Parliament.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 243, 15 July 1876, Page 19

Parliament.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, July 7. The Council met at 2 o'clock. NOTICES OP MOTION. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN" gave notice that he would move on next day of sitting that the Council meet at half-past two o'clock for the remainder of the session. Several other notices were given. BILLS INTRODUCED. The following Bills were introduced, and ordered to be read a second time on Tuesday next : —An Act to Amend the Census, 1858, and the several Acts amending the same ; an Act to Prevent Lotteries, and to Regulate Art Unions. CONFISCATED LANDS. The Hon. Mr. HALL moved, —That there be laid upon the table a return of the proceeds of the confiscated lands sold in each province during the three years ended 31st December, 1875 ; and of the payments made on account of confiscated lands in each province during the same period ; also, a return of the amount of confiscated lands in each province remaining unsold, distinguishing those lands of which the Government is in actual possession from those not occupied. The motion was carried, Mr. Hall having previously made a verbal addition. BUILDING SOCIETIES BILL. On the Orders of the Day being called on, The Building Societies Bill was recommitted for the purpose of making a slight technical alteration in one of the clauses. The CHAIE-MAN having reported to the Council, the Bill was read a third time and passed. The Council then adjourned till Tuesday next. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, July 7. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. PRIVATE business. The Foresters' Declaration of Trust Validation Bill was read a second time. PETITIONS, &C. Several petitions were presented and notices of motion given. QUESTIONS. In reply to Mr. Manders, who asked the ollowing questions : {l.) Whether any correspondence has taken place between the Government and the Provincial authorities of Otago, as regards the construction of light railways in the united province of Otago and Southland ? (2.) Whether, if any such correspondence has taken place, there is any objection to lay the same before this House ? (3.) If the consent of the Government has been obtained, under the Extension of Provincial Appropriations Act, 1875, for the payment of any sums of money out of provincial revenue receipts since the 31st March last, upon these lines ? (4.) If the Government has any information as to character and efficiency of these lines, and their cost; and as to whether they are likely to be of permanent value ? (5.) If the Government is aware that a costly arbitration suit is proceeding between the contractor and the Provincial Government, and of the cause requiring such arbitration ? (6.) If any amount has been sanctioned in excess of provincial vote for completing Mos-giel-Outram railway ? The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON said he should reply to questions Nos. 1 and 4 together, and to this effect, that there had been jio correspondence on the subject save that arising in the ordinary course of departmental work"... With regard to the second question, of course if the hon. gentleman chose to move for the correspondence in the ordinary way, no objection would be offered to its being laid on the table. • With regard to the 3rd, he answered in the affirmative. As to the sth, the Government were aware incidentally of the arbitration, but nothing further. As to the question re the Mosgiel railway, he might say that £20,000 had been voted, but he was not aware whether that was in excess of the provincial vote. - .. MAORI MEMBER FOR THE EXECUTIVE. In reply to Mr. Taiaroa, The Hon. Sir DONALD McLEA.N said the Government had it in contemplation toadvise his Excellency the Governor to appoint a member of the native race to a seat in the Executive Council of the colony. PUBLIC WOKKS STATEMENT. Mr. MURRAY asked the Minister for Public Works, —1. When he will deliver his statement ? 2. If he will state the cost of constructed railways, distinguishing the principal items of expenditure, and showing how much thereof was for material imported ? 3. If he will make a similar return as to the rolling stock of such railways ? 4. If he will show the receipts and expenditure in working such railways, stating the chief items, and also exactly the allowances made for depreciation. The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON replied that he would deliver his statement before the end of the month. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. In reply to Mr. Murray, Sir Julius Vogel stated that the Financial Statement would be distributed before the end of the month. lighthouse at akaroa. In reply to Mr. Montgomery, who asked what steps had been taken to erect a lighthouse at the entrance to Akaroa harbor, the Hon. Geokge McLean stated that that work and all such would be pushed forward vigorously. Up to the present time the great difficulty they had had to contend against was the want of a steamer to carry material. Now, however, he might state that a steamer was coming out for that purpose, having been already launched, and so soon as she came, this and other similar works would be pro-

ceeded with as fast as materials could be obtained and time would allow. COMMITTEE OP SUPjPI/Y. The Committee of Supply was the first order of the day. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL proposed that it be postponed till Tuesday. He took it that by that time hon. members would be fully prepared to consider the Financial Statement. Some discussion ensued, certain hon. members objecting to introducing the discussion on the Statement so early. Sir GEORGE GREY would favor its being opened up at once. Mr. STOUT said it might be the intention of the Premier to bring down the County Bill between that and Tuesday. Mr. REID opposed the motion, saying that the Statement would not receive proper consideration, inasmuch as they had not had time to acquaint themselves with it thoroughly. Messrs. Stevens and Rees spoke. The latter felt disturbed by the motion, in consequence of the fact that he was going to Auckland and would not be present next week. