to all British subjects residing in or resorting to New Hebrides. Sir F. Whitaker contended it would be better to have free French colonists in the group, than that Australasia should be overrun with French criminals from New Caledonia. The debate was adjourned to Friday. The Stock Driving Bill, Codlin Moth Act Amendment Bill, Animals' Protection Act Amendment Bill were read a second time. The address to the Queen, praying that the Kermadic Islands may be annexed to the Colony, was agreed to. The Council adjourned to next day. HOUSE. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Sir Julius Yogel called attention to the scandalous paragraph which has appeared in the Christchureb • Press ' to the effect that he bad premised the member for Waikouati anything he asked for his district if he voted for the Government in the late no-confidence division. He said the charge was wholly unfounded. He would leave the matter in the hands of the House, and if the House took no steps he would certainly at the end of the session take such proceedings against the newspaper as he was advised by hi 3 solicitor. Mr Seddon moved that in the opinion of the House a gross breach of privilege had been committed, and that the publisher of the paper be called on to give the name of his informant. Mr J. C. Buckland said the statement was wholly unfounded. He had himself telegraphed the • Press ' a contradiction of the statement when it was brought under bis notice, but the ' Press ' had only published a portion of his telegram. Major Atkinson regretted as much as anyone that attacks of this kind should be made on public men, but thought the House would best consult its own dignity by taking no notice of the matter. He himself had been attacked by newspapers frequently in worse terms than the Treasurer complained of, He moved that the debate be adjourned. After a long discussion, Sir E. Stout suggested that Major Atkinson's amendment be accepted. Mr Seddon then withdrew his motion, and the amendment was carried on the voices. Eeplying to questions, it was stated that it would not pay to use silver pine for telegraph poles ; that better accommodation would be provided for the post and telegraph station at Palmersten North ; that £100,000 would not be sufficient to complete the NapierPalmerston railway to its junction with the Foxton-New Plymouth railway at Palmerston ; that it would be fully two years before the railway was through the Manawatu Gorge. Replying to Mr Grace, Sir Bobert Stout said the Government had made offers to assist the sufferers by the recent disturbances at Eotorua and had now suggested that a Committee should be formed at Tauranga which should communicate with the Government, who would give assistance in dealing with the cattle and sheep. Mr Ornaond suggested that the Sheep Inspector should go to the district and report. Sir E. Stout thanked the hon. member for the suggestion, and said he would be glad to act on it. Notice was given to ask the Government whether they would consider the readjustment of representation this session, and if they would cable to the Agent-General to send out a siesmological expert to report on the volcanic disturbances. Mr Mobs gave notice to move for levying of a duty on agricultural implements. Mr Ballance moved that the Owhakao and Kaimanena Native Lands Bill be discharged from the Order Paper, so that the Bill could be referred to a Select Committee. — Agreed. The House went into Commiitee for further consideration of the Muaicipal Corporations Bill. In Clause 63, providing that burgesses with property on the valuation roll of not less than £50, shall have one vote. Sir E. Stout moved that it be struck out. A lengthy discussion ensued, which was not closed at 5-30. When tbe House resumed, Sir George Grey moved a further amendment that a European of 21 years of age shall have a vote, and only one in hi 3 borough. Several members took exception to the Pramier taking the House by surprise. The House divided on Sir George Grey's amendmeat, which waa lost by 72 to 12. A division was also called for on . the original question, with the result that cumulative voting was retained by 59 te 23. The penalty for unlawfully acting as Councillor, was altered ts mak« any offender taking a contract, liable to repay the whole I amount. The next clause taken was that treating of the election of auditors, which evoked an animated discussion as to whether these officers should be elected by burgesses or nominated by Government. The Clauses were all struck out, and notices of new ones were given by Sir E. Stout, and Meserß Garrick and Hatch. Clauie 141, allowing rates to be raised to the extent of fifteenpence in the pound, was opposed by several members, including Sir Julius Yogel, and supported by others, including Major Atkinsen. The House divided, and fifteenpeßce wa3 retained by 35 to 34. Mr Hatch's proposal for tbe Government to audit and the local bodies to pay the expense was carri. d by 47 to 22. Mr Garrick moved a new clause enabling Chriatchurch to raise a loan of £6000 to build Municipal offices. Several members thought the eubjeefc was one for a local Bill. Mr Seddon moved to report progr?sp, as several clauses required recasting in view of Mr Hatch's amendment being carried. Sir R. Stout suggested that Mr Gnrrick embody hjs proposal in a Bill, and the clause was rej c cte3, The Bill was reported as amended, and the House went into Committee on tho Counties Act. At Clause 22 Ihe House adjourned at I*s a.m.