Parliament.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 244, 22 July 1876, Page 18

Parliament.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, July 14. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’clock. PAPERS. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN laid on the table a repox-t l-elating to the site of the Genei'al Assembly Librai-y, &c. MR. smythies. The Hon. Mi-. HALL gave notice of his intention to move for leave to lay on the table the receipt given by Mr. Smythies for the £IOOO awarded to him in 1874, before the matter came on for discussion. bills. Messages were x-eceived from the House of Representatives with the Registration of Local Electors Bill aixd the Naseby Waterworks Bill. The Bills were read a fix-st time. DEATH OP DR. PEATHERSTON. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN said hon. members were aware that a telegram had been received announcing the death of Di\ Featherston, the Agent-Genex-al. The Government had not i-e-------ceived any official infoi-mation of the fact. He was sure, however, that the Council would recognise the eminent services of Dr. Featherston, and be willing to mark their sense of the loss which the colony had sustained, by adjourning befoi-e px-oceeding with the business for the day. The hon. gentleman moved accoi’dingly, the motion was cai-ried nan. con., and the Council rose. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, July 14. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’ clock. PETITIONS AND NOTICES. A number of petitions were presented and notices given. NEW BILLS. Mi-. WASON obtained leave to inti-oduce a Bill to regulate the leasing and disposal of the waste lands of the Ci-own within the pi-ovince of Canterbury after the expiration of the present leases in 1880. The Bill was introduced and read a first time. THE RATING BILL. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL, in moving the House to go into committee on this Rill, made an explanation. He said the Bill at present exempted mining property from l-ating; but it had been represented to the Government that it would be very hard to the governing bodies in some districts if this became law, and the Government proposed to amend the clause which dealt with the subject, so as to allow of mining property being rated. He stated that the Government proposed to rate pastoral property at half its annual value. The Premier also explained the intention of the Government respecting Canterbury leasehold lands the tenure of which would expire in a year or two. The Government, after cax-efully considering the mattex-, had come to the conclusion that, judging by pi-evious pi-aetice and by the laws which have existed from time to time for a long series of years, it would be proper that if present runholdei-s were willing to pay such rentals as might from time to time be considered fail-, they should have the preference in continuing to hold the property. It was proposed that there should be a valuation of the runs, and their cari-ying capacity ascertained and a new assessment fixed such as the House might consider fail’, and if the present runholders were willing to pay the increased price they should have the preference. As to Otago the case was widely different, because the tenure there was much more secure. Further, the Government proposed that it should be left to the Waste Lands Board to decide before the lease expired whether or not there should be a renewal, or whether or not the runs should be cut up into smaller runs. Mr. TRIBE protested against goldfields property being rated, because of the uncertainty of assessments. The value of property on the goldfields was subject to such sudden changes that it would be inrpossible to i-ate it with any degree of fairness. Thus a claim today was worth an enormous sum, to-morrow it might be valueless. How could such property be rated ? Mr. ROWE disagreed xvith this. The Bill was then committed. A discussion arose upon the following subsection of section 2 :—“The ‘ rateable value’ of any property means the rent at which such property would let from year to year, but shall in no case be less than five per centum on the annual value of the fee simple thereof ; and in the case of unoccupied lands means five per centum on the value of the fee simple of such lands. Mr. BUTTON moved as an amendment the following : any land means five per centum upon the amount for which such land without any improvements thereon or thereto would sell in the market at the time of the valuation thereof. Mr. Button said that since he had, when the Bill was previously under discussion, mooted the principle of taxation embodied in the amendment, several hon. gentlemen had intimated to him that they approved thereof, and had requested him to test the feeling of the House upon the subject. In compliance

with such request he therefore moved the amendment. It had long been felt that great injustice was done to those who improved their property, by charging that property with additional taxes in pi-oportion to the amount of improvements effected. The system proposed by the amendment would equalise the burden of taxation. There were those who had neglected to improve their property, but whose propei-ty had been greatly increased in value by the industry of their neighbors and the progress of the country. Those persons ought in all justice to pay the same Amount of rates as their more enterprising neighbors. Those pel-sons whose estates had been enhanced in Value without any effort of their own might fairly be called upon to pay rates in proportion to the wealth that had been forced upon them. After a few remarks from Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hodgkinson, The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL opposed the amendment. Although he had no doubt much might be said in favor of the proposition, he could not conceive any fairness in a proposal to bring improved land down to the same value as unimproved land. If such a scheme as this were to be adopted, where would they go to get at the value ? It would end in this, that they would have to go back to the original upset price. If a person spent £IOOO in improving his land, say by putting a large building upon it, why should he not be called upon to pay more rates than his poorer neighbor who was only able to build perhaps a two-roomed cottage ? It might also be pointed out that there would be considerable difficulty in carrying out the proposal. If it were wished to fix the rate for a town, it would be necessary to go back and find out the value of the town before it was a town. Still, the Government felt that the principle which guided the hon. member was worthy of attention. Mr. BRYCE said the arguments of the hon. member for Hokitika were based on a fallacy. The truth was these local governing bodies must have funds, and the people who could best affoi-d to pay were those who could afford to make improvements. Sir R. Douglas, Messrs. Carrington, Curtis, Swanson, Stout, Barff, Montgomery, Lumsden, Kennedy, Stafford, Seymour, and Wason took part in a long discussion, in which a great many aspects of the question were presented. Mr. STOUT gave notice of the following amendment: —“The ‘rateable value’ of any land in counties or road districts means 5 per centum on the value of the fee simple thereof, and 3 per centum on the value of the improvements on the said land ; and the * rateable value’ of any land in municipalities means the rent at which such land would, with the improvements thereon, let from year to year, but shall in no case be less than 5 per centum on the value of the fee-simple of the said land, with improvements.” Mr. BUTTON, in reply, said the means of taxpayers were not the only question to be considered. The principle that people should be taxed according to their means was to a certain extent a good principle no doubt ; but there was this to be considered, if a person spent money in improving land, why should he be called upon to pay additional taxes ? If he invested his money in other ways, which would not benefit the country in so high a degree, then he would not have to pay taxes on his expenditure. The House then divided on the question that the words proposed to be left out stand part of the question. The ayes were 41 ; the noes 26. Mr. STOUT moved the following proviso ; — “ Provided always that in valuing the fee simple the valuer shall be guided by the actual selling price, and not by any provisions of the Waste Lands Act.” The Hon. Sir Julius Vogel and Mr. Rol. leston opposed, on the ground that it was undesirable to introduce a mixed system of valuation.—Mr. Wason spoke strongly in favor of the amendment, because it was impossible to place a uniform value upon the land. Some of the land in Canterbury was very valuable, but there was other land, on the mountain tops, which required five or six acres to cari*y a sheep. —Mr. Seymour took up the same position. —Mr. Whitaker expressed himself in favor of land being valued, not by any uniform rule, but at its exact value. He asked that it might be made clear whether the rates were to be levied on actual value or nominal value.— Sir Julius Vogel said he intended if the amendment were rejected to move the following proviso : “ The said value being not less than the price by law chargeable by the Crown for waste lands of a similar character within the provincial district.”—Mr. Whitaker pointed out that in some cases this would act in a very peculiar niannex-. For instance, he understood that one county took in portions of two separate provinces, Canterbury and Otago. Thus in one part of the county the land would be valued at £1 per acre at least, and in the other part at at least £2 per acre ; and one person would be paying double the taxation paid by his neighbor. After further discussion, a division took place on Mr. Stout’s amendment, the numbers being—Ayes, 36 ; noes, 33. The clause was, after discussion, amended as follows, and agreed to :—The i-ateable value of any property means the rent at which such property would let from year to year, but shall in no case be less than five per centum on the value of the fee simple thereof. Provided also, that every person occupying wastelands of the Crown, or other Crown lands, for pastoral purposes, shall be rated only in respect of the annual value, having regard to the tenure under which the said lands are held. Provided always that in valuing the fee simple the valuer shall be guided by the actual selling price, and not by the provisions of any Waste Lands Act. After passing clause 10 progress was reported, and leave obtained to sit again. THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS BILL. A message was received from his Excellency the Governor covering the Financial Arrangements Bill. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL moved its introduction and first reading, and in doing so

