Parliament.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 245, 29 July 1876, Page 18

Parliament.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, July 21. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. WELLINGTON RESERVES BILL. The Hon. Dr. GRACE brought up tlm report of the select committee on this Bill. r lhe report recommended that the Bill should be passed as printed. PORT CHALMERS. The Hon. Mr. NURSE gave notice that on Tuesday next he would ask the Colonial Secretary —How many Californian steamers have been unable to enter Port Chalmers, how many times they have touched, and what damage ? TELEGRAPH STATION FOR FARNDON. The Hon. Colonel WHITMOEE asked the Colonial Secretary,—Whether there is any prospect of a telegraph station being erected at Earndon, in the province of Hawke s Bay, in accordance with the petition of the inhabitants ? . , ~ , The Hon. Dr. POLLEN, in reply, said that when, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Telegraphs, the local circumstancs were sufhcientT to warrant it, there was a prospect of such a station being erected. JACKSON BAY SETTLEMENT. The Hon. Mr. BONAR moved that the papers relating to the Jackson Bay Settlement be printed. „ ... The Hon. Captain ERASER was of opinion that the original of a certain letter in Italian should b 3 produced instead of the translation. The motion was carried. MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. A message was received from the other Chamber with the Hawke's Bay Rivers Bill. The Bill was read a first time, its second readin"- being made an order of the day for Tuesday next. The Canterbury Educational Reserves Bill was also received from the House of Representatives, read a second time, ordered to be printed,.and the second reading fixed for Tuesday. The Census Act Amendment Bill, 1876, was received with amendments, which were ordered to be considered presently. NASEBY WATERWORKS BILL. This Bill was read a second time, committed, and subsequently read a third time, and passed. REGULATION OP LOCAL ELECTIONS BILL. This Bill was further considered in committee, the postponed clause being taken up. A protracted discussion took place on clause 3. The Hon. Colonel KENNY moved the insertion of certain words. On a division, the motion was lost by 12 The Hon. Mr. HALL moved the addition of the following proviso:—"Provided always that no such written request shall be made until the question shall have been considered in a public meeting of the ratepayers of the district duly convened for the purpose.'] _ The proviso wa3 agreed to on a division by The other postponed clauses (5, 9, and 28) were agreed to. Clause 47 was passed. Progress was then and the committee 3 obtained leave to sit again. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE gave notice of his intention to introduce a new clause in the Bill just under discussion. CENSUS BILL. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN moved that the Council agree to the amendments made in the Bill by the House of Representatives.—Agreed to. BILLS POSTPONED. The second reading of the Land Transfer Act, 1870, Amendment Bill, was made an order of the day for Tuesday _ next. The further consideration in committee of the Taranaki Botanic Gardens Bill was also fixed for Tuesday next. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, July 21. The Speaker . took the chair at half-past two o'clock. QUESTIONS. In answer to Mr. Bastings, The Hon. Major ATKINSON said the Government would not interfere with the Waste Lands Board in respect of the issue of licenses to the holders of deferred payment sections in the Heriot Hundred, Otago. In answer to Mr. Murray, who enquired whether the Government would consult the House before appointing an Agent-General, The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL replied that the Government had not discussed the' matter in Cabinet. As soon as anything had been done the House would be informed. In reply to Mr. Gibbs, The Hon. Major ATKINSON said all correspondence relative to the resignation of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Nelson, was upon the table. In reply to Mr. Sheehan, who put a question about road accommodation north of Auckland. The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON made certain explanations, and promised to give further information when he made his statement for the year. rating bill. This Bill was further considered in committee. An amendment proposed to clause 41 by Mr. HodgkinsoN, to the effect that an

acreage rate of one penny per acre should be paid on all land leased or licensed, or three pence per acre on all other land, was negatived. On clause 43, providing for notification of rate, Mr. WHITAKER moved that the words " twelve days" be inserted so that that length of notice might be made certain. Clause 44. —Sir Robert Douglas suggested that the times at which the book should be open to inspection ought to be stated. One day in the week might be given.—Sir Julius "Vogel thought 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. would be suitable.—Mr. Woolcock objected to so many details being introduced into the Bill ; and Mr. Sheehan concurred with him. —Sir Julius Vogel said he agreed with the general principle that it was undesirable to fetter the local bodies, but these provisions assisted then instead of fettering them. A long discussion followed, after which an amendment was proposed _ by Mr Stout, to insert the words " at such time and hour as the local body may think fit," was agreed to. , ... Clauses 45, 46, and 47 were passed with slight verbal amendments. Clause 48—Occupier to pay only for time he occupies.—Messrs. Whitaker and Bastings su"-"-ested the excision of the clause, as it would be unworkable.—Sir Julius Vogel remarked upon the difficulty which attended the question, and did not oppose the omission of the clause, which was thereupon struck out. Clauses s®, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 were agreed to. Clause 56—Owner liable for rates after three months. Mr. Carrington proposed the following addition :—" Provided that proceedings against the occupier shall have been taken for the recovery and have proved fruitless ; provided also that the demand shall be made upon the owner within twelve months." Some discussion ensued, in which Mr Sharp said he wished to prevent local bodies from allowing rates to accumulate for want of looking after the occupiers, and then coming down and getting judgment in the Supreme Court for a large amount against the owner. Sir Robert Douglas said it would be much better to rate property, and not occupiers. If the owner knew he was responsible he would see the rates were paid. The clause was postponed. Upon the 63rd clause, which provides that six months after judgment has been obtained against absentees the local body may give six months' notice of intention to sell the property, a discussion arose. Mr. Lumsden desired two years to elapse after judgment notice had been given.-Sir Julius Vogel defended the clause, and said absentees should have agents to look after their property ; these people must look after their property. He spoke upon the general aspect of the question, and referred to the unfairness of people in the colony leaving their property to take care of itself while other owners of property were spending large sums of money in improvements—Mr. Stout suggested that there should be a provision exempting infant owners who might live out of the colony and obtain the land by legacy.—The clause was amended by the insertion of " twelve instead of "six," so that the judgment must go unsatisfied for twelve months before notice of intention to sell. The discussion was revived on the following clause, which gives power to sell.—Mr. Swanson suggested that the property of defaulters should be leased for payment of rates.—Mr. Stout supported this suggestion, and spoke of the unfairness of selling tie property out and out.—Sir Robert Douglas said such an arrangement would be very objectionable. The great object was to have these lands improved. At present such lands were a curse. Everyone's cattle roamed over them, and then broke on to the property of residents in the locality. Who would care to take the management of these pieces of landkeeping and guarding the land till it became valuable, when the owners would come back and inquire for it ?—Mr. Sheehan said the theory of Mr. Swanson's suggestion was bad. If the land were not worth caring for and paving rates on, it was not worth having, and no oblection could be taken to its sale. After a very lengthened discussion for and against the clause, Mr. Stout said the effect of the clause would be to place a heavy burden of costs upon the absentee land owners He proceeded to show how the costs would accumulate in case of the owner turning up ; and supposing he did not, the land sold would become an endowment of the Road Board. He thought the proposal made by the hon. member for Coleridge was by far the best. The question was then put that clause 63 as amended stand part of the Bill. A division was taken, which resulted in the clause being carried by a large m The next clause, 64, provided for the sale of the land after the expiration of the time mentioned when it was notified for sale. I he words "last mentioned six months were omitted in order to insert the words "said twelve months," applying to the term from elate of liability for rates.—Dr. Henry proposed the omission of the words " or such parts thereof," applying to the property that might be sold. To sell the land piecemeal would entail great expense. Districts were being kept back in consequence of there being large blocks of land possessing no claimants, or the owners of which were absent.—The Hon: Sir Julius Vogel accepted the amendment, an regarded it as an improvement on the clause, as it was better that the Government should deal with the land wholly instead of in part.-Mr. Rees opposed the motion strongly ; he regarded it as a proceeding unheard of in law, and most unfair to absent owners.—Mr. Reid supported the motion.—After considerable discussion, the words proposed to be struck out were retained. The clause as amended was allowed to stand part of the Bill. At the end of Clause 65, providing for the proceeds of sale, Mr. Murray moved,—That reasonable interest be paid by the Public Trust Office to the person entitled to tlie ! balance of money realised by the sale after