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL replied ; and in the first place referred to a discourteous insinuation that the Government wanted to shirk the discussion of the Financial Statement. In reply to the hon. member for Christchurch City (Mr. Stevens) as to what amount of the four million loan is yet in the hands of those who may be supposed to hold the debentures permanently for investment, he said what information he had was not of an official character, and eould not therefore necessarily be accurate. In respect to the other question, he understood that the hon. gentleman wished to know whether a sufficient amount of deposit had been left in the Bank of New Zealand to secure the payment of the £ per cent, extra. There had been no specific agreement as to what amount should remain in the bank during the twelve months. But it was in a way understood that the average amount would be one million and a half during the first six months and £750,000 during the last. There was, however, no pledge given. He believed the extra £ per cent, had been paid. In respect to the discussion on the Financial Statement, he might say he thought honorable members should allow the Government a certain amount of discretion in the conduct of the business of the House, and in the way in which they should bring it down. At the same time, he fully recognised the duty of the Government to endeavor to meet as far as possible the wishes of hon. members. He concluded by saying that the Government desired to go into Committee of Supply on Tuesday, but he was quite willing to postpone the discussion till the Tuesday following if necessary, although he was of opinion that the House would be prepared to go on with the matter on Friday next, by,which time he would probably be in a position to bring down the Waste Lands Bill and other subjects which were referred to in the Financial Statement. The order of the day was then discharged and the next proceeded with. LOCAL ELECTION BILL. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL moved,— That the above Bill, which provides for the regulation of local elections, be read a second time. A prolonged discussion followed the motion. Mr : SWANSON moved that the Bill be postponed. Mr. BARFF said that the Bill bore evidence of not having been carefully considered, because it contained a section in the 29 th clause (questions that may be put to voters) which would practically disfranchise nine-tenths of the people of New Zealand. The Bill was eventually read a second time to be committed on Tuesday next. RATING. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL moved the second reading of the Levying of Rate 3 Bill. After considerable discussion, the motion was carried. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS BILL. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL moved the second reading of this Bill, and referred to its leading provisions. The provision as to municipal borrowing he considered would be exceedingly useful, for while the ratepayers were protected against borrowing to which they were averse, and there were other provisions as to the extent of the loan, still it would enable Corporations to borrow in such sums as would enable them to get the money required for various purposes on comparatively easy terms. Another interesting point was that there was no provision to prevent the franchise being exercised by the softer sex. And here he would mention it was a remarkable fact that, while in England discussion had been going on as to whether females should be enfranchised for Parliamentary elections, they had for some time past been allowed to vote in Municipal elections. He anticipated good results from the softening influence of women being introduced into election contests. (A laugh.) He recommended that the Dunedin Municipalities should place themselves under the operation of this Act. Mr. STOUT said the Otago Municipalities would not come under the Act while there were rates for property. Each man there had one vote, and if the Government desired the municipalities of Otago to come under the Bill, this provision must be # expunged. He was opposed to the provision for making candidates for the Mayoralty pay a deposit of £lO, and considered the borrowing provision would be inoperative. Judging by the number of borrowing Bills before the House this session, it would seem that there would be polls going on from January to December. It would be better for the House to limit borrowing to a certain amount. Mr. BALLANCE considered a poll would be a better check upon borrowing than any limit the House might fix, and fully approved of the clause in reference to female suffrage, although that proposal was not new, as the franchise had been exercised by females ever since 1867. He regretted that property was the basis of voting in elections for Mayor, as that officer represented the burgesses in a social sense as well as a political. He hoped

there would be an amendment, as each man had an equal right to one vote and no more. He objected to - the importation into the Bill of the principle of public meetings being held under license of the Council. The right to a public meeting was ancient and undoubted. But the provision for candidates for the Mayoralty depositing £lO was very valuable, as it would prevent worthless men coming forward for election. The Bill as a whole was a good one, and he hoped it would pass. Mr. MANDERS strongly supported the Bill.

Mr. PEARCE wished to know whether the Government intended the borrowing provisions to be a bar to special legislation, because he did not approve of that. It was the duty of the State to see that all cities and towns were properly supplied with water and drainage works, whereas these provisions would take that power out of the hands of the State. Messrs. Sharp, Bastings, Button and others having spoken on the subject, The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL replied to the various arguments, and the Bill was then read a second time. THE CORONERS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The debate was taken up by Mr. Pyke, who went into the history of coronex-s' law. Messrs. Hodgkinson, Rowe, Rees, Baigent, Gibbs, Manders, Wakefield, Macfarlane, Henry, Button, Swanson, Harper, and Joyce also addressed themselues to the question. The Hon. Mr. BOWEN having replied, The second reading of the Bill was carried on the voices. The remaining orders of the day were made ©rders of the day for Tuesday. resolutions. Mr. STOUT moved,—That the committee on the St. Kilda and South Dunedin Municipalities Bill consist of the Hon. Major Atkinson, Sir Robert Douglas, Mr. Bunny, Mr. Lusk, Mr. Moorhouse, Mr. Reid, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Seaton, and the mover. Five Co form a quorum, and the committee to report within fourteen days.—Carried. The House then adjourned. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 11. The Couneil met at two o'clock. petitions and notices. Several petitions were presented and notices of motion given. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN gave notice that he would move for the appointment of a committee to enquire into, and report upon, the provisions of the Disqualification Act. THE CENTRAL GAOL. The Hon. Captain FRASER moved,—That, in the opinion of this Council, it is inexpedient that the erection of the proposed gaol at Taranaki be proceeded with until the matter has been further considered. He characterised the proposed gaol as an intermediate or associated gaol, not a central gaol proper, and he compared it unfavorably with the central gaol of Ireland. It was proposed to build it of timber and coi'rugated iron, so that there was nothing to prevent prisoners communicating with each other from one end of the building to the other, and he felt no doubt there would occur some serious outbreaks there. He gave the Minister for Justice credit for good intentions generally, but he had no hesitation in saying that in this case the Government were under the powerful and malign influence of Taranaki. Further, he saw no reason why the gaol should be situated at Taranaki. He did not think prison labor should be concentrated there, while it might prove so useful elsewhere, Westport to wit, where the labor could be employed in developing the coal land still in the hands of the Government. The Hon. Colonel BRETT gave his idea of the proper site for a gaol, which should be to a certain extent isolated, and he agreed with much of what had been said by the mover. The Hon. Mr. CHAMBERLIN would support the motion. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE thought a mistake had been made in not giving the matter sufficient consideration. There should have been the fullest inquiry made before it was attempted to initiate a new and general penal system. We should learn by the experience of other countries, in which way only we could avoid making grave errors. He should support the motion, in the hope that it would lead to the appointment of a commission to inquire into the matter further. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN, in replying, said the mover of the resolution was in error as to the Govex-nment having been influenced by pressure from Taranaki in the course they had taken. The site had not been determined on without the largest possible consideration. Two other reserves had previously been made, but on examination they were found to be unsuitable, and finally it was considered, under all circumstances, that the site at Taranaki was the most convenient. Moreover, there was a large work to be undertaken there, the performance of which had been sanctioned by the Gerxeral Assembly, and for which one-fourth of the land fund of the province had been allocated. He denied that information as to the practice of other countries had not been considered. As to the objection to the character of the matex-ial of which the gaol was to be constructed, he said the building was not to be built entirely of timber and corrugated iron, part of it was to be composed of concrete. It was a notorious fact that the gaol system of the colony was a disgrace. The impossiblity of classification, for instance, had simply been a a scandal to the colony. This central gaol would at least give an opportunity of eliminating one class, and also give opportunity of employing the prisonex-s on the work to which he had alluded, namely, the construction of a breakwater. The future would form itself, and in the meantime the Government had taken what they considered the best means to provide for the present want. He would not say more, but hoped that the mover, having heard the above explanation, would not press his motion. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE pointed out many reasons why the building should not

be constructed at Taranaki, and should have been glad to have heard the Colonial Secretary say the Government would delay the erection of the proposed gaol until the arrival of the competent officer from England. The Hon. Captain FRASER having replied, said that unless the Colonial Secretary would give him the assurance that delay would be permitted, he should pi-ess his motion. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN" said the erection of the gaol Avas an adminisfcx-ative action for which the Governnxent were responsible, and he (Dr. Pollen) having no authority, was not called upon to give the assurance asked for. On the question being put, the Speaker declared the noes to have it, and Captain Fraser called for a division, which x-esulted as follows: —Noes, 14 ; ayes, 7. HOUR OF MEETING. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN moved,—That until ox-dered otherwise this Council do meet at half-past two o'clock. CaxTied. CONFISCATED LANDS. Mr. Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE, on behalf of the Hon. Mr. Hart, moved, —That a retux-n be laid upon the table of the quantities of land in the px'ovince of Wellington, and in the confiscated laxxds district, respectively, sold upon terms of deferred payments by the Government of New Zealand and the Provincial Governnxent of Wellington ; the number of the original purchasers thereof, aixd the number of the present owners thereof, so far as the same can be ascertained. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN stated that there would be no objection to afford the information asked for. Motioxx carried. WELLINGTON RESERVES BILL. A message was received from the House of Representatives stating that the above Bill had passed that House. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, who acted on behalf of Mi". Hart, absent, the Bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Tuesday next. bills. The Juries Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, passed through committee, and was ordered to be read a third time on Wednesday (to-day). The Coroners Bill was dealt with in the same manner*. The second reading of the Cexisus Bill was postponed for one HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tdesday, July 11. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. PETITIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTION. Sevex-al petitions were presented and notices of motion givexx. . PRIVATE BUSINESS. On the motion of Mr. RoLLESTON,the Timaru Gas Coal and Coke Company (Limited) Bill was read a second time. On the motion of Mr. Dignan, leave of absence was granted to Mr. Rees for a fox'tnight. QUESTIONS. Mr. O'RORKE asked the Colonial Treasurer', —Whether the Government will, in compliance with the report of the Petitions Committee last year, take steps toward paying the award made by the late Mr. Beckham on the claim of John Fahy, for losses sustained during the war of 1863 ? The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said that the Government did not consider the claim one that could be entertained by the House, and therefore they were not prepared to take any steps towards paying it. ' Mr. R. WOOD asked the Native Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to appoint a commission to inquire into the feasibility of the suggestions made by Mr. J. C. Soall, of Auckland, upon the subject of Musketry Instruction, as requested by him in his letter received by Colonel Moxxle, at the Native Office, Ist June, 1876 ? The Hon. Member said he was unaware of the date of The Hon. Sir DONALD MCLEAN said the letter had been acknowledged by the Under Secretary for Defence, and the matter was under the consideration of the Government. He was aware that Mr. Soall took a deep interest in volunteering, and the Government was anxious to give his suggestions a fair trial. . The matter would be dealt with in due course. Mr. DE LAUTOUR asked the Minister for Lands, —(1.) What