stated that in reference to the Counties Bill the Government were not wedded to the boundaries as detailed in the schedule to the Bill. As to one part of the Financial Arrangements Bill, he might state that last session it had not been deemed desirable in the heat of debate to propose compensation to Superintendents as a result of abolition, but this year it was proposed to give Superintendents compensation to the amount of say two years’ salary from the revenues of the provinces. The Bill was read a first time, and the second reading made an order of the day for Tuesday next. The House then adjourned. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 18. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. MOTIONS. The Hon. Hr. POLLEN moved for leave to introduce a Bill entituled an Act to constitute » Board of Trustees, and vest in it certain Public Reserves at New Plymouth, for the purposes of a Botanic Garden and Public Recreation Grounds. Themotionwas carried, the Bill read a first time, and the second reading made an order of the day for Thursday next. The Hon. Hr. Pollen also moved for leave to introduce a Bill entituled an Act to amend the Land Transfer Act, 1870. Leave was given. The Hon Mr. HALL moved, —That there be laid upon the table of this Council a copy of the receipt given by Mr. Henry Smythies for the sum of £IOOO, paid to him by the Colonial Government in the year 1872. The motion was agreed to. Subsequently the Hon. Hr. Pollen laid the document on the table. JURIES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. This Bill was recommitted for the purpose of inserting a new clause, the text of which was given in our Saturday’s issue. On the suggestion of the Hon. Mr. Hall, the clause was amended by striking out the words “by the foreman.” It was then agreed to. The Chairmand reported the Bill with amendments, and the third reading was made an order of the day for next (this) day. WELLINGTON RESERVES BILL. The Hon. Hr. GRACE, in the absence of the Hon. Mr. Hart, moved the second reading of this Bill. He explained the objects of the Bill.—The Hon. Hr. Pollen would not oppose the second reading. He wotdd, however, endeavor to amend the Bill in committee. He thought the Waihenga reserve should, if sold, be advertised and sold by auction.—The Hon. Mr. Fraser thought great care should be exercised in giving powers to dispose of reserves.—The Hon. Colonel Kenny thought it objectionable in principle that the second reading of Bills should be agreed to the principle of which it was intended to alter in committee. —The Hon. Hr. Grace thought there must be some misapprehension. It was not intended to sell the reserve referred to, but simply to lease it for twenty-one years. The reason for the introduction of the Bill was that the Superintendent had had power to deal with such matters with the aid of the Provincial Council. That Council would not sit again, hence it was necessary to obtain other powers. £2OOO had been expended on the reserve on the faith of an understanding with the Superintendent. Ultimately the Bill was referred to a select committee. OTHER BILLS. The Hiocese of Christchurch Church of England Bill was, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Hall, read a second time, its committal being fixed for Thursday next. The Auckland Waterworks Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, on the motion of the Hon. Hr. Pollen, who remarked that he did not introduce the Bill as representative of the Government, but as a sometime resident of Auckland. The measure has already been before the House of Representatives, so that its provisions are known. Subsequently the Bill was committed, reported without amendment, read a third time, and passed. The Regulation of Local Elections Bill was, on the motion of the Hon. Hr. Pollen, read a second time.—The Hon. Mr. Bonar mentioned two minor points which he thought worthy of attention. The marked roll should be evidence of an elector’s having voted. There was a similar provision in the Bill which regulated elections for the House of Representatives. He was aware of a notorious case of double voting, to the extent of forty-two votes, but the returning officer failing to recollect the persons of the voters, proceedings had fallen through. He would throw the onus of proof on the person prosecuted. The other point was : By sub-section 2 of clause 39 a person was guilty of a misdemeanor who endeavored to vote twice on the same miner’s right. Many persons possessed several such lights, and there was nothing to show that they could not use each right. He thought the clause might be amended in these particulars. —The Hon. Hr. Pollen would consider the matter. The committal of the Bill was made an order of the day for next (this) day. The second reading of the Naseby Waterworks Bill was moved by the Hon. Mr. Fraser, who stated that the Bill was to enable the borrowing of £SOOO for the purposes of water supply to Naseby.—After remarks from the Hon. Hr. Pollen (who thought that perhaps the Bill was unnecessary, and seeing that the Municipalities Act was now before the House of Representatives), the Hon. Mr. Hall and the Hon. Mr. Menzies, the Hon. Mr. Pharazyn moved the adjournment of the debate till Friday next. This was agreed to, and shortly afterwards the Council, at five minutes to four p.m., adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 38. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’clock. PETITIONS AND NOTICES. Various petitions were presented and notices given.