rates and costs had been paid.—The motion was accepted by Sir Julius Vogel, and it wai carried; . Clause 66 was postponed on the motion of Sir Julius Vogel, as it was necessary that some alteration should be made therein. The remainder of the clauses were adopted without amendment, and on the motion of Mr. Stout progress was then reported, and leave obtained to sit again on Tuesday next. stamp act amendment bill. The above Bill was read a second time without discussion, and ordered to be committed on Tuesday. PRIENDLY SOCIETIES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Hon. Mr. BOWEN explained the provisions of the Bill, which was based on the English legislation upon the same subject. He had compared carefully all the suggestions sent in by the different societies in the colony, which nearly all pointed in one direction, and a great many of the amendments and suggestions proposed had been accepted by the representatives of the Government in the Legislative Council. The Government desired to assist the societies to a better footing, and it was a fact that the more influential societies were those which were most anxious for Government interference ; and the reason of this was that the societies which were on the soundest basis were those which had suffered most from the reckless competition of the less successful ones. He then read a number of extracts from the Royal Commission appointed by the Imperial Parliament in 1874 to enquire into and report upon the condition of societies in England, with a view to the legislation which followed in 1875. Hia object was to show that a careful valuation of the assets of societies should be taken, and abo that there should be tables prepared and the accounts kept separately. A question had been raised as to whether there should be interference or registration at all ; but the societies desired that there should be a system of registration, and the Government therefore felt it°their duty to provide it. Of 101 societies in the colony, only 56 of them last year had sent in the returns necessary by the Act of 1867 ; therefore, he could not give as accurate statistics regarding them as he could desire. He then moved the second reading.

Mr. BARFF suggested the postponement of the second reading, to give members time for consideration of which it would be desirable to make in the B ill. Mr. REES supported the postponement. "Very many societies, if it were possible, would sooner see the Bill shelved till next session, in order to fully consider the application and worth of every clause. But if the Government thought the time was ripe for the consummation of legislation on the subject, he would ask them to give as long a time to the House as possible for the consideration of the Bill. . ~ * *. Mr. BASTINGS spoke in favor of the Bill. He could say for himself that it was the wish of friendly societies to have a Bill passed this session, but he nevertheless desired to see the second reading postponed, in order that time might be given for conferences on the suitability of clauses, and in certain directions for alterations and additions. Mr. STEVENS thought the Government deserved credit for the preparation of the Bill, of which he generally approved, and although it might be postponed, hoped the Government would not contemplate abandoning it. Mr. HURSTHOUSE would support the second reading, but thought that if a little delay were permitted there would be time for consultation among members,many of whom represented various friendly societies, and he felt that the effect would be that a Bill would be put forth of a character generally acceptable. Mr. ROLLESTON supported the second reading, and said the Government deserved credit for introducing a Bill so carefully prepared, and so fair to the interests of the societies. The amendments proposed by the societies were not numerous or of any great moment, and he would do his utmost to give these full consideration and to pass the measure this session. Mr. STOUT objected to the Bill on the ground that it created an additional department. He also objected to the clause providing for the appointment by the Governor of a registrar, and thought the adoption of the English Act on this subject would have been the wisest course to pursue. He acknowledged the propriety of registration, but questioned whether the societies themselves could not manage their own affairs as well or better than the Government in the matter of valuation, etc. The Hon. Mr. BOWEN said, in reply, that there was no desire to press on the committal of the Bill, and the Government would be glad to meet members for the purpose of conferring on the subject. As to the objection taken by Mr. Stout that the Bill would be creating a new department, he said the object of the Government in appointing one registrar was to avoid expense, the idea being that the work might be done in one of the departments already in existence. The Bill was then read a second time, its committal being made an order of the day for Friday next. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT AMENDMENT BILL.