items of revenue are included "in the ordinary (goldfields) revenue from each field," exclusive of the gold duty, to be handed to the local governing bodies for expenditure ? (2.) Is it the intention of the Government to ci'eate local governing bodies for mining districts within counties, or are the local governincr bodies to which goldfield3 revenue is to be paid the Couxxty Councils ? Mr. KENNEDY asked the Native Minister, —(1) If his Excellency the Governor, as trustee for the native reserves, Greymouth [l] has power to sell any portion of such reserves? [2] to grant leases for a period of Q 6 or 99 years ? (2) If so, if he will recommend that lessees be enabled to participate in such provisions ? (3) If no such authority exist, if he will at an early date introduce a Bill with the view of conferring on his Excellency the Governor power as above referred to ? The hon. gentleman said the matter was regarded in Greymouth as one of great importance. Threefourths of the town was built on the native reserve, and upwards of £4OOO was annually paid ixx rexxts. It was several years since the buildings had been erected, and the inhabitants were therefore anxious to secure a permanent tenure. In 1872 Major Heaphy had reported that the Government had power to sell the reserve, and that the leaseholders should have power to purchase, subject to certain conditions. The leaseholders desired to treat the question in the same manner as if the land belonged to European proprietors, and he trusted the Government would give such an answer as would assure the lessees of some prospect of a settlement of the question. The Hon. Sir DONALD McLEAN said the Government was quite aware of the importance

of the Greymouth reserve. He could assure the hon. gentleman that the question would be thoroughly considered during the session, and the matter would also be considered with the view of introducing such a measure as would meet the requirements of the settlers and the native owners. Mr. THOMSON" asked the Colonial Treasurer 'whether he has any objection tjp prepare, with the view of being printed, a table similar to the first table on page 8 of the Financial Statement of last year, showing the exact condition of the loans as they stood on 30th June last. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said the table should be prepared. Mr. SEATON" asked the Minister for Lands if the Government are aware that many claims under the Volunteer Land Act, 1865, are still unsatisfied ; and, if so, if they intend to take any steps towards settlement of the same ? The Hon. Major ATKINSON said that this was a matter with which the Government had had nothing to do hitherto. When abolition took place the "Volunteers would in law be in the position they now occupied. Mr. BURNS asked the Commissioner of Customs:—(l.) "What further steps have been taken by the Government towards erecting a a light and signal station on the Snares ? (2.) If the Government are aware that the relative positions of the various islands and rocks called the Snares are net correctly laid down on existing charts ? (3.) When there is a probability of the erection of a lighthouse on Cape Saunders being proceeded with ? The Hon. Mr. G. McLEAN said that at the Melbourne conference it was agreed that New Zealand should not be asked to maintain the Snares lighthouse, and the Imperial Government had been communicated with, without, however, receiving much encouragement. Should all Australian Governments refuse to contribute, it would be time for New Zealand to take the matter into consideration. Attention had been drawn to the discrepancies in the "New Zealand Pilot" as to the position of the Snares. The positions on the charts were up to present knowledge correct. So soon as the lights now in course of erection were finished, that on Cape Saunders would be proceeded with. WELLINGTON HARBOR BOARD BILL. Mr. HUNTER introduced this Bill, and it was read a first time. OTHER HARBOR BOARDS. The North Otago Harbor Board Bill, and that to constitute a Harbor Board for the Patea river, were introduced and read a first time. ORDERS OP THE DAT. The House went into committee on the Regulation of Local Elections Bill, which was considered, in places amended, the clause regulating the hours during which the poll at elections should be taken giving rise to considerable discussion and two divisions. Ultimately the clause was passed so as to provide for the polling hours being from nine to six inclusive. Clause 16, providing for the appointment of poll clerks by the Returning Officer, was passed as printed. Clause 17. Mr. STOUT suggested that voters should be allowed to use any kind of pencil they pleased, and not be limited to the use of black lead. On a proposal to introduce voting by proxy, a discussion arose.—Sir Julius Vogel opposed the intraduction of such a principle.— Mr. Reader Wood earnestly supported t. The latter speaker put a supposititious case. He was one of the largest ratepayers in one district, yet if an election took place while Parliament was sitting, he would be disfranchised because of his public duties.—Messrs Wakefield, Gibbs, Montgomery, Baigent, and W. Wood took part in the discussion, and eventually it was decided to leave the matter for further consideration. The words " black lead" were omitted from the clause. Clauses 18 to 26, dealing with the duties of scrutineers, deputy returning officers, &c, passed with slight amendment. Mr. STOUT moved that, clause 26 should be postponed, on the ground that it assumed the principle of plurality of votes to have been adopted, and would therefore interfere with the discussion of voting power in the Municipal Corporations Bill and Counties Bill.— Sir Julius Vogel said it was not desirable that the discussion on plurality of votes should be taken now, that would come much better after. —Mr. Button thought it necessary to discuss the matter, because the Bill was intended to apply to all elections, and to some elections the clause would apply. Mr. BURNS moved the excision of clause 27, which has reference to the initialing of the voting papers by the Returning Officer, on the ground that it was liable to defeat the object of secret voting.—Mr. Stout, Mr. Mason, and Mr. Lumsden supported the suggestion. —Sir Juliu3 Vogel pointed out that initialing was the only check there was upon fraud by putting into the ballot-box an unlimited number of voting papers.—Messrs. Swanson, Reynolds, Montgomery, Joyce, Bowen, Murray-Aynsley, Sharp, Pyke, and others took part in the debate which followed, and eventually the amendment was rejected on a division by a large majority. An amendment was made in clause which, at the option of the Court, a fine could be substituted for imprisonment. Mi\ STOUT moved an addition to clause 41, intended to prevent treating at elections. Section 4 was amended so as to provide a penalty for any elector carrying his ballot paper out of the booth. Mr. Stout's amendment was carried, and the clause as amended adopted.