Amongst the latter were two important motions in reference to land revenue, which will be found elsewhere. QUESTIONS. In answer to Mr. Swanson, who asked the Minister for Public Works, —If he will lay before this House a return showing the cost of the establishment of the photo-lithographic department, and the amount of work done since its commencement, stating what gain; if any, there has been to the colony ? The Hon. Mr. RICHARHSON laid the return on the table, and stated that the establishment of the department had effected a great saving in many ways. He mentioned that a large sum was saved annually in drafting owing to the system of photo-lithography. In answer to Mr. Wakefield, The Hon. Mr. BOWEN said the Government had no information as to the whereabouts of Sullivan the murderer. THE LATE DR. EEATHERSTON. A message from the Governor was received, recommending the appropriation of a sum of £3OOO, to be paid to the unmarried daughters of the late Hr. Featherston, in recognition of the distinguished services rendered to the country by the deceased gentleman. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said he should ask the House to take the message into consideration at once ; and in doing so, he was sorry to have to say that he had that day received intelligence which fully corroborated the brief telegram previously received, recording the death of Hr. Featherston. He had received, by way of San Francisco, a telegram from Mr. Kennaway, who, it would be remembered, was connected with the Agent-General’s office, to this effect:—“London, July 19, 1876. —Vogel, New Zealand.—l deeply regret announce Featherston’s death early this morning, nineteenth.” Another telegram, dated two days’ proviously, had arrived from the Grown agents, to this effect : —“ Featherston has just felt it his duty to resign office, owing to serious illness, and Sir William Power, Hirec-tor-General, War office, has pro. tern, been appointed Agent-General in his stead.— Crown Agents.” In asking the House to agree to the setting aside of this sum, the Government were doing that which they were sure would meet with the approval of the House and of almost every person in the country. No man had ever fallen from the ranks of the public men of New Zealand who would be more missed than Hr. Featherston. He (Sir Julius Vogel) remembered, when he first caine to the colony, how high a position Hr, Featherston held as a public man, and how greatly he was esteemed for his services in the past ; but of his own knowledge he could speak of the influence he had exercised over the parliamentary affairs of the colony, and the high and important missions he had undertaken on behalf of the colony of late years. He could remember the visit Hr. Featherston had paid to Australia when the country was in a great state of alarm owing to the anticipated sudden withdrawal of the Imperial troops, and the able way in which he fulfilled that task must be fresh in the minds of those who were in the colony at that time. Subsequently his mission to England in company with Sir Hillon Bell was of a value which could not be questioned. On that occasion he had acted with discretion and tact, and the colony had reason to remember his services. Afterwards it fell to him to be the first Agent-General of New Zealand in Great Britain ; and though there had been times when he and the Government had not agreed upon certain points, it had always been recognised that he was discharging his duties in a high-minded faithful manner, and the Government had never failed to uphold his management of affairs. When it was remembered that one hundred thousand, or nearly that number, of the population of the colony had been introduced under the supervision of Hr. Featherston during his term, it could not be said that his work in the capacity of Agent-General had been of a light or unimportant nature in respect of the immigration scheme of the Government. Of the personal qualities of the deceased gentleman he need scarcely speak. There were few gentlemen in the House who were unaware of the high esteem in which he had been held ; and as to his public character as a statesman, he had been most fitly described as an unselfish statesman. It was unnecessary, however, for him to go further into the history of Hr. Featherston. He was sure it would redound to the honor of the country that the House at so early a date determined to show in some slight manner its appreciation of one who would never again be amongst us. It was not a large vote, only two year’s salary was asked for, and he need scarcely say that unanimity would add to the gracefulness of the grant. He formally moved that the Governor’s message be remitted to the Committee of Supply. Sir GEORGE GREY, on rising to second the motion, was overcome by emotion for a few moments. He said his acquaintance with the late Hr. Featherston had ranged over a period of upwards of thirty years, during the whole of which time the deceased gentleman had taken a leading part in the public affairs of the colony, and he (Sir George Grey) would say this, that he had never in his life known a man more unselfishly devoted to the public service of his country. He (Sir George) had been quite unprepared for this motion. He had not known it was coming on, otherwise he might have been in a more calm state, and better prepared to express his feelings. He would only say this—that the House could not do anything wiser than to recognise absolute unselfishness in the public men of the colony, and it could do nothing more in accordance with the feelings of the people of the country than to recognise that the late Hr. Featherston had been a thoroughly unselfish man. He (Sir George Grey) knew the people of the country, and he knew the people of the country appreciated men who studied the interests of the country before their own private advantage and benefit —men who sought the good of the country in preference to seeking large salaries and large emoluments from the pockets of the people. He had known Hr. Featherston to be

engaged in the service of the country in many capacities under great privations and considerable difficulties, but his great desire to assist the welfare of his fellow-colonists had carried him through all, and he had stood forward to the last as an example to public men. , (Applause.) The motion was agreed to, and the House then went into committee. In committee,

The Hon. Mr. FITZHERBERT, who was much moved, expressed his complete concurrence in the proposition before the committee. He said he had been quite unprepared for this proceeding so early, and was not therefore able to express himself in any ornate language ; not that he desired to do so, it was one of those occasions in which a simple expression of feeling was more powerful than a set speech, for he felt he had lost a friend and the colony a great man. It had been said Hr. Featherston was an unselfish statesman—that was true; hence, he who might have been the richest man in New Zealand had died a poor man. What more could be said of a public man ? It was the great men of a country who made a country great, and it was men like Hr. Featherston who would build up New Zealand into a great country. It was not now necessary to catalogue his services ; that would be done by the future historian of New Zealand; but he would say he had known much of him, and he felt that the House was but doing its duty in placing upon record the sense of his worth.

Mr. REES, as a new member, did not desire to add anything to what had been said by the preceding speakers in reference to the deceased gentleman, but thought the House could not but adopt the resolution. There could not be a more fitting manner of rewarding public men than a recognition of the claims of those who had been left behind. Rewards of titles, rewards of pensions, rewards of land, were not so fitting as tender sympathy and solicitude for those left behind ; and he believed that from every part of the country there would come an echo of what had been said and done in the House that day, for nothing the House could do could pay the debt of gratitude under which the colony lay to Hr. Featherston. When the Premier of the colony, a member of the House who had been Governor during the gi-eater part of Hr. Featherston’s connection with the colony, and one who had attained to the dignity of Speaker and who had in previous days worked side by side with deceased as a pioneer, all joined in paying this tribute, the House could not do better than agree to the motion. He thought the sum scarcely sufficient. The motion was agreed to, and on the resolution being reported to the House, The Hon. Mr. STAFFORH, who was so greatly overcome by his feelings that he spoke inaudibly, supported the motion, and expressed his appreciation of the private and public character of the late Hr. Featherston. He expeessed regret that the amount was not larger. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. The Hon. Sir JULIUS YOGEL, before the order of the day No. 2 (County Council Bill—second reading) was called on, desired to say a few words. It had been brought under the notice of the Government both by its supporters and Opposition members—in fact, by members ©n all sides of the House —that it was desirable some time should be allowed to elapse before the discussion on the Financial Statement took place ; and as it had been agreed by the Government and the gentleman who led the Opposition that the debate on the Statement should be taken on the Counties Bill, that request involved the postponement of the second reading of that Bill. The Government were disposed to accede to the request, and would be willing that the second reading of the Bill should be made an order of the day for Friday next, by which time it was hoped members would be able to go on with the discussion ; but of course, should there then be a desire for further postponement, the Government would be willing to accede to it, so as to give proper opportunity for the House to arrive at a fair and just conclusion on this most important matter. The delay till Friday would be as convenient to the Government as to the House, for they had not yet had time to consider the resolutions of which notice had been given by the hon. member for Waikato and the hon. member for Geraldine. In the meantime the Government hoped members would assist them in getting through the other business.