The House went into committee on the above Bill. Clause No. 4 was postponed. Clauses 5 to to 16 were passed without alteration. Clause 17 was postponed, and clauses 18 to 28 inclusive were passed as printed. On clause 29 (which regulates the number of votes allowed to burgesses in electing councillors) coming on, the Hon. Sir Julius Vogel announced that the Government proposed burgesses should be allowed only one vote in electing a mayor, and the clause was amended so as°to be in accordance with a clause following. Mr. STEVENS said that after mature consideration the Chriatchurch City Council had decided to allow plurality of votes in the election of mayor. Mr. LUSK said he failed to see why any

distinction should be made between the election of a mayor and the election of city councillors. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL reminded members of the long discussion which took place in the House last year upon this subject, when it was decided that in such election b\irgesses should only be allowed one vote. This was the practice in "Victoria, and in none of the Australian colonies were burgesses allowed more than four votes. There was no reason to fear that the rights of property would be invaded, as a proof of which he might refer them to England and Canada. Mr. BASTINGS proposed an amendment that one vote in each ward be allowed. A long discussion followed, and at 12.35 a.m. Sir Julius Vogel moved that progress be reported, which Avas carried, leave being obtained to sit again on Tuesday, and the House then adjourned. ' LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 25. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. PAPERS AND NOTICES. Some papers were laid on the table and notices given. JACKSON BAY SETTLEMENT. The Hon. Mr. BOMK moved, without notice, that a select committee be appointed to select what documents should be printed in connection with this subject. The Hon. Captain ERASER took occasion to remark that he had compared the translation of the Italian letter to which he had referred on a former occasion, and found that it was quite correct The motion was agreed to. TIMAKU GAS BILL. This Bill was, on the motion of Mr. Aclanjd, read a second time. ALLEGED GROUNDING OF THE MAIL STEAMERS AT PORT CHALMERS. The Hon. Mr. NURSE asked the Colonial Secretary —(1.) How many times the Oalifornian mail steamers have been unable to enter the harbor at Otago, and for what reasons ? (2.) How many of those steamers have touched on the bar in going in or coming out ? (3.) And what damage, if any, hab been sustained by them in crossing the bar ? The Hon. Dr. POLLEN stated in reply—1. The Colima was detained once, but that was owing to her being out of trim; and as neap tides were on and a heavy sea was running, the pilot did not like to run the risk of taking her over the bar. 2. No steamer had touched on the bar in going in or out of Port Chalmers. It had been . said that the City of San Francisco did so, but that had been officially contradicted. The Australia certainly had grounded, but it was three-quarters of a mile inside the bar, when she "was on her way to the mooring ground. 3. No damage had been done.

LAND TRANSFER ACT 1870 AMENDMENT BILL. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN moved the second reading of this Bill. In doing so he said that the measure was promoted by the Government at the instance of the Registrar-General of Lands. The object of the second clause was to throw the risk of the non-registration of deeds upon those persons upon whom devolved the duty of registering them ; and further, it sought to relieve the assurance fund of the Land Transfer department from undue charges. The third clause related to the disposal of native lands under the Land Transfer Act. In dealing with native lands under the Land Transfer Act difficulties were found to exist, which this clause sought to remove. It would give to the District Land Registrar power to assess the amount of contribution to the assurance fund ; and upon such amount "and fees being paid, the Registrar may register any dealings. The fourth clause dealt with acknowledgements of married women. The fifth, clause provided that the sixth, seventh, eighth, and tenth sections of the Conveyancing Ordinance Amendmant Act, 1870, shall apply to sales by mortgagees in exercise of any power created by the Land Transfer Act, 1870 ; and deals with the registration of the transfer. The sixth clause makes it lawful for the Governor to appoint the District Land Registrar to be also Examiner of Titles ; and the seventh clause makes it penal to use the style or title of landbroker under the Act unless duly authorised. Dr. Pollen then explained the reason of the eighth clause, which provides that the words " one calendar month " shall be substituted for " feix calendar months" in the 87th section of the Land Transfer Act. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE would not oppose the second reading of the Bill. He thought some legislation was desirable. He urged the Council, however, not to proceed with legislation on this matter without searching inquiry. Mr. Waterhouse spoke in eulogistic terms of the Land Transfer Act. He believed generations yet to come would ascribe their wellbeing to that Act. Though calculated to do such great good, the principles of that Act had been elsewhere opposed by enemies who had sought to undermine its existence. It was to the credit of the legal profession in New Zealand that here it had been received in a different manner. Though calculated to injuriously affect their interests, yet they had not received it in a factious spirit. He would support the Bill on the understanding that after the second reading it should be referred to a select committee. The Hon. Mr. ERASER would also support the reference of the Bill to a select committee.

The Hon. Mr. HALL, in reply to some remarks which had fallen from the Hon. Mr. Fraser as to the appointment of a layman who was a protege of the Minister for Justice as Registrar of the Supreme Court at Christchurch, said he was acquainted with the gentleman in question, and considered the appointment a good one. All parties had since admitted that this was so, and that the present occupant of the office was a great improvement on the previous holder. He (Mr. Hall) was pleased that in this instance the Minister for