Mr. STOUT moved the insertion of a new clause, to prevent the sale of any sphitous liquor on polling day within a certain distance of the polling booth, thus closing for that day any hotels situated within the prohibited distance. On a division the clause was rejected by a large majority. An additional clause, proposed by Mr. Whitaker, which prevented the juriediction of the Supreme Court shutting out that

of the Resident Magistrate's Court, was carried on the voices. The House having resumed, the Bill with amendments was reported, and it was agreed that the further consideration should be taken on Thursday next. THE THAMES ELECTION. Sir GEORGE GREY, in a few words, proposed that the resolution compelling him to elect whether he should sit for Auckland City West or for the Thames, be rescinded, in order that what he maintained was the English practice should be followed ; and he should be allowed a further time—one week —to make his choice. . The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL pointed out that to do what Sir George Grey proposed would be to virtually disfranchise the Thames constituency during a most important portion of the session, and said that Sir George should see the desirability of coming to a conclusion at all events not later than the next afternoon sitting. Messrs. Tribe, Rowe, Nahe, Stout,* and Pyke having spoken, The SPEAKER having been asked for his opinion, thought that in a case like that of Sir George Grey's seven days should be allowed from the time that the committee on the petition against his return had reported. Mr. PYKE said those seven days would expire on Thursday next. The Hon. G. McLEAN drew attention to the hurry with which Sir George Grey's party pressed on the issue of a new writ for Caversham last year, before the late member was in his grave. The Hon. Major Atkinson, Messrs. Wood, and Wason having addressed themselves to the question, Sir George Grey replied. Sir George Grey's motion was carried on the voices, and the Speaker announced that he would be required to give his decision on or before Friday next.. The House adjourned at 1 a.m. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, July 12. The House met at half-past two o'clock. QUESTION. In reply to the Hon. Mr. Chamberlin, as to whether it was the intention of the Government during the present session to bring in any Bill for the better preservation of the New Zealand fisheries, the Hon. Dr. Pollen replied that the matter was now under the consideration of the Government, and he should in a few days be in a position to declare what the Government proposed to do. MOTIONS. The following motions were carried: By the Hon. Dr. POLLEN,—That a select committee be appointed to inquire and report whether any of the provisions of the Disqualification Acts operate as disqualifications to an inexpedient extent ; and, if so, to recommend what alterations should be made. Such committee to consist of the Hon. the Speaker, the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, the Hon. Mr. Hall, the Hon. Mr. G. R. Johnson, the Hon. Mr. Acland, the Hon. Mr Menzies, and the mover. By the Hon. Mr. HALL, —That, having regard to the large aggregate amount of deposits in the Post Office Savings Banks, it is, in the opinion of this Council, highly expedient that the terms upon which repayments of those deposits may he demanded by the depositors should be reconsidered by the Colonial Government. By the Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE,—(I) That there be laid on the table of this Council copies of all correspondence which has passed between the General Govei-nment and the Provincial authorities of Wellington, in reference to the allocation of the advance of £66,000 to be made to the province of Wellington under the Provincial Public Works Advances Act, 1874. (2.) That an address be presented to his Excellency the Governor, requesting that he will cause a Royal Commission to be issued with a view to the consolidation of the existing legislation of the colony, and to provide for the incorporation of amending enactments, as they are passed, with the consolidated law. ORDERS OP THE DAY. The third reading of the Juries Act was postponed till next day of sitting. The Census Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The Lotteries and Art Unions Bill was committed with amendment. The Bill was ordered to be read a third time next day. The Council adjourned at four o'clock. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, July 12. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. NOTICES AND PETITIONS. A number of notices were given and petitions presented and received. EXPENSE OP TELEGRAMS. Mr. THOMSON asked the Premier if he would inform the House what had been the cost of telegrams from England to the colonies, as referred to in his letter to Dr. Pollen of 12 th February last. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said he could not tell exactly. A return from the Treasury reported that the expense of telegrams from England to New Zealand and Australian colonies had been £BOB 18s. lid. HYPOTHECATION OP UNNEGOTIATED BONDS. In reply to a question put by Mr. Thomson, The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said that of the unsold unguaranteed bonds there had been hypothecated—General purposes loan bonds, £210,500 worth of bonds, for £200,000 cash ; defence loan bonds, £52,700 worth of bonds, for £50,000 cash, both in the Bank of New Zealand. The Treasurer has also drawn on London for £175,000, against proceeds of bonds authorised to be sold. No portion of the £BOO,OOO guaranteed bonds had been sold, but £269,000 worth have been hypothecated (to the 30th April, 1876) to the Crown Agents. CAPE EGMONT LIGHTHOUSE. In answer to Mr. Carrington, ' The Hon. GEORGE McLEAN said the erection of the lighthouse at Cape Eg-

mont would be proceeded with so soon as the lighthouse at The Brothers had been finished. The difficulty of getting land from the natives had interfered with the work. Mr. CARRINGTON said he would get over the native difficulty. new bills. Bills were introduced as follows: —By Mr. Brandon, College Reserves Sale Bill ; Mr. Pearce, A Bill to enable the Municipal Corporation of the City of Wellington to Consolidate Certain Loans ; The Hon. Mr. Bowen, Kaiapoi Harbor Board Bill. Second readings were nominally fixed for next week. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. Mr. MURRAY moved, —That the constitutional measures of the Govex-nment should be circulated without delay. That the Bills to give effect thereto should not be passed sooner than one month from the date of such circulation, in order that opportunity may be afforded for the expression of public opinion upon their provisions. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said the hon. member need not fear that the Government were disinclined to bring down their Bills without any delay. They were working hard to that end, both in the House and out of the House, and hoped to have the Counties Bill and Financial Arrangements Bill read a first time on Friday, so that the second reading might be taken on Tuesday. The hon. member for Auckland City West had intimated to the Government that it would be agreeable to his party to take the discussion of the Financial Statement on the second reading of any one of the Bills which were intended to edve effect to the financial proposals of the Government. It was therefore proposed to take the second reading of one of these Bills on Tuesday next. The motion was withdrawn. RROWN COAL. Mr. WASON moved, —That a select committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of using brown and other native coal as fuel for steam purposes on the lines of railway in New Zealand ; three to be a quorum. Such committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Richardson, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. R. G. Wood, Mr. Button, Mr. Larnach, and the mover ; with power to call for persons and papers, and to report within six weeks. The mover spoke at length of the commercial value of the coal deposits of the colony if the brown coal could be utilised, and he believed a proper trial would prove that this could be done. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said he had very great pleasure in supporting the motion, for he believed it would have a good practical result. For some time past he had been making inquiries on the subject of the utilisation of this brown coal, his attention having been called to the matter by his having observed the extensive use on the Continent of what was called artificial fuel. This was prepared by an agglomeration of various substances discovered on the Continent, and 'was used on the railways, on board ship, and even for domestic purposes. In fact it was in very great favor, and inquiries were being made by the Indian Government as to whether the manufacture could not be established in that country, and he had also learned that the Waikato Coal Company had sent some ten tons Home, for the purpose of experimenting as to whether the Waikato coal could not be used. He had had conversations with Dr. Hector and Dr. Percy and others, and from what he could learn, it appeared that the brown coal of New Zealand would admirably serve as the main material from which this artificial fuel could be made. Sir Julius Vogel explained at length the nature of the enquiries he had prosecuted, the processes by which the fuel was made, and quoted from a number of documents he had received. He said he should be most happy to afford any information on the subject, because he felt convinced the colony's industrial progress would be greatly increased by the introduction of the manufacture of this artificial fuel. Mr. CURTIS spoke at some length, expatiating on the good qualities of the brown coal, but hoped it would be left to private enterprise to develope. He complimented Sir Julius Vogel on the trouble he had taken in the matter, and said it was another instance of the attention the Premier paid to the interests of the colony. Mr. Reader Wood, Mr. Swanson, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Murray, Mr. Cox, Sir R. Douglas, and others took part in the debate.— Mr. Lumsden said he did not believe in developing the resources of the country by select committees. If the article in the colony was of value, it would be used ; if it were not, reports from select committees would not push it down the throats of people. If the Government believed in the coal, let them run lines of railway to where the deposits were, and it would speedily come into the market if it were valuable. The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON in supporting the motion, spoke highly of the value of the brown coal, and said he believed that with a little change in the construction of the engines it could be used on the railways. The motion was agreed to, some additional names being placed on the committee. LANDS FOR HALF-CASTES OP THE NGAITAHU TRIBE. Mr. TAIAROA moved,—That there be laid before this House copies of all correspondence between Mr. Alexander Mackay, Commissioner of Native Reserves, and the Government, relative to the setting apart of certain lands in the Middle Island for half-castes of the Ngaitahu tribe. Agreed to. ADVANCES TO PROVINCES. Mr. THOMSON moved,—That "there be laid before this House, a return showing, in the case of each province, the advances that have been made on works in progress, on which it is proposed to charge interest out of the land fund ? Agreed to. RAILWAY EXPENDITURE IN THE PROVINCES. Mr, THOMSON moved,—That there be

laid before this House, a return showing the sum expended on railway construction in each province, on which it is proposed to charge 2 per cent, out of the land fund of the province. Agreed to. RAILWAY RESERVES. Mr. THOMSON moved,—That there be laid before this House, a return showing, in the case of each province, the estimated revenue from railways during the current financial year, amounting in the aggregate to £445,000. Agreed to. LIABILITIES OP THE COLONY. Mr. THOMSON moved,—That there be laid before this House, a return showing the liabilities of the colony on the 30th June last, under the Immigration and Public Works Appropriation Act, 1875. Agreed to. COST OP RETURNS. Mr. REYNOLDS moved,—That on each return laid on the table of this Hous>e the cost be printed. He spoke of the great labor the preparation of these returns threw upon the various departments, and pointed out that in some cases the returns cost a large amount of money, and this very frequently when the returns were not subsequently asked for. One return he remembered had cost £4OO, yet had never been of the slightest use. He also mentioned that on one occasion a return had been ordered by some member, and had been allowed to remain in his (Mr. Reynolds') possession the whole session. The member who obtained the order for it never even asked to see it. Mr. W. Wood obtained the opinion of the Speaker that it was irregular for a member to retain possession of a return for the whole session. Mr. Reid and Mr. Thomson opposed the motion, believing it undesirable to place any restriction upon returns. Mr. Pyke moved an amendment, to include the cost of papers. He said a similar provision was in force in Victoria, and had saved a large amount of money.—Mr. Fisher said the Government should be thankful to its dry nux-ses for taking such care of it. It was an attempt to intimidate members from enquiring into affairs.—Mr. Eowb thought the motion absurd. —Mr. Fisher opposed,, and Messrs. Woolcock and Manders spoke in favor of the motion.