Mr. MACANHREW hoped that in the meantime the House would have the Public Works Statement and the tables connected with the Financial Statement, otherwise nothing could be gained by the postponement. The great object of the delay was to enable the House to have the financial propositions of the Government before them in their entirety—in fact, the complete scheme of the Government —so that the whole matter might be discussed.

Mr. WHITAKER quite coincided with what had fallen from Mr. Macandrew, and thought it would be well to postpone the debate until this information was in the hands of members, so that the question might be discussed once and for all. If such a course were not adopted, one thing would be discussed to-day and another to-morrow, and the same ground travelled over and over again, which would result in a great waste of time. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL formally moved an adjournment of the House, and said if hon. members required that the detailed tables should be placed upon the table with the Financial Statement, it would lead to this, that the Statement must be made much later in the year in future, and it was of no use attempting to call Parliament together early. He thought that would net suit the convenience of members, who generally wanted to get home as the spring months come on The tables were not ready, and though he would have them pushed on with all possible speed, yet if the House were determined to wait for them, the debate must be adjourned for at least ten days. The Public Works

Statement, he was informed by liis colleague, was in course of preparation, but however much it might be hurried it could not be brought down for another week. The Government were willing to afford every information, and if hon. members decided to adjourn the debate for a few days, the House might be asked to proceed with the Estimates, which, he presumed, would not commit hon. members to opposing the Financial Statement. Still the Government did not think the long adjournment necessary, and while disposed to accede to a postponement till Tuesday, were not prepared to say that a further adjournment would be agreeable to them. The Plon. Mr. RICHARHSON was understood to intimate that the Public Works Statement would be ready by Tuesday next. Mr. WHITAKER thought hon. members should have the papers, and that there should be an adjournment till they were brought down, the Premier undertaking to have them ready as soon as possible. The motion for the adjournment of the House was negatived. THE COUNTIES BILL. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL then moved that this order of the day be postponed till Friday, and said it seemed to him that it was not fair to ask the Government to go on even with ordinary business for a considerable period while such resolutions as those previously referred to appeared on the paper. Perhaps it would be better to adjourn for a fortnight. The Hon. Mr. STAFFORH recognised that the Government could scarcely be expected to say at the instant what course they would pursue after such resolutions as those of the liori. member for Waikato and the hon. member for Geraldine had been given notice of. Beyond a doubt, they were exceedingly important resolutions —they were of exceptional importance—and all parties were equally interested in them, because they involved a financial revolution. The House should therefore not be taken by surprise, but should exercise its discretion in considering the time and manner in which they should be discussed ; and he thought the Government might fairly claim till next sitting day at anyrate to consider the character and effect of the resolutions and decide as to what course should be taken respecting them. The questions were of such magnitude that the Government might very fairly refuse to carry on public business until the matter had been dealt with. Mr. ROLLESTON suggested that both resolutions should be considered in Committee of Supply. Mi-. REABER WOOH said as the resolutions opened up the whole system of finance it would be quite impossible for the House to consider either of them without at the same time considering the Budget, and it seemed to him that the House could not be in a position to do this until it had had placed before it full information. He had endeavored to make himself acquainted with the Statement, and he felt that to do so thoroughly he must have more detailed information, such as the tables spoken of would afford. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL, in reply, said the Government would go on with the business on the Order Paper that day, the Counties Bill and the Financial Arrangements Bill being postponed till Friday, but they were not prepared to say that they would be willing to go on for ten days or a fortnight with those resolutions impending. The second readings of the Counties Bill and Financial Arrangements Bill were then postponed till Friday. CENSUS ACT AMENDMENT BILL.

The Hon. Mr. BOWEN moved the second reading of this Bill, which repeals that part of the Census Act which provides that another census shall not be taken until 1880 unless Imperial legislation required it. He explained that the Government did think it desirable to expend £30,000 in taking a census next year. Agreed to. LOTTERIES AND ART UNIONS BILL.

The Hon. Mr. BOWEN, in moving the second reading of this Bill, said the object in view was to check gambling, which had been carried on to a large extent lately under the title of art unions and soirees. Second reading agreed to. DEBTORS AND CREDITORS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Hon. Mr. BOWEN moved the second reading of this Bill. He referred to the legislation of last year, which, he pointed out, had partaken of the character of the Scotch Bankruptcy law in principle and had generally been approved, though some practical defects had from time to time exhibited themselves. It was to remedy these defects that the present Bill was introduced. He was pleased to say that a great deal of interest had been taken in the Act, and the amendments suggested were the result of recommendations made by persons who looked at the question from various points of view. He explained the minor provisions of and said the Government would be willing to take suggestions from any member, the desire being to make it as good a Bill as possible. Mr. SHARP agreed with the principle of the Bill, but said there were certain clauses he should like to see amended in committee. He pointed out that there were two classes of bankruptcy—there were cases in which debtors sought the protection of the Court, and others in which the creditors resorted to the Court in order to bring a debtor to book and to get from him what there was to be got ; and he considered provision should be made for different processes in these different cases. He was also in favor of an official assignee being appointed. Mr. STOUT spoke of the great bulk of the Bill, pointing out that there were upwards of 300 clauses in it, and said as it was impossible such a measure should receive full consideration this session, it would be much better if the Minister for Justice would introduce a short Bill, amending in some particulars the old Act, leaving new legislation for another session. He took occasion to refer to the quantity of work the new Parliament got through somehow or another every session;