Justice had departed from the usual rule and appointed a layman, and not a professional man. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN had no objection to the Bill being referred to a select committee. The Bill was then read a second time, and the following committee chosen:—The Hons. Dr. Pollen, Messrs. Hall, Acland, Waterhouse, Johnston, and Stokes. _ TARANAKI BOTANIC GARDENS BILL, This Bill was further considered in committee. The Hon. Dr. Pollen explained the object of clause 13, which was to enable the Board to lease certain defined portions of land so as to obtain revenue. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE asked the Hon. Dr. Pollen whether he would guarantee the correctness of the first schedule.—To which Dr. Pollen replied that the schedule was a transcript from the Ordinance previously considered by the Provincial Council, with the addition of acres of land.—Mr. Waterhouse suggested that a certificate should be obtained from the Commissioner of Crown Lands in the province. The schedules were then agreed to, the Bill reported with amendments, and the third readfixed for Eriday next. REGULATION OF LOCAL ELECTIONS BILL. The consideration in committee of this Bill was resumed at clause 49. An amendment moved by the Hon. Colonel Wiiitmore on a division was lost, and the clause passed as printed. Clauses 50 and 51 were agreed to. On clause 52 the Hon. Dr. Pollen proposed after the last line to add words to the following effect :—Every voting paper so extracted shall be evidence of a vote given at the election to which it relates, and corresponding with the number on the roll shall be evidence of the person of the name having voted at such election.—Agreed to. Clauses 51 to 56 were carried. The Hon. Col. WHITMORE proposed the following new clause: —lt shall be lawful for any owner or owners of any property within any rateable district to authorise, under his or their hand, any other person resident within such district to exercise the vote or votes to which he or they are entitled, and the Returning Officer, on being satisfied that such person is duly authorised as aforesaid, shall allow him to vote accordingly. After a discussion, in which several hon. members took part, and in which the duty of prominent men taking an interest in local affairs was dwelt on, the clause was carried on a division by 10 to 9. The Hon. Mr. JOHNSON moved that the following words should be added to the clause: " Provided always that no one person shall use the proxy of more than two such owners." The Hon. Dr. POLLEN considered the subject of proxies an important question. He moved that the Chairman report progress. This was negatived by the casting vote of the Chairman, and after some discussion the motion of the Hon. Mr. Johnson was carried. Progress was then, on the motion of the Hon. Col. Whitmore, reported, and the committee obtained leave to sit again. OTHER BILLS. The Otago Presbyterian Church Conveyance "Validation Bill, South Dunedin and St. Kilda Municipalities Validation Bill, and Hawke's Bay Rivers Bill were advanced a stage ; and the Canterbury Education Reserves Sale and Leasing Bill, second reading, was postponed. The Council then (5 p.m.) adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 25. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. PETITIONS AND NOTICES. Several petitions were presented and notices given. Amongst these latter were a notice by Mr. Rolleston, in reference to the Friendly Societies Bill ; and one by Mr. Pyke, in reference to the gold duty. PAPERS. The Hon. Sir DONALD McLEAN laid upon the table a quantity of correspondence in reference to land transactions in Auckland, in which Mr. Thomas Russell had taken part. These had been moved for by Sir George Grey. —Mr. Pyke laid upon the table a report from the Goldfields Committee.—The Hon. Sir Julius Vogel laid upon the table a return relating to the Consolidated Revenue, moved for by Mr. Stevens. He also proposed to present tables connected with the Financial Statement. In order to give hon. members an opportunity of studying these documents, the tables had been printed and distributed ; but in the hurry of compiling them some slight errors had occurred. For instance, in table A, part 2, " funded debt" was spoken of instead of "public debt" : and there were three or four similar misprints. He would have correct copies distributed, and until then would refrain from tabling the returns. The hon. gentleman laid upon the table copies of correspondence in reference to the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the Canterbury Survey department. NEW BILL. The Hon. Mr. McLEAN introduced a Bill entitled Otago and Wellington Tolls Bill, which was read a first time. _ MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS BILL. This Bill was further considered in committee. Clause 29—Number of votes of burgesses.— A long discussion took place on this clause, Mr. Stout eventually proposing that each council should have the right to decide for itself the question of plurality of votes.—A division ensued on Mr. Bastings' motion for giving each burgess one vote, it being negatived by 54 to 23. A division was then taken on an amendment by Mr. Ballance limiting the votes to be exercised by any single voter to ihr.se. The amendment was negatived by 44 to 33. The clause therefore stood as printed, votes increasing up to five for a property of the value of £3OO.

Clauses 30 to 41 were passed with slight amendments. Clause 42—Candidates for the office of Mayor to pay £lo.—Mr. Lumsden moved that the clause be struck out. The House divided on the question that the clause stand part of the Bill. Ayes, 39 ; Noes, 18. The clause therefore remained as printed. Progress was reported, and the House adjourned for refreshment. PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. On the House resuming at half-past seven, The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON delivered the Public Works Statement. He commenced by regretting that the delivery so soon after the close of the financial year compelled him to prepare the Statement more hurriedly than he otherwise would have done. Additional tables had, however, been appended, which, together with reports from the Engineer-in-Chief and other officers, containing information in detail, would convey full information. railways. The railway works had not been pushed on so rapidly as in the two previous years, but care had been taken to avoid delaying those approaching completion, so that they might be made renranerative as early as possible. The estimates had been materially interfered with by the necessity for lining several tunnels, at a cost of £59,000, over the whole colony, and by the constantly increasing traffic which, he was happy to say, had rendered largely increased station accommodation requisite, and also lax-ge additional provision for rolling stock. The Kawakawa railway would be in working order dxiring the present year. To develop the traffic on the Kaipara and Riverhead railway, an extension beyond Helensville would be necessary. The proclamation for the Riverhead and Auckland line was withheld, owing to the heavy claims for land compensation. Should they be persevered in, is would be the duty of the Government to alter the route. The exceptionally bad winter had delayed the Mercer to Newcastle line. Tenders are only now being called for the permanent way. It would be twelve months before the line could be opened. The Napier and Manawatu line was open to Te Aute. The land claims -were unexpectedly heavy, and some damages had been done by floods. The line would shortly be open to Waipukurau. The Waitara to Patea line was in progress to Inglewood, and its extension southwards was intended as soon as practicable. Satisfactory progress is being made on the Patea to Wanganui and Wanganui to Manawatu lines, but the land claims are much in excess of the estimates. The conversion of the Foxton and Manawatu tramway will be sufficiently completed in a a months so as to enable it to be worked under railway regulations. The works on the Wellington and Masterton line have not progressed as fast as the contracts entered into led the Government to expect, owing in some measure to the difficulty of getting men to remain in the bush country. The Rimutaka and other tunnels were found to require lining although difficult to bord The portion opened to the Upper Hutt gives satisfactory results. The Nelson and Foxhill line has suffered very little from floods. To develop traffic, it requires to be extended to the new wharf. The necessity for extending the Picton and Blenheim railway over the Opawa river into the toAvn of Blenheim, is more and more evident. From Amberley to Waitaki very little remains to be done, and specifications for the last platelaying contract, south of Waimate, are being prepared. The land claims have been excessive, and £IB,OOO have been required for additional station accommodation. Considerable additions to the rolling stock will be required if traffic continues to increase as it has done during the past year. An extension of the Kaiapoi and Eyreton railway to join the Oxford and Rangiora, is necessary. The loss in working these lines, owing to their not being connected, has caused the province to vote a portion of the cost of extension, which is over a country so favorable as to require little more than laying the permanent way. The Waitaki bridge has been opened for traffic, and has now a water supply for protection from fire. From Oamaru to Moeraki the line will be ready for trafic in about two months. The works South to Dunedin are all under contract, except nine miles at Waikouaiti. This length will be let as soon as the Blueskin section is completed. The land compensation throughout the district has been very heavy, and the bricking of the tunnels involves a further appropriation of £36,000. The remark before made relative to station accommodation and rolling-stock, Amberley to Waitaki, applies also to district Waitaki southward.