—Mr. Wakefield said it would be difficult to ascertain the cost, because the returns were made out in the leisure of the civil servants. The return would merely represent what a paper would, have cost had it been prepared outside the service. Still he. should support the motion. Mr. De Lautour opposed. A division ensued, upon which the motion was carried. WELLINGTON RIVERS BILL. The Bill was committed, read a third time, and passed. SIR GEORGE GREY SELECTS A SEAT. Sir GEORGE GREY said last night the House had treated him with a vfcry great deal of indulgence, and he was anxious to show that he was not insensible to the manner in which they then heard him. He desired to make every return in his power, and therefore begged to state that he had elected which of the two seats for which he had been returned he would retain. At a large meeting of his constituents of Auckland City West, the proposal was made to him that if he desired to stand for another district, they would elect another member to assist him in advocating the views he held, and to which the constituency were so warmly attached. Under these circumstances, and having been pressed by the Thames constituency to retain the seat to which they had elected him, he had decided to sit for the Thames. A NEW WRIT. Sir GEORGE GREY moved,—That a new writ be issued for the election of a member for/ the constituency of Auckland City West; and further, he made a request that the writ be sent by telegraph, which the Act of 1874 allowed, so that no unnecessary delay might take place in the return of a member. The motion was carried. LOCAL OPTION LICENSING BILL. The motion by Mr. Stout, to read this Bill a second time, being informal, the Bill was withdrawn. The House then went into committee for the purpose of considering, leave to introduce the Bill again. The motion was carried, and the resolution having been reported to the House, the Bill was introduced, and ordered to be read a second time next (this) day. AUCKLAND WATERWORKS ACT. The Auckland Waterworks Act 1872 Amendment Bill passed through committee, was read a third time, and passed. HAWKE'S BAY RIVERS BILL. This Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on next day of sitting. SOUTH DUNEDIN AND ST. KILDA MUNICIPALITIES BILL. The House went into committee on the above Bill, which was considered and reported. CORONERS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Mr. ANDREW said the question of the appointment of coroners, as well as other matters contained in the Bill, were of the utmost importance. He thought coroners should be elected by ratepayers of the districts within which their jurisdiction extended. He thought the matter should receive greater consideration. He proposed that the Chairman thould report progress. Mr. MACANDREW thought it was rather problematical that - such great benefits would arise from the passing of this Bill. He suggested that in order to dispose of the matter Mr. Andrew should withdraw his motion to report progress, and move that Mr. O'Rorke leave the chair. Mr. STOUT thought a Bill should be brought down to enable coroners to be elected within municipalities, and with that view, would support the motion to report progress. On the motion being put, the Speaker declared the noes to have it.

Mr. ANDREW called for a division, which ' Was taken, and resulted as follows :—Noes, 39; ayes, 31. Some discussion followed on that provision of the Bill which would make resident magistrates throughout the colony also coroners, the question having been raised by Mr. Andrew, who deprecated the practice of appointing magistrates coroners. The Hon. Mr. BOWEN, in reply to the objection that resident magistrates would not be able to do the work, stated that deputycoroners would be appointed, and the Government would have no objection to put in a clause amending that appointing deputycoroners, so as to give them larger scope, and power to act under other circumstances than those provided by the Act. He might say also that the provision which enabled justices of the peace to act was not interfered with by the amended Act. As to the ability of resident magistrates to perform the duties, he would ask them whether men intrusted with such large powers in judgingof affairs between man and man, up to a considerable amount, and also in dealing with criminal cases and those of summary conviction—whether such men were not competent to act as coroners. He did not approve of the principle of making the office elective. Mr. WHITAKER pointed out that the Act of 1867 gave the Governor power to appoint resident magistrates as coroners, and to appoint others where necessary. He thought therefore in many respects there was no necessity for the Bill. Mr. ANDREW moved that the word "three" (referring to the appointment of medical coroners in the Act of 1867), in the second section of the Bill, be left out. The second section provided for the repeal of clauses 3,4, and sof the Act of 1867, and Mr. Andrew said to repeal clause 3 would be to cast a slur on the medical coroners of the colony. A division was taken on the motion, which was lost. After a discussion lasting until twenty minutes past one, at which point the fifth clause of the Bill was reached, the Hon. Mr. Bowbn moved that progress be reported, which was agreed to, and the House having resumed, at once adjourned. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, July 13. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE moved, — That there be laid upon the table copies of all papers and correspondence relating to the institution of the New Zealand Cross, both in New Zealand and with the Imperial authorities, together with all notifications, Orders in Council, and Regulations published in the New Zealand Gazette in connection with this subject.—Carried. CONSOLIDATION OP LEGISLATION. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOTJSE moved,— That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that steps be taken with a view to the consolidation of the existing legislation of the colony, and to provide for the incorporation of amending enactments, as they are passed, with the consolidated law. The motion was carried, as also was the following :—That an address be presented to his ExceUency, embodying the resolution. UTILISATION OF TELEGRAPH AT ELECTIONS. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOTJSE moved,— That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable to make provision to enable voters at elections, whether of a general or local character, to avail themselves of the services of the telegraph for the purposes of voting. The motion was negatived, after considerable discussion, Councillors generally being opposed \to it. BILL INTRODUCED. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Hall, a Bill intituled the Leases and Sales of Church Reserves in the Diocese of Christchurch Act was introduced and read a first time. The'second reading was made an order of the day for Tuesday next. BILLS. The third reading of the Juries Act Amendment Bill was made an order of the day for next (this) day. Dr. POLLEN gave notice of motion to insert a clause, on the re-committal of the Bill, affecting the constitution of juries, and making it unnecessary that the whole of the jury should agree in intimating that they could not agree. The Lotteries and Art Unions Bill was read a third time and passed. Messages were received from the House of Representatives announcing the passage of several Bills through that House. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, July 13. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. PETITIONS AND NOTICES. Several petitions were presented and notices of motion given. QUESTIONS. In answer to Mr. Taiaroa, The Hon. Sir DONALD MCLEAN said the Government were going to introduce a Bill into Parliament, for regulating the disposal of native lands, and would consider the matter of providing greater facilities for ascertaining the succession to intestate natives being grantees of lands. Mr. REID asked the Minister for Immigration, if there was a clause in the contract for the conveyance of immigrants making it imperative that the vessels should be fitted with Clifford's boat-lowering apparatus ; and if so, whether he would be prepared to alter the conditions in future, so that Douglas's patent might be substituted for Clifford's ? The Hon. Major ATKINSON undertook to have inquiry made, in order to see what could be done in the matter.