In England two or three important Acts were considered sufficient work for a long session, but here it was attempted to pass a large number of important Bills in a very short period, the result being that the legislation was almost useless in many instances. As for introducing the Scotch law of bankruptcy, it was impossible to do so. The Scotch bankruptcy law lvas part of a large system, and worked very smoothly in connection Avith other branches, but it could not be expected to Avork well when grafted on to English law. lhe Scotch IaAV might be a very good IaAV, but if it Avas attempted to mix it .up witn English IaAV a bungle Avas inevitable. Mr. BASTINGS also advocated the withdraival of the Bill. Mr. BUTTON took the same . vieiv as the hon. member for Dunedin . city, in reference to the fallacy of attempting to graft the Scotch bankruptcy law on to the English system, which he described as P er^ c *vy unique and peculiar to itself. He thought the Scotch laiv could be very Avell done without, as the English laiv Avas in itself sufficient. He criticised the policy of the Act, which was to throAV not only the estate of the debtor, but the body of the debtor into the hands of the creditor, and pointed out that theoretically and practically this system Avas bad. Let creditors have the estate to do with it as they pleased, but the body of the debtor should be left for the Court to deal Avith. The creditor was quite incapable of dealing avith him fairly. Men angry at their losses avould not. stop to enquire whether a debtor was the victim of misfortune, they would punish him because they had lost by him. The Court, therefore, should have to deal with the debtor, and if guilty of fraud he should be at once punished, and not sentadriftas an uncertificated bankrupt. The learned member spoke. strongly on the present practice of withholding certificates an uncertificated bankrupt he regarded as an unmitigated evil. He went about preying on the community generally —in fact, begging—and by and by, increasing in numbers, these men became a perfect curse. Eor the sake of the commercial morality of a community, a fraudulent debtor. should receive summary punishment, and while he Avas left in the hands of creditors, who cared for nought but dividends out of the estate, bankrupts would not be dealt with from this higher standpoint. , J , , The Hon. Mr. BOWEN replied on the debate, hoping the Bill would be passed through, as he felt confident good would result from it. He should be quite willing to amend in committee. . The Bill Avas read a second time. HAWKS’S BAY RIVERS BILL. This Bill Avas passed through committee, and ordered to be read a third time next day. HATING BILL. The Bating Bill was further considered m committee. . . . Mr. WHITAKER proposed the ©mission ot clause 19, relating to the constitution of the Court, and that the following clauses up to 27, be omitted, considering that they had the effect of making the Bill too cumbersome. He moved as an amendment —That instead of Justices the Resident Magistrates be judges to try appeals ; that the clerk of the R.M. be clerk of the Assessment Court, and that the sittings be held at such times and places as he may appoint, not less than ten days notice to be given. The amendment was agreed to. Clause 28 was slightly amended on the motion of Mr. Whitaker. A long discussion arose on the 2Jth clause, which provides that the clerk, valuers, and collectors should attend the Court. Mr. Lusk objected to the clause, but it was eventually adopted. , , On clause 30 (Court to correct valuation list) there was a long debate. Mr. Wason moved that Avords be prefixed to the clause which would make it read thus “ That the local body may in the first place hear and determine all objections made against the roll, and shall alter the same as they may think fit ; and in the event of objections still being laid against the roll, the Court shall hear and determine all objections,” &c.. The effect of the clause Avould be to place power in the hands of the local bodies, Avhich was originally given to the Court exclusively.—The Premier objected to the insertion of the words in that place. He regarded it as absurd that hon. members who had became possessed of a. happy thought should endeavor to introduce it into the first clause they came to. He objected to the amendment, on the ground of its unsuitability in the place in which it was proposed to insert it.—Mr. Wason, under the circumstances withdreiv his motion, by permission of the committee, at the same time giving notice of his intention to. move for the insertion of a separate clause, giving effect to the idea he had desired should be inserted in clause 30. The latter part of the clause Avas then struck out. Clause 36, which called forth a long discussion, chiefly from members of the legal profession, read as folloAvs . - If any objection is made of a frivolous and unreasonable character, by Avhich any person is put to unnecessary inconvenience and expense, the Court may, in its discretion, order that the objector shall pay to such the reasonable costs and charges to Avhich he has been put by reason of such objections.” The clause was amended by leaving out all the Avords ending Avith the Avord expense in the third line; and several technical amendments Avere made, one being that the sum of money so ordered to be paid°might be recovered as a sum of money for Avhich judgment had been obtained. Additional amendments being suggested, the Premier moved and it Avas carried, that the Chairman report progress and ask leave to sit again next (this) day. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. . Wednesday, July 19. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at half-past tAVO o’clock. p*Th Hon. Captain ERASER asked if the Government had any objection to lay on the

table copies of any correspondence Avhich may have taken place between the Ghancellor of the Neiv Zealand University and the Government, with reference to a suggested changem the governing body of the New Zealand Uni V<? The Hon. Dr. POLLEN replied that he had no recollection of any correspondence such as that referred to ; but if there Avas any the Government Avould offer no objection to its being produced. JURIES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The above Bill was read a third time, on the motion of the Hon. Dr. Pollen, and passed. REGULATION OP LOCAL ELECTIONS BILL. This Bill Avas committed. A prolonged discussion took place on clause 3, Avith respect to the question of admitting the principle of proxies. It was eventually postponed on the motion of the Hon. Ur. Pollen. Clause 5 Avas also postponed. Clause 6 Avas agreed to. On clause 7 the Hon. Mr HALL moved. That the Avords “ or before the chairman of the local body” be inserted after the Avords justices of the peace.”—Agreed to. Clause 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 were agreed to. Clause 9 Avas postponed. Some discussion took place on clause 15, on a motion by the Hon. Mr. Hall, to leave open the duration of the hour of polling, not to be less than six hours. The motion of the Horn Mr. Hall Avas lost, and the clause without amendment alloAved to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 16 to 27 were agreed to. Clause 28 Avas postponed, on the motion of the Hon. Dr. Pollen. Clauses 29 to 36 Avere passed. On clause 37 the vagueness of the Avords “ a miner’s right,” Avas alluded to. It was suggested that the Avords should be altered to any miner’s right or rights, so as to prevent an elector voting tAvice on different miners The Hon. Dr. POLLEN took a note of the objection. The clause Avas agreed to. Clauses 38 to 46 were also agreed to. On clause 47 the Hon. Dr. POLLEN moved to report progress, the committee to. have leave to sit again on Eriday next. —Carried.

GENERAL GAS ACT, 1876. A message Avas received from the House of Representatives with the above Act. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed.

