TIE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7644, 22 May 1886, Page 6

TIE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[ [|XY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

' ■ LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. v • Friday. :

The Council met this evening. THE QUBEN'S J UKTLKE. Several sessional coinmitties were appointed, and also a committee to devise the b6st means of congratulating the Queen on entering the fiftieth year of her reign. BELLAMY'S. Mr. Scotland brought forward a motion to abolish hot dinners at Bellamy's, assigning as a reason the abolition of set dinners in the House of Commons. He had frequently seen members waddling into the House after a bo* constrictor'# dinner, washed down by quantities of sack. Mr. Baillik and Colonel Brett characterised the imputation of Mr. Scotland as being libellous and false. The motion was lost on the voices. THE TOLICE FORCE. Mr. Buckley moved thesesond reading of the Police Force Act Bill, and explained that the Bills ought to dissever the civil police from the armed constabulary force, consoli- ■ dating the former ordinances. The Defence Bill was also a Consolidation Bill, and dealt with the armed constabulary force, the militia, and also with the volunteer force. There was nothiug particular about either Bill, and therefore he trusted the Council would see fit to agree to the second reading of both, which really should be taken together. He moved the second reading of the Police Force Act Bill. Mr. Pollen considered the Bills before the Council, inviting as they did grave changes and considerations of financial matter, should have been introduced in another place. The. Couucil were, for the first time, asked to agree to a standing army. When the Bills were in committee he should seize the opportunity of taking exception to the proposed measures, which he even yet trusted the Colonial Secretary would see his way to withdraw from the Council until it should have been introduced in the other Chamber. Mr. Reynolds, in order that Mr. Buckley might have an opportunity of conferring with his colleagues, moved the previous question. Mr. MENriKS objected to certain clauses. Mr. Bathgate took exception to the Bills, as they were calculated to prove too centralising. He should like to see the civil police placed under the authority of the municipalities. Mr. Buckley assured the Council that the only reason the Bills were introduced in he Council was because the Council had no rork before them. Mr. Reynolds, having no desire to emsrrass the Government, withdrew his mendment, and the motion was agreed to. DEFENCE BILL, Mr. Buckley moved the second reading f the Defence Bill. Mr. Brett objected to the clause which rovided for volunteer companies electing heir own officers, as being likely to militate against the discipline of the force. The clause was objectionable, he believed, to Sir George Whitmore and the Defence Minister. The motion was agreed to, and the Council adjourned to Tuesday next. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday. The House met at half-past two p.m. LEAVE OV absence. Leave of absence for a fortnight was granted to Mr. Lance on urgent private business. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr. Johnston, if it is the intention of the Government to introduce this session a Bill for the purpose of amalgamating city electorates, . Mr. Stout said it was so intended. Replying to Mr. Fisher, whether it is the intention of the Government to invite Parliament to reconsider the subject of the land grants to discharged soldiers and volunteers, and, if practicable, restore their rights to all these men enrolled before the 31st of October, 1876, who subsequently by continuous service completed their five years as efficient volunteers, Mr. BALLANCEsaid the whole question had baen before the Waste Lands Committee last session, which committee thought more evidence should be taken. It would come before that committee again this session, and their recommendation would secure careful consideration. Replying to Mr. W. F. Buckland, as to the reason why a cool chamber was not provided to the s.s. Rimutaka, as was promised, for conveyance of Auckland fruit lately sent to the London Exhibition, Sir J. Vogkl said he had taken every precaution to ensure the fruit being looked after, and he understood that cool chambers had been provided for it. Replying to Mr. G. F. Richardson, if the Government have received any fuller particulars of the concessions asked by the proposed company for the construction of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway than those contained in the paper laid before the House, Mr. Stout said the Government had no farther papers on the subject. Replying to Mr.jMACAS drew, as to what action the Government propose to take in the direction of giving effect to the recommendation of advances on land made by the committee last session, Sir J. Vogel said the Government had repeatedly had the matter under their consideration. He regretted they could not give effect to the recommendation of the committee. Replying to Mr. T. T. Thompson, if the Government will take step* to remedy the existing evils caused by the overcrowding of the Lunatic Asylum, Auckland, as thown by Dr. Grabham's report, Mr. Richardson said plans had been prepared for additional accommodation, and inquiries were now being made to ascertain whether they would meet the requirements. Replying to Mr. Guinness, whether it is intended to bring in any measure for the appointment of Boards for the management of the New Zealand railways, Mr. Richardson said the matter had not been decided upon as to whether a Bill should be introduced this session to create boards, but he should probably be able to make a definite statement in the Public Works Statement. Replying to Mr. Steward, if Government proposed to exercise the power it possesses by opening up blocks for sale on the deferred payment system, as special retainment areas, in the provincial districts of Canterbury and Otago, Mr. Ballance said the Government was not quite clear on the matter. He would recommend it should be brought before the Waste Lands Committee. bills introduced. The following Bills were introduced Mining Companies Bill (Mr. Larnacb), Coal i Mines Bill and Mining Bill (Mr. Larnach), Bill to Amend the Laws relating to Friendly Societies (Mr, O'Connor), Hawkers and Pedlars Bill (Mr. Seddou), Auctioneers Bill (Mr. Seddon), Bill to establish and regulate practice of Shorthand Writing in the Supreme Courts of New Zealand (Mr. Tole), Bill to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act, 188-, Amendment Act, 1885 (Mr. Tole), Apportionment Bill (Mr. Dowuie Stewart), Education Franchise Bill (Mr. Steward), Licensing Committees Election Bill (Mr. Steward), Bill to provide for the Election of Land Boards (Sir G. Grey). NEW ZEALAND AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS. Mr. Stout moved, "That standing order 178 be suspended, iu order that a select committee, consisting of twelve members, be appointed to consider the question of the attitude that the colony should assume in relation to the Pacific Islands, and that the resolutions proposed on the subject by Sir G. Grey on the order paper of the 19th May be referred to the committee, such committee to have power to call for persons and papers, and to report from time to time, three to be a quorum ; the committee to consist of Major Atkinson," Messrs. O'Connor, Rolleston, Beetham, Sir ' Julius Vogel, Mr. W. D. Stewart, Mr. M. J. S. Mackenzie, and the mover." Mr. Lake referred to the practice of the Chairman of Select Committees receiving payment for their services. He said he thought the time had come when these chairmen should not be paid. A lengthy discussion ensued on Mr. Stout's motion being put. Sir G. Grey said a deceptive plan of the Island of Rapa had been hung up in the lobbies. Ha thought it advisable that a correct plan should be exhibited for members' information. " Mr. Stout said the hon. member was quite aware that the committee had power to call for persons and papers, The motion was agreed to,