The Minister after visiting Balclutha has given instructions for the Clutha to Mataura line to be proceeded with, as set out by the Engineer-in-Chief. The Avorks south of Clinton will not be completed before the end of the year. The Westport and Mount Rochfort line is progressing. A contract for loading coal and protective works las been let in excess of appropriation, but liable to cancellation if the House directs. The Government consider this a colonial work, and if continued, votes should be taken year by year. There is now a fair prospect of the field being practically opened up. The Government concur in the decision come to by the recent Royal Commission on the colliery reserve, whose inquiry was exhaustive. The Greymouth and Brunner line is open, and the coal traffic may be expected to commence in September. The Government con-

sider that the Greymouth works should, like those at Westport, be dealt with by the colony. An arrangement has been made with the Corporation for taking over the wharf and its dues. Pending the sanction of the House, a separate account of wharf dues is kept. The mileage of railway is :—North Island, 392 authorised ; 145 open for traffic ; and in progress 183. South Island, 638 authorised ; 404 open for traffic; and in progress 199. Total, 1030 authorised; 549 open for traffic ; and in progress 352. The amount spent on railways during the past year was £1,639,014, making a total expenditure on railways of £5,215,018, with liabilities extending into 1878 of £983,253. This includes all existing contracts, and plant and material ordered from Home. Having in detail referred to the great additional cost of land, it is mentioned that the compensation already paid, and liabilities which will come in for payment over the next eighteen months, will amount to over £90,000, and it becomes a question whether the district through which future extensions are made should not provide the land free, before any expenditure is incurred towards construction. Further explorations have been made from Canterbury northwards, towards Blenheim, but as it is doubtful whether the best route has been discovered, this exploration will be continued during the present year. The surveys from Hokitika to Greymouth show the cost of the proposed line to be £222,000, as against the original amount stated of £85,000. Some deviations are under survey, by which a redtiction in the former amount ia hoped for. The photo-lithographic establishment has effected a saving of £2OOO per annum on railway plans alone. roads. A comparatively small amount has been spent on new road works during the past year, and only two districts need to be specially mentioned, viz., Wairarapa and north of Auckland. Contracts have been made for metalling all the worst places in the Seventy-mile Bush, but the severe winter weather has obliged the work to be suspended. The road opens up a large tract of fine land for settlement. Up to June, 1875, £47,252 have been spent on roads north of Auckland, exclusive of Mangere bridge.' The expenditure and liabilities last, year amounted to £6889, leaving a balance of £5853. It is proposed to expend this balance on the bridges requisite to make the main trunk road, Auckland to Bay of Islands, passable for ordinary traffic A re-vote of £17,872, unavailable for technical reasons last year, will be asked for to meet liabilities incurred on the presumption that the money was available for roads generally in the North Island. A considerable number of the Armed Constabtdary have been employed, principally in maintenance and repairs. No extra pay has been given, and although taking their time and ordinary pay into account, the work hew not been executed so cheaply as if let by contract, yet as it has been done in addition to their constabulary duties it is a clear ,gain to the country. The small balance from the Westland road vote will be expended south of Hokitika, and that from the south-west goldfields vote on the road between Greymouth and Reefton. WATER-RACES. The Thames, Waimea, and Mount Ida water-races and the Waipori sludge channel are already completed. The Nelson creek race will take some months to complete. It will not be necessary to ask for votes for the expenses of management, as they w.li be handed over to their respective counties. Tenders have twice been called for the first section of the Mikonui water-race, but they were so much higher than Government were led to expect, that they have on each occasion been reluctantly declined. It is now proposed to hand the work over to the county, with a further contribution of £IO,OOO, to be advanced by the Government. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. As the Colonial Architect's report contains details of buildings erected, nothing further is stated thereon. COAL EXPLORATIONS. The result of the topographical survey of the Buller coalfield shows an extension of the coal measures, a considerable portion of which will be available for workine: as early as any that have been yet found. It is not proposed to continue the survey at present. Eleven leases have been granted, aggregating 5520 acres. Several of these lessees will probably be ready to use the railway from Ngakawau to Westport as soon as completed. At Greymouth fresh outcrops have been discovered,- and at Jackson Bay and at Abbey Rocks, far south on the West Coast, the coal development has been examined, but no workable seams have as yet been discovered. Some superior samples of coal have been received from West Wanganui, and that part of the country will shortly receive attention. INSPECTION OF MACHINERY. The Act is being carried out very fairly. The fees charged were rather more than covered expenses. RAILWAYS OPEN FOR TRAFFIC. The railways have been worked with the following result during the past year :