LEAVE TO GIVE EVIDENCE. The Hon. Dr. Pollen Avas granted leave to attend and give evidence before a select committee on the petition of certain settlers of Ngaruawahia. The Hon. the Speaker was granted similar leave to attend a committee on the petition of settlers of the Waikato. The Council then, 5 p.m., adjourned till the folloAving day. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, July 19. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’clock. REPORT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE. The report of a select committee on the Timaru Gas, Coal, and Coke Company (Limited) Bill, was adopted. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence Avas granted to Mr. Taiaroa for a fortnight. QUESTIONS. In answer to Mr. Stevens, The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said he was unable to state Avhat Avere the respective contributions of the provinces to the Consolidated Fund during the year ended 30th ult. It was impossible for a Treasurer to carry such figures in his head ; besides, he might say he had only knoAvn three hours since Avhat had been the actual revenue for the year. If notice of motion for a return Avere given, the Government would afford every facility for its being printed early. To Mr. CURTIS, Avho asked the Hon. bir Julius Vogel, if he would furnish the House Avith an approximate estimate of the probable liabilities of each province, for Avhich it is intended to make provision by the proposed loan of £750,000, , . The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL replied m similar terms. In reply to Mr. Wood, The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said the Government had no intention of introducing a Bill this session to change the constitution of the other branch of the Legislature. The Government had not even considered the matter. NEAT BILLS. New Bills were introduced: —By Sir G. Gbey Auckland Institute Act Amendment Bill. . By Mr Montgomery —A Bill to make provision for 'the Drainage of Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth, and for the formation of a line of raihvay from the Southbridge and Christchurch Line to Little River, and thence to Akaroa Harbor. LAND GRANTED TO RELIGIOUS BODIES. Mr. HAMLIN moved —That there be laid before this House, a return of all sections of land Avithin the province of Auckland granted to any religious denomination, as sites for churches, cemeteries, parsonages, or glebes, during the last ten years. Such return to specify the number of each lot or section granted, the district in Avhich situate, and the area comprised within each grant ; together Avith the name of the particular denomination for Avhose use the grant Avas made. Agreed to. PETITION OF AVILLIAM HUTT. Mr. KELLY moved, —That the petition of William Hutt and others, respecting their alleged claims to land in the Manarvatu district, be referred to a select Such committee to consist of the Hon. Sir D. McLean, Mr. Brandon, Mr. Bunny, Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Ormond, and the mover. —Agreed to after slight amendments. GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS. Mr. L ARNACH moved,—That a return be laid before this House, specifying the sums of money spent, and being expended, in the construction and repairs of Government buildings

throughout the colony, since Ist July, 1870. The said return to state the purposes for which any building Avas erected, and the purposes for Avhich it is noiv used ; also to shoAv, in detail, the amount spent and being expended for the above purposes in each province in each year since the date named above.—Agreed to. HYPOTHECATION OF DEBENTURES. Mr. R. WOOD moved, —That there be laid before this House, copies of all correspondence and telegrams in connection Avith the. sale or hypothecation of the million and a quarter of unguaranteed debentures. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said the Government hoped the hon. member Avould not press the motion, because the Avhole of the correspondence had been of a confidential nature, and it Avould not be Avell to publish it just yet, Avhatever might be done by and . by. He might, hoAvever, say that a letter received yesterday stated that arrangements had been made for borrowing a million upon the unguaranteed debentures and some of the guaranteed debentures. £1,600,000 would be advanced to the Crown Agents on £1,250,000 worth of debentures, and the terms were favorable to the colony, the amount being borroAved so that sums of £50,000 could be taken out of the bank, the interest being 5 per cent., and the loan being repayable at tAvelve months from the date of the money being draAvn out. Mr. STEVENS enquired Avhether he had rightly understood that the unguaranteed de bentures Avere supported by the guaranteed debentures. Sir GEORGE GREY asked to be informed of the date of the transaction Avith the Bank of England. Mr. MACANDREW urged the House not to attempt to force from the Government information which Avas at present of a confidential character. The public interests might suffer if such a motion Avere carried, and he hoped the hon. member for Parnell Avould withdraw it.

The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said if the House Avere to agree to the motion and insist on the correspondence being brought doAvn, it Avould simply force the Government to . decline to receive confidential communications from agents on important business. No doubt hon. members had the right to ask for information, but the Government must reserve. to itself the right to decline to afford information on such a delicate matter as this Avhen they had reason to do so. The negotiations with the Bank of New Zealand had been carried on for the purpose of obtaining an advance of a million on the unguaranteed debentures ; but the counsel of the bank had advised that the Crown Agents had no authority to hypothecate these debentures, and the bank therefore could not advance the money. The Crown Agents were not immediately in want of money, and did not think it desirable to make any attempt to get an advance on the short-dated debentures. Later on the Bank of NeAv Zealand, without any charge, became responsible to the Bank of England for a million, which sum had therefore been forthcoming on the terms indicated. The short-dated debentures on their arrival in England would be substituted for the security given by the Bank of NeAv Zealand. In replj to the hon. member for the Thames he might say the transaction with the Bank of England was concluded on the Ist June. Mr. R. WOOD said he had no objection whatever to Avithdraw the motion after the explanation given. Motion withdrawn. COUNTY BOUNDARIES.

The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON moved, — That a select committee of fifteen members be appointed to consider the proposed boundaries of counties for the Middle Island, and to make recommendations thereon ; six to be a quorum. The committee to consist of Mr. Barff, Mr. Bastings, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Harper, Dr. Henry, Mr. MacandreAV, Mr. Manders, Mr. Pyke, Mr. Reid, Mr. Rolleston, Mr. Seymour, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. W. Y7ood, Mr. Woolcock, and the mover. Mr. MACANDREW suggested that the motion should be postponed until the people of the different districts have had time to consider the Bill. Mr. STOUT raised a point of order as to whether, according to a certain standing order named, a Bill could be referred to a committee until it had been read a first time. The SPEAKER ruled that the standing order referred to did not affect the motion. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL deprecated what he regarded as an attempt by a side issue to raise a discussion. On the Counties Bill the desire was to obtain ' the valuable assistance of members of the House in regard to the proposed boundaries for counties. Whether the Bill passed or not the consideration of the subject contained in the motion should be of interest to members. Mr. ROLLESTON took exception to the remark of the Premier as to the discussion being raised on the Counties Bill by a side issue. It Avas the privilege and business of members to discuss motions coming before them. Further, he would state that the people Avere taking very large interest in the neAv proposals, and Avould take care to give expression to their views through their representatives in the House. Mr. DONALD REID thought the motion was premature, and that if. the boundaries were to be considered at all, it would be better done by meetings of members from each district. , , Mr. LARNACH opposed the motion. Sir Robert Douglas, Messrs. Manders, Thomson, Wood, and a number of others spoke. The latter expressed a very strong opinion on the subject, and stated that on all hands the greatest fear was felt Avith reference to the financial policy of the Government, and the House Avould not, the Government Avould find, be led step by step to countenance a policy Avith Avhich in its entirety they did not agree. Mr. PYKE called attention to the fact that if constant delays of this kind were permitted, the effect would be to tire members out, and

consequently there would be nothing but imperfect legislation during the session. Mr. ANDREW moved as an amendment to the motion, that it be postponed for » week. Mr. MACANDREW moved as a further amendment, that the motion beadjourned[till after the second reading of the Counties BiU. The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON said the Government were prepared to accede to the generally expressed Avish of members, and were prepared to adjourn the question. _ Mr. REES said there Avas no truth in the general observations of Government members, that the Opposition Avere desirous of delaying business. The Counties Bill should have been brought doAvn long since. He would support the amendment of Mr. Macandrew. Mr. ANDREW Avithdrew his motion m favor of that of Mr. Richardson. The question that the debate be adjourned until after the second reading of the Counties Bill, Avas then put and carried. The Hon. Major ATKINSON then moved, That a select committee be appointed to consider the proposed boundaries of counties for the North Island, and to make recommendations thereon; five to be a quorum. The committee to consist of Mr. Ballance, Mr. Bunny, Mr. Cox, Sir R. Douglas, Sir G. Grey, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Ormond, Mr. Sheehan, and the mover. The debate on the above Avas postponed until after the second reading of the Counties Bill.