APPOINTMKKT OF COMMITTEES. Mr. Ballance moved for the appointment of a Native affairs Committee, to consist of fifteen members. Captain Sutter moved, That the chairmanship of the Native Affairs Committee should be honorary, without pay. He complained that the chairmen of these committees had given a block vote for the Government last session. Mr. Stout protested against such imputations as had been made against these hon. gentlemen.' Why, the chairman of the Goldtields Committee last session moved a vote of want of confidence in the Government. Mr. O'Callaghan said there was only one interpretation that could be put on Captain Sutter's remarks, that was that the chairman of these committees had been bought. He defied any hon. gentleman to say he had been bought. He was quite willing to perforin the duties of chairman of the Waste Lauds Committee without pay, as he should do any other office of the kind that micht be given him. Mr. Barron hoped Captain Sutter would adhere to his amendment. There was no doubt that the fact of the office being a paid one did detract from the honour of the position. Mr, Tcknbull protested against this particular chairmanship being made a party question. He advised the House to wait till the estimates came down before discussing the matter. Mr. Rollkstos said there was no doubt the appointment of these committees was now made a party question. He believed now was the time when an entire reform should be made in these committees. They should be reduced to live or six men, who would take a thorough interest in the work. He quite admitted that the Government should have a majority on these committees, and naturally put one of their own side in the chair. If there was one feeling in the country more than another it was that the House should this session go in for retrenchment, and he thought they could not do better than commence with themselves. He hoped Ministers would see their way to accept what he believed was the feeling of the House on this question. Mr. J. McKenzie said it was the Opposition who were making this a party question. He pointed out that the chairman of this committee had been paid for years past. After further discussion, in which Messrs. Hurst, Skdoon, Dakgayilie, and W. F. Bcoklasd took part, Mr. Macakdrew suggested that the amendment should be withdrawn. Although he was always opposed to the payment of ohairmen of committees, he still thought they should wait till the estimates came down, to see whether the votes appeared on them for these chairmen. Mr. Conolly also hoped the amendmont would be withdrawn. He thought it quite legitimate that the chairmen of Native Affairs Committee and Public Petitions Committee should be paid owing to the heavy duties devolving on them. Mr. Ross also hoped the amendment would I be withdrawn, and also suggested that the Native Affairs Committee should be divided into two committees, in consequence of the large anion ut of work it had to perform. Captain Sutter said the object he had in view was accomplished by the discussion. He now desired to withdraw his amendment. Mr. Balxa>"oe expressed regret at the language that had been used respecting the chairman of committees. He pointed out that the chairman of the Native Affairs Committee was the hardest worked chairman of all, except, probably, of the Public Petitions Committee, and anyone who knew the work that had to be done in the Native Affairs Committee must come to the conclusion that the chairman should be paid for his services. He thought the House should not be called upon to anticipate what ought to be done when the House was in committee on the Estimates. The motion was then put and agreed to. Mr. Ballasck moved for the appointment of a Waste Lands Committee, to consist of fourteen members. Captain Scttkb said it had been his intention to move that the chairmen of all these committees should not receive payment, but he considered that he had now done his duty in calling the attention of the House to the subject. Mr. O'Callaghan said if he should be reelected Chairman of Waste Lands Committee be did not intend to take any payment for his services. The motion was agreed to. Mr. Larnach moved for the appointment of a GoldSelda Committee, Agreed to. NATIVE reserves ON THE WEST COAST. Mr. Seudon moved that the report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into and investigate the condition of settlers on the native reserves on the West Coast of the Middle Island, together with the evidence taken at the inquiry, be laid before the House. Agreed to. rridge tolls. Mr. Guinness moved for a return showing the names of all bridges in the colony upon which Government charge toll, such return to show the amount of toll collected at each toll-gate. Agreed to. . , THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE. Mr. Stout moved, "That a select'committee be appointed to consider and recommend to Parliament the course which should betaken to most appropriately represent, on behalf of Her Majesty's subjects in New Zealand, their congratulations and rejoicings on Her Majesty entering on the fiftieth year of her reign, the committee to have power to confer with a similar committee of the Legislative Council, the committee to consist of Mr. Speaker, Major Atkinson, Mr. Bavan, Mr. Fitzherbert, Sir G. Grey, Mr. Lance, Mr. Levestam, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Ormond, and the mover." Agreed to. The House adjourned till half-past two p.m. on Tuesday.