There has been a loss of £937 on the Foxton tramway during the process of its conversion into a railway, but it is now paying its exreceipts from the Canterbury railways for year ending 31st March were £185,806, and expenses £124,513. The receipts from the Otago railways during the same year were £90,790, and the expenditure £66,852, leaving a credit balance on the Canterbury and Otago railways of £85,232. The Auckland and Mercer traffic has not been so large as expected. Objections have been made to the rates; but it is impossible to lower them if the line is to be worked so as to leave a margin above working expenses. It is a very prevalent opinion that the public ought to have the same amount of accommodation as on the railways in England or the adjoining colonies where the cost has been so much greater; but the fact is, that the rates charged are generally below thoso charged in England, and only in Otago are they as high as those charged in Victoria. _ If the accommodation now asked for in various parts of the colony, and which to a great extent has been given in Canterbury, is as a rule to be acceded to, the cost _ of the lines will be so increased as to require the rates to bo generally raised. The aim of the Government will be to equalise the rates, and they should not be higher than those in the southern part of the Middle Island. SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURE. The total expenditure to 30th June last, under the Immigration and Public Works Act, in the NoHh Island, has been, for railways, £1,750,956 ; on roads, £491,636 ; and on water-races, £58,636 ; total, North Island, £2,331,228. In the Middle Island, on railways, £3,403,538 ; on roads, £194,721 ; on water-races, £222,283 ; total, Middle Island, £3,820,543. Sundries, £30,523. Total expenditure, £6,182,295. PROPOSED EXPENDITURE ON RAILWAYS FOR CURRENT YEAR. An amount is proposed to be asked to cover contract and other liabilities during the current year, on the following railways : Kawakawa railway 3!m Auckland-Puniu Napier-Manawatu 4J'Z Wellington-Masterton .. .. a g;>X™ Waitara-Patea Jl'nnn Patea-Manawatu 11 „'»„j! Nelson-Poxhill 7,700 Picton-Blenheim ,J.™ Greymouth-Brannerton .. .. I X'H^ Westport-NKakawau •■ •• Kj'SJX Amberley-Waitaki .. .. 79,700 Waitaki bridge .. •- •• *■,*<»> Waitaki - luvercargill and Lawrence branch 3 ff'™2 Winton-Kingston Sd,OUU £1,054,600 The following new works, if voted, will not be put in hand until the Government are asBured that the necessary means are available: — Ist. The extension of the railway from Biverhead to Kaipara, from the present temporary station at Helensville for about half a mile and the erection of a wharf at which vessels can with ease discharge their cargoes. The cost of this extension will be about /15,000. n . 2nd. A new wharf at Onehunga in connection with the railway. The cost of this will be £14,000. „ ■ L . , 3rd A vote of £20,000 for the extension of the main south line from New Plymouth towards Patea and Wanganui. 4th. A vote of £IO,OOO for the extension of the main line from Napier towards Wellington. sth. A vote of £BOOO to extend the Nelson and Foxhill line into the port. 6th. A further vote of £25,000 to meet present liabilities at Greymouth on the Brunner railway, and to provide funds to continue the harbor works at a moderate speed. 7th. A further vote of £30,900 for works at Westport. , , Bth. A further vote of £16,000 to complete the Picton and Blenheim railway into Seymourgquare, in the centre of Blenheim. 9th. A vote of £BOOO for connecting the Kaiapoi and Eyreton railway. 10th. New surveys, £IO,OOO. Total for new railway works, £156,000. Considering how small an amount of work has been done in the north of Auckland, it is proposed to ask for £IO,OOO, for completing the main trunk road to the Bay of Islands for dray traffic, and for a main cross road from Wangarei Heads westward. ~«,.. In the Colonial Treasurer's Financial Statement some of the reasons were given for taking over the responsibility of the management of all the railways, and it is now pointed out in addition that there are three systems of management, three entirely distinct tariffs of charges, three audits, and the remuneration of the same classes of officers are on very different scales, which leads to difficulty and expense. A considerable saving would be effected by the whole of the lines being under a combined management, and the entire rolling stock on connected lines would be available on emergencies. Any comparison between the systems of management now in force is purposely avoided ; but no matter who works the lines the public convenience will have to be consulted and the Government, watched as, it is by the House, will insist on their being economically worked. The experience of the past year confirms the opinion previously expressed that with prudent management the railways will yield, taken as a whole" a very considerable contribution towards the interest on their cost. The estimated revenue on lines at present worked by the Government is stated at £132,000, and that on the Canterbury and Otago lines at £185,800 and £127,800 respectively, making a total of £445,000. If the estimates are correct, a yield of 3 per cent, on the capitalised cost ought to result. _ The Statement concluded with the following •allusion to the late Agent General : In 1871 the first Minister for Public Works announced in his Statement the appointment of the late Dr. Featherston to the, office of Agent-General under the Immigration and

Public Works Act. It is with the deepest regret I mention the loss the Public Works department, as well as the colony, has sustained Dy his recent death. This is not the time to allude further to the services of that officer. I last year bore testimony to the faithlui manner in which his duties connected with this department were performed, and I feel that any further reference now would be superfluous, if not out of place. The Public Works Bill Avas introduced, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Tuesday next. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL then called the attention of the House to the position in which the public business stood, and spoke of the desirability of proceeding with political questions as soon as possible. He that the discussion on Mr. Whitaker s amendments be taken on Friday next, which would give three days for consideration of the Public Works and Financial Statements. Mr. WHITAKER agreed to convert his amendments into the form of resolutions, and discuss them, not in committee, but in the House on Friday next.

MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS BILL. The House resumed in committee on the above Bill. Clauses 43 to 45 were passed without alteration. , , „ Clause 46, providing that the Governor might appoint mayors of municipalities to be Justices of the Peace during their terms of office, and jurisdiction not to extend beyond the borough, was fully discussed. An amendment proposed by Mr. Whitaker, to leave out the words in the latter part ®f the clause, limiting the jurisdiction to the borough, Avas accepted, and the clause as amended Avas passed. Clause 47.—1 n extraordinary vacancy, councillors may appoint one of their number to hold office as mayor until the vacancy shall be filled by the election by the burgesses of another mayor.—M. LuSK suggested that the time the temporary mayor should hold office ought to be stated.—Sir Julius Vogel assured the lion, member that he Avould either bring doAvn a provision embodying his suggestion, or he Avould at least give him an opportunity of moving in that direction. Clause 48, that the Mayor may receive _ a salary directed as to amount by the council, was passed Avithout amendment. Clause 49 provided for the number of councillors. In every borough there shall be a council, consisting in undivided boroughs of nine councillors, and in boroughs divided into wards of three councillors for each Avard. Objection Avas taken to the clause by Mr. Stout, on the ground that there Avould be an inequality of representation in the case of boroughs divided into tAvo Avards, which Avould only have six councillors. —Mr. Hunter failed to see Avhy the number of councillors to each Avard should be uniform, and in illustration, alluded to the difference in population in the wards of Wellington.—Sir Julius Vogel said it would be difficult to provide other machinery. The clause was eventually passed, after amendment to the effect that the number of councillors mentioned should be understood as being exclusive of the mayor. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL then moved that progress be reported, and it was carried. Leave was obtained to sit again the next day. AN EXPLANALION.

The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL said, before proceeding with the business on the Order Paper, he desired to make an explanation. In referring to the future progress of business, and to the amendment of the hon. member for Waikato,he had omitted reference to the resolutions of the hon. member for Geraldine. He meant no disrespect to the hon. gentleman in not making special reference to his resolutions; but he had been given to understand, and he believed correctly, that it had been decided between Messrs. Whitaker and Wakefield that the amendments of the latter should be taken into consideration first, and therefore it did not suggest itself to him (the speaker), to refer at the time to the resolutions of the hon. member for Geraldine. He had, however, deemed it necessary to take this opportunity of making an explanation, lest he should have been mistaken. The consideration of clause 48 Avas postponed. Clause 56 Avas amended so that in recovering rates from an OAvner which could not be obtained from any occupier the same should be demanded Avithin four months. Progress Avas reported. The House adjourned at 12.45 a.m. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, July 26. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at the usual hour. PAPERS. The Hou. Dr. POLLEN" laid on the table certain papers relating to the sale of land north of Auckland. NOTICE OF MOTION. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN gave notice that on next sitting day he Avould move that a select committee of nine members be elected to consider all Bills affecting the Avaste lands of the Crown, Avith power to confer Avith a similar committee of the House of Representatives. QUESTION. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE asked the Colonial Secretary,—Whether the attention of the Government has been directed to the great increase Avhieh is taking place in the number of cases of persons charged Avith indecent assaults upon children, and whether it is the intention of the Government to propose a change of the law, with a view to providing that the penalty attached to such cases shall be of a character calculated to be more deterrent of the offence ? . The Hon. Dr. POLLEN stated m reply that it was improbable there would be any legislation on the subject this session. The master, , however, had received earnest consideration.

MINISTERIAL RESIDENCES. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE moved That there be laid upon the table, a return of the cost of the various ministerial residences, specifying the original cost of each residence, the amount spent in each case in additions and repairs thereto, and the cost of iurnishing thereof; such return further to specify the proportion of such total cost Avhieh has been paid for out of the proceeds of loans. The motion Avas supported by the Hon. Colonel WIiITMORE, avlio condemned the extravagant expenditure Avhieh, he said, Avas going onall over the country, and agreed to. CANTERBURY EDUCATION RESERVES SALE AND LEASE BILL. The second reading of this Bill Avas moved by tho Hon. Mr. Hall. The hon. member gave a history of the reserves. Canterbury had provided very liberally for primary education, and had endeavored to make suitable provision for superior education. Mr. Hall read resolutions of the Provincial Council bearing on the endowments. He thought Parliament should give effect to the'conclusions arrived at by tho Provincial Council, as that Council could not uoav carry them out. The Hon. Mr. ERASER said the Council had been the other day straining at a Wellington gnat, and now they Avere asked to swallow a Canterbury camel. The Hon. Mr. Hall had lubricated the camel, but he (Mr. Eraser) Avas unable to swallow it. The Bill sought to give power to sell reserves. _ He Avas altogether opposed to such a practice. The value of money Avas decreasing, Avlnle the value of land Avas increasing. He would move that the Bill be read a second time that day six months. The second reading Avas supported by the Hons. Colonel Brett and Messrs. Acland and Grey (who stated that these reserves had no special value). The Hon. Dr. POLLEN Avould not oppose the second reading. He thought consideration should be given to the last dying Avishes of the Provincial Council of Canterbury, for Avhose memory he should entertain the greatest respect. ...„,, The Hon. Mr. ROBINSON criticised the Bill, but he Avould not oppose the second readme— The Hon. Colonel Kenny Avould oppose° the Bill. He thought it should go before the Waste Lands Committee. There Avas a principle underlying this measure, and he thought the Council should be careful how it acted. If the Bill passed its second reading he Avould move that it be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. —The Hon. Dr. Menzies and Colonel Whitmore spoke in favor of the Bill. The Hon. Mr. HALL replied to the objections which had been raised against the measure. He pointed out that to reject it Avould be to play into the hands of the squatters. It had been said that the land would increase in value. True ; but there was an old proverb which said that while the grass was groAving the steed was starving. Their youth Avere groAving up around them, and it Avas necessary to provide for them. The second reading of the Bill Avas carried on the voices ; its committal to be an order of the day for Friday. REGULATION of local elections bill. The new clause introduced by the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, the text of Avhieh was given yesterday, was affirmed as amended to stand part of the Bill, and the schedules having been passed, the Bill was reported to _ the Council, Avhen Dr. Pollen moved that it be recommitted, Avhieh Avas done. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN moved the folloAVing addition to clause 2:—"Any returning officer appointed under the provisions of this Act, and also any person Avho under any Act or Ordinance is or may be empowered to preside at or conduct the election of any local body or any member thereof." —Agreed to.— The Hon. Dr. Pollen also moved that the Avords "the day of polling for" should be struck out of the 9th clause, and the folloAving words added after the last line:—" The day on which the poll is to be taken shall be the day appointed for holding the election as hereinbefore provided." The Hon the SPEAKER called the attention of the Council to the irregularity of proposing additions to the Bill without notice having been given. Progress Avas then reported, the Committee obtained leave to sit again, and the Hon. Dr. Pollen gave notice of his intention to move the alterations above-mentioned. OTHER BILLS. The Otago Presbyterian Church Conveyance Validation Bill was committed, and progress was reported on the third clause. Also the South Dunedin and St. Kilda Municipalities Bills- progress reported on the second clause. The 'committal of the Hawke's Bay Rivers Bill Avas made an order of the day for to-day (Thursday). The Council then (5 p.m.) adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, July 26. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. PETITIONS, ETC. Several petitions Avere presented and notices of motion given. QUESTIONS. Mr. SWANSON asked the Government, — Whether they have settled the claim of Mr?.. Meurant ; and, if not, what they intend to do in the matter ? . The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON said the claim had not been settled by the Government, and as they Avere at present they had no intention of taking any steps in the Mr. WILLIAMSON asked the Native Minister, If it is the intention of the Government to give effect to the recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee on the petition of Hori Potaua and others ? The Hon. Sir DONALD McLEANsaidit Avas the intention of the Government to give effect to the recommendation. Mr ROLLESTON asked the Minister of Justice^—Whether the Government Avill lay