Mr. REYNOLDS asked the Commissioner of Customs, whether the Government intend instituting an official inquiry as to the allegations stated to have been made by the captain of the City of San Francisco, that the stearner touched the ground on entering and leaving Port Chalmers ? The Hon. GEORGE McLEAN said an inquiry would be instituted, and that he himself did not believe that the vessel had touched. NEW BILLS. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Richardson, in the absence of The Hon. Sir Julius "Vogel, the Counties Bill was introduced and read a first time, the second reading being fixed for Tuesday next. It was stated that copies of the Bill would be circulated that evening or the next forenoon. The Bluff Harbor Board Bill was introduced and read a first time. MOTIONS. Mr. TESCHEMAKER moved,—That all correspondence between the Superintendent and Executive of Canterbury and the General Government, relative to the appointment of a Boyal Commission to inquire into the administration of the Waste Bands and Survey department of that province, be laid before this House, and printed.—Carried. Mr. WILLIAMS moved, —For a return of the quantity of land that has been purchased by the Government from the natives in the Mangonui, Hokianga, and Bay of Islands districts, under the Immigration and Public Works Acts; also, quantity of land under negotiation, and a statement showing the general quality of the land purchased, as far as can be ascertained from reports of surveyors. —Carried. Mr. MACFARLANE moved,—That the report of the Commissioner of Crown Lands to the Colonial Secretary, dated Wellington, 9th July, 1872, be reprinted for the information of members. —Carried. Mr. LUSK moved, —That a select committee be appointed to inquire into and report upon the working of the Native Lands Acts now in force in this colony, and the best method of promoting the individualisation of the title to native lands, and the acquisition by Europeans of such lands as are not required for the use of the native owners. Such committee to consist of ten members, viz.—Mr. Curtis, Sir G. Grey, Hon. Sir D. McLean, Mr. Macfarlane, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Moorhouse, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Wakefield, and the mover; five to be a quorum, and the committee to have power to call for persons and papers.—Pending the bringing down of the Government measure, the motion was adjourned for a fortnight. Mr. SWANS ON moved, —That the name of Mr. Rowe be added to the committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of using brown coal on the lines of railway in the colony.—Carried. Mr. WASON moved, —That the numberof the select committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of using brown coal be increased to eleven, and the names of Mr. Burns and Mr. Kennedy added thereto.— Carried. ORDERS OF THE DAY. The second reading of the Wanganui Harbor Board and River Conservation Bill was postponed. The report of the Committee on the Regulation of Local Elections came up for consideration. The Bill was re-committed, and amendments were moved in clauses 3,9, and 34. The amendment to clause 3 was moved by Mr. WHITAKER, which would bring the Bill into operation in some cases only on the written request of at least two-thirds of the members of the local body in any district. —The Government accepted the amendment, which was opposed by Messrs. Reid and Stout, and supported by Messsr. LUSK and Gibbs. The amendment was carried on the voices. Clause 9 was amended so as to give longer notice of elections. Clause 34 was amended so as to give the Returning Officer a casting vote in the case of candidates having an equal number of votes. The Bill was reported with amendments, which were agreed to, was read a third time, and passed. The Naseby Waterworks Empowering Bill was committed, considered, reported, read a third time, and passed. Thr second reading of the Local Option Licensing Bill was moved by Mr. Stout. The second reading was supported by Messrs. Woolcock, De Lautour, Burns, Hodgkinson, Button, Svvanson, J. E. Brown, and Murray ; and opposed by Messrs. Murray-Aynsley (who moved that the Bill be read that day six months), Fisher, Russell, Wason, Ballance, the Hon. C. C. Bowen, Lumsden, and Larnach ; many of _ those who supported the second reading expressing their intention of striking out the main provisions in committee. —Mr. Macandrew then moved the adjournment of the debate. —Mr. Wakefield opposed it ; and a division took place on the motion, twenty-four being in favor, and forty-nine against.—Mr. Lusk made an able speech, at the conclusion of which Mr. Wood said a few words. DEATH OF DR. FEATHERSTON. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL then said: I do not rise for the purpose of speaking to this debate, but am sorry to 3ay it is my duty to give the House some information which will create universal regret. Captain Holt has shown me a telegram, received to-night, but which is three weeks old, reporting that Dr. Featherston is dead. lam sure this information will be most painful to many, and I shall only be consulting the wishes of the House in asking the hon. member in charge of the Bill under discussion to consent to its postponement, in order that the House may adjourn, as a mark of respect to the memory of a gentleman who has occupied distinguished positions in New Zealand, and who has had so much to do with the early history of the colony. (Hear, hear.) Mr. STOUT expressed the great regret he felt at hearing the sad news, and willingly consented to the postponement of the Bill. \ The House then adjourned.