PARLIAMENT.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6058, 21 May 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Wellington, May 21. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tbe House met at 2.00 p.m. Replying to questions it wa3 stated that no report had yet been read from Mr Knorpp as to his exploration through the Eiet Coast districts for suitable lands for roada and railways. That the vote of Ll5O was not found sufficient to repair the Martin's Bay track, and the matter was now under the consideration of Government. That a bill had • been introduced having for its object tha reduction of the gold duty. That Government were aware of the dissatisfaction that existed amongst the policy-holders of the Government Insurance Associa tion, aud naturally eoj Government could not yet say what couraa would be pursued, but the matter would have to be dealt with thia session, Several B.l^s were read a firsc time. Mr Montgomery moved that a return be laid before the House showing the number of allotments ancl the total acreage of lands in each land district surveyed, and now ready for occupation on the homestead system. Mr Ballance had no objection to the raturu asked for. Ha said he desired to give the homestead system a fair trial throughout the colony. After considerable diacuaalon the motion waa agreed 10. Several notices of motion were agreed to, and the Ho»i3o loae at 5 30 p.m. The Hones resumad at 7 30 p.m. Mr G. F. Richardson moved for plane showing the blocks of land proposed to be given to the Midland Railway Oompany.

Thero would not be enough, be urged, for '•he company along the route of the line, and they would have to select elsewhere. Sir J. Vogel said the company had to selrct bl cks alternately with Govern mant. Mr Stout pointed out that the Act of last session provided for the resumption of land on which gold might be found. Mr Scobie M'Konzia Bald he had seen a copy of the company's prospectus, and was astounded at its audacioUß phusibllity. After reading it he had almost taken up shares himself. Mr G. F. Richardson roplied that not ha'f the quantity of land wh'ch would be requited for the company could ba found aloug the line. The rest must cjme from a portion of the colony which would not be benefited by the construction, and the company ought to be made aware of this, or the House would be placed iv a false position. ! Mr Fisher Baid they would fiad tho colony would purchase the line when it was built, and tha constructors would walk off with two million acres of land. Mr S out a:\id a map was in existence clearly showing the districts from which the blocks were to be chosen, and thero was at least seven times the quantity that would be required. The House divided on tha original motion — Ayes, -24 ; Noes, 54. The 'notion was lost.