OTHER MOTIONS. Mr. SEATON moved, —That there be laid before this House, copies of all correspondence betiveen the Minister for Immigration and Mr. H. W. Farnall, late Emigration Agent in the North of Ireland.—Carried. Mr. JOHNSTON moved,—That there b laid before this House, a copy of the corres pondence, during the last year, betrveen the Government and Messrs. Douglas and Co., with respect to the Oroua and, Carnarvon block. —Carried. Mr. ROWE moved, —That the petition of the Thames Borough Council and several Highway Boards, relative to the purchase of land for settlement, be printed. —Carried.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said, before proceeding to the orders of the day, he desired to make a statement with regard to the notices of motion given by the members for Waikato and Geraldine. He did not desire to raise diseussion, but the resolution the Government had arrived at Avas that in the first instance the resolution of Avhich the hon. member for Geraldine had given notice if carried would not give to the Consolidated Revenue so large an amount as it Avould receive under the Government proposals, so that it Avould be seen the resolutions had not expediency to recommend it. In respect to the resolution of the member for Waikato, the same objection might be raised, and the Government had arrived at the determination to offer both the resolutions the most unqualified opposition. However, the Government desired to afford members the fullest facilities for discussion. He might mform the House that in all probability the papers to Avhich reference Avas made on the previous day would be laid on the table earlynext week, in which case the discussion could be taken at the end of the same week. Whilst the resolutions Avere thus hanging over th« heads of the Government it would be quite consistent with the usual custom for them to ask for an adjournment, and decline to resume other business ; but the Government having in view the convenience of hon. members, desired to consult their Avishes and proceed with the business in the meanwhile. ORDERS OF THE DAY. Orders of the day Nos. 1 to 7 were postP °The re S poH°on the South Dunedin and St. Kilda Municipalities Bill Avas agreed to, and the Bill read a third time and passed. The Canterbury Education Reserves Leasing- Bill was read a second time. The Ota"o Presbyterian Church Conveyance Validationßill passed through committee, and was ordered to be read a third time on the day following. , „ „ . The second reading -of the Bluff Harbor Board Bill was postponed, and made an order of the day for next day. CANTERBURY LEASING BILL. Mr. WASON moved the second reading of th M?ssrs. Rolleston, Harper, Eisher, and other Canterbury members spoke on the Bill, after which Mr. SHEEHAN moved the adjournment of the debate, on the ground that it Avas desirable not to discuss a measure of this character until the Government Bills Avere dealt with, as these Avould materially interfere with the operation of the Bill. He complained, that the Government were shoiving uneasiness in bringing doAvn their measures—in fact, were hunting the lobbies for a policy—and he commented on the absence of the Secretary for Lands. when an important question like this was coming on for discussion. , . The Hon. Mr. BOWEN explained that Major Atkinson was prevented from being present OAving to illness, and said had the non. member for Rodney been in his place a, few hours previously he would have heard the Premier say the policy of the Government was before the House, and the other proposal before the House Avould be opposed. I hat did not look as if the Government Avere hunting for a policy. In regard to this Bill also the Government had expressed its opinion. The Premier had stated that certain proposals would be brought doAvn in reference to . the Canterbury waste lands, and that the Ministry were not prepared to discuss this Bill at al, and deprecated a discussion. Mr. WAKEFIELD expressed his pleasure that an hon. member from the. other extremity of the colony should take an interest m Canterbury affairs, and thought the fact was significant of the benefit to be derived from abolition, while it also showed that members of a particular locality could not smuggle measures through the House. He suggested the adjournment of the debate, and expressed regret that

tiie Government had not talcea a decided attitude in respect to the Bill. Sir ROBT. DOUGLAS protested against so many adjournments of business being assented to. The debate was then adjourned. CENSUS BILL. This Bill was committed. Mr. STOUT took objection to the census being postponed till 1881, and in reply to the Hon. Mr. Bowen, who said there had been a census so late as 1874, and it was not considered desirable to go to more expense till the year when a census would be taken in England and the other colonies, Mr. Stout said he could not see the force of the arguments used. Messrs. Bees and Wakefteld also urged that the census should be taken in due course, and that no alteration in the time should be made. After considerable discussion, the Bill was amended so that while the year 1881 was fixed as a period for taking the census, the option was left to Parliament to take a census during the period intervening between then and now. The Bill was reported with amendments, and leave obtained to sit again, when it was further amended so as to enable the Government to take the census at any time of the year that might be deemed fitting. The Bill was then further reported, and the third reading appointed for next day. OTHER BILLS. The second reading of the Friendly Societies Bill was postponed. The Hawke’s Bay Rivers Bill was read a third time and passed. On a message from the Legislative Council, the Juries Act Amendment Bill was read a first time. The second reading of the Education Boards Bill was postponed until Friday. RATING BILL. The House then went into committee on the Rating Bill. Clause 36 was passed as amended. On clause 40 there was some discussion, the Government proposing to rate such property as under existing legislation was liable to rates. Eventually progress was reported and leave obtained to sit again on Friday next. The House adjourned at 12.35 a.m. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, July 20. The Council met at half-past two o’clock. PAPERS. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN laid on the table the following papers : —New Zealand Civil List Account, 1875-6 ; return relating to Crown lands ; report of the present state of the Jackson Bay settlement ; report by the Actuaries of the Government Insurance department. The Hon. Mr. BONAR gave notice that he would move that the Jackson Bay report be printed. PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE. The report of the above committee was brought up by the Hon. Captain Baillie, and read. TORRES STRAIT TELEGRAMS. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN stated, for the information of hon. members, that a telegram had been received stating that the departure of the steamer which ran between Singapore and Port Darwin would be delayed until the following morning. CENTRAL GAOL AT TARANAKI. The Hon. Captain FRASER moved that there be laid upon the table, copies of the plans and specifications of the proposed central gaol at Taranaki. The hon. gentleman stated that the Colonial Secretary had, unintentionally no doubt, misled hon. members as to the amount of concrete to be used in the gaol. He read telegrams from Messrs. Lucas and Proudfoot, of Otago, which showed that that material had only been used in the foundations and round the fireplaces. He regretted that so much money was being swallowed by the insatiable maw of Taranaki. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN said the only objection he saw to the motion of the hon. member was the cost involved. The time necessary for their production should also be considered. They would take not less than a week. He was surprised that the hon. member had gone to Otago for information which h« could have obtained from the Colonial Architect. If the Council thought it necessary to incur the expense, there was no other objection. The Hon. Captain FRASER said that the reason he had gone to Otago for information was that he doubted the evidence of his own senses. The motion was carried. TARANAKI BOTANICAL GARDENS BILL. This Bill was read a second time. Dr. Pollen explained the objects of the Bill. In 1875 a Provincial Ordinance was passed with the same intention as this Bill. The SolicitorGeneral had taken exception to certain provisions that were in that Ordinance, which had given power to impose certain penalties, &c., and in consequence his Excellency was advised not to assent to the measure. These objections, however, had not been to the -principle of that Ordinance. The Bill was subsequently committed, when clauses 1 to 8, 10, 11, 12, and 14 to 17, were agreed to. Clauses 9 and 13 were postponed. The Bill will be further considered to-day (Friday.) LAND TRANSFER ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The second reading was made an order of the day for next day. DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH CHURCH OF ENGLAND LANDS BILL. The committal of this Bill was postponed till Friday week. MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.' A message was received from the other Chamber with the Otago Presbyterian Church Validation Act. On the motion of the Hon. Dr. Menzies the second reading was fixed for Tuesday next. The South Dunedin and St. Kilda Municipalties Bill was also received from the House of Representatives, and its second

reading, on the motion of the same hon. member, made an order of the day for Tuesday. The Council then adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, July 20. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’ clock. PETITIONS AND NOTICES. A number of petitions were presented and notices given. QUESTIONS. Mr. ROLLESTON asded whether he could have a return prepared, showing approximately the extent of borrowing powers authorised by the act of the General Assembly to be exercised by Municipalities, Harbor Boards, Drainage Boards, or other public bodies, and the extent to which such power has been exercised ? The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said such a return could be prepared, but it would take some time. The hon. member had better give notice of motion. In reply to Mr. Stout, The Hon. Major ATKINSON said all official correspondence on the subject of the late Otago Waste Lands Board affair had been laid upon the table. NEW BILLS. Bills were introduced as follows: —By Mr. Bunny Masterton and Greytown Lands Management Act, 1871. By Mr Ormond — Napier Municipal Council Re-erves Bill, Napier Harbor Board Endowment Bill, Napier Hospital Bill. EXPENDITURE FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES. Mr. MURRAY moved, —That there be laid before the House, a return showing the expenditure out of loan and revenue from the 30th June, 1872, for native and defence purposes, in continuation of the return prepared to that date. Agreed to. GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. Mr. MURRAY moved for a return showing what salaried officers of the General Government are permitted to receive remuneration for services outside of their service to the General Government, the amount of such remuneration, and the value of such services. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL opposed the motion, and pointed out that the hon. member could not have considered the effect of the motion, for if it were passed, the House would also have to pass an Act to enable the Government to make inquiry into the private affairs of the officers. In many cases such an inquiry would be a little anomalous. For instance, registrars of births, deaths, and marriages might be considered Government officers, but in most country districts these officers were engaged in business ; the same wa y with postmasters. Did the hon. member desire these gentlemen to furnish an account of their business ? So with revising officers being solicitors in practice. Not only was the amount of remuneration asked for, but the nature of the services, and he did not think officers would for a small sum per year state the character of the business in which they were engaged. The hon gentleman read a long list of the officers who would come within the scope of the motion. At the instance of Mr. Macandrew, the motion was amended by making the return apply only to those officers receiving upwards of £2OO a year, and in this form carried. THE RABBIT NUISANCE. On the motion of Dr. Hodgkinson, a select committee was appointed to enquire into the rabbit nuisance. CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONSOLIDATED REVENUE. On the motion of Mr. Stevens, it was ordered that a return should be laid on. the table of the House, showing the contributions to the Consolidated Revenue of each province during the financial year ended 30th June, 1876. PORTRAITS OF SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE. Mr. WAKEFIELD moved —“That Mr. Speaker be invited to communicate the desire of this House to Sir David Monro and Sir Francis Dillon Bell, former Speakers of this House, that the portraits of those gentlemen shall be placed in the precincts of this House, side by side with that of Sir Charles Clifford, the first Speaker of this House. He spoke in favor of the practice of having mementoes of gentlemen who had occupied such distinguished positions in the country. Mr. J. C. BROWN would like to know at whose expense the portraits were to be ob-tained—-if at the expense of the country he should object to it, and if not, it seemed a very peculiar position for the House to take up to ask three gentlemen to go to great expense in order to make a gift to the House. Several other members spoke in a similar strain, and the motion was withdrawn. LOCAL OPTION LICENSING BILL. The debate was resumed by Mr. Joyce, who said he had given some attention to this matter, and was of opinion that prohibition had proved an utter failure in the past, and he should oppose the Bill. Discussing the question of temperance, he thought the drinking customs must continue, and could not be checked by legislation. Mr. ROWE spoke in favor of the Bill. He could not see why the people of a locality should not have the control of publichouses in their districts. He felt convinced that could the drinking customs be suppressed the colony would save a large sum in excess of any revenue which might be derived from spirits. Mr. HARPER opposed the Bill because he considered the Licenses Act fully sufficient for regulating the sale of intoxicating liquors. He would yield to none in a desire to check intemperance, but he could not see that this Act would serve the purpose. Dr. HODGKINSON considered the Bill sound in principle. Mr. MANDERS opposed the Bill because he thought the licensing law required consolidation, not extension. Mr. BRYCE also opposed the Bill, and spoke at some length on the advisableness of educating the people, and not forcing them to abstain by legislation. He suggested that

control should be afforded by giving people of localities power to elect licensing boards. Mi\ STOUT replied at length. He referred to the great evils of intemperance in this country, pointing out that upwards of two millions a year was spent in New Zealand in liquor, and after tracing the history of legislation in America, said there could be no question as to the utility of this Bill, one of the good effects of which was that the attention of the people being called to the matter triennially would alone be a powerful agent in educating the people on the matter of temperance. He would be quite willing to fall in with the suggestion of the hon. member for Wanganui in respect of the establishment of licensing boards. Some people seemed to think the drinking evil ought not to be grappled with, and would stand with folded arms and watch the gradual deterioration of the people, as had been aptly put by Mr. Chamberlain in the Fortnightly Review. There were hundreds of people in this colony, aye, people in good positions, who were being daily ruined by drink, and if the House only rescued twenty of those people a year, it would be doing a good work, and a work which must be done. It was time the subject was grappled with, and the sooner the country took it in hand in eai’nest the better. A division ensued, and the second reading was carried by 38 to 28. The Bill was ordered to be committed in a week. AUCKLAND INSTITUTE BILL. On the motion of Sir George Grey, this Bill was read a second time. CANTERBURY EDUCATION RESERVES LEASING BILL. This Bill was passed through all its stages. The House then adjourned.