before this House, and cause to be printed, the table of payments on which they propose to insist before registering societies under the Friendly Societies Act? The Hon. Mr. BOWEN said the Act only contemplated the preparation of tables from time to time, and as such were prepared they Avould be published for the information of the various societies. Mr. De LA.TOUR asked the Minister for Public Works,—lf any correspondence has been received from residents at Hyde in reference to the expenditure of a vote of £l5O for a courthouse, sanctioned last session ; and if it is the intention of the Government to proceed Avith the erection of the said courthouse ? The Hon. Mr. RICHARDSON said some correspondence had taken place ; the sum voted last year Avas only £IOO, and it Avas found that to build the courthouse Avould cost £2OO. NEW BILL. Mr. PYKE obtained leave to introduce a Bill to alter and amend the law relating to duties on gold. The Bill Avas read a first time, and the second reading made an order of tho day for Wednesday next. CENTRAL PENAL ESTABLISHMENT. Mr. MURRAY moved,—That in the opinion of this House, the tenders should not be accepted for the central gaol at New Plymouth till this House has had an opportunity of reconsidering the question of the site of a central penal establishment. After a lengthened discussion, a division Avas taken on a motion for adjournment by Mr. Sheehan, Avhen there Avere —Ayes 31, noes 31. In order to give opportunity for further discussion, the Speaker gave his casting-vote with the ayes, and an adjournment until Friday Aveek Avas agreed to. MR. AVHITAKEIi'S LAND RESOLUTIONS. Mr. WHITAKER gave notice that he Avould move his land resolutions on Friday. resolutions. Mr. SHEEHAN moved, —That there be laid before the House, a return shoAving, as nearly as possible, the amounts respectively expended in the electoral districts of Bay of Islands, Marsden, Rodney, and Waitemata, out of the amount set apart out of loan for roads and works in the north of Auckland. —Carried. Mr. SHEEHAN moved,—That there be laid before this House, a return shoAvmerthe number of road boards or highway districts within each province, and the area and population, as nearly as may be ; such return to be accompanied by maps showing position of such road boards or highway districts.— Carried. Mr CURTIS moved,—That a return be furnished to this House, showing approximately the estimated liabilities of each province, for Avhieh it is intended to make provision by the proposed loan of £750,000. — Dr. HODGKINSON moved,—That the name of Mr. Larnach be added to the committee for inquiring into the rabbit nuisance. —Carried. Mr. STEVENS moved, —That it is expedient that a system of postcards should be forthAvith adopted.—Carried. It Avas explained by a member of the Government that the cards would be shortly issued. Mr. STEVENS moved, —That it is expedient that CroAvn grants shall be registered free of registration fees. The Hon. Mr. BOWEN replied that the Government had now the matter under consideration, and . Mr. STEVENS obtained leave to withdraw his motion. .■'-,. Dr. HODGKINSON moved,—That the names of Mr. W. Wood and Mr. Manders be added to the select committee on the rabbit nuisance.—Carried. BILLS. The North Otago Harbors Bill Avas read a second time. The Warehoused Goods Bill Avas read a second time. The Auckland Institute Act Amendment Bill Avas committed, read a third time, and 113iSS6(u municipal corporations bill. The House went into committee on the above Bill, to consider the clauses not previously passed. Clauses 50 to 53 inclusive, were passed unaltered. Clauses 54 and 55 were postponed. Clauses 56 to 80 Avere passed with very slight verbal alterations. Clause 81 was agreed to on the understanding that Avhen clause 41 (relating to the election of mayor) and other clauses Avere recommitted, certain amendments in clause 81 would be considered Clauses 82 and 83 were passed. Clause 84, relating to auditors' salary, led to considerable discussion, and was amendedto read that the council might, before the election of auditors, fix such remuneration or salary as it thought fit, and pay the same out of the borough funds. Clauses 85 to 95 inclusive were passed. Clause 96 (providing for the manner m which moneys Avere to be draAvn from the bank), after some discussion had taken place and some amendments been proposed, was amended to read that no moneys should be draAvn out of the bank except on the authority of the council, by cheque signed by the treasurer and countersigned by any two or such particular councillors as the council may from time to time authorise to sign cheques. Clause 97 limited the amount of rates to be levied to 2s. in the £.—Mr. MoORHOUSE thought the House had no right to impose any limit or restrictions regarding the amount of rates any borough might choose to levy, provided they could give sufficient security, and moved that the clause be left indefinite as to the amount. If people were t© be entrusted with local government poAvers they should not be restricted as to borroAvino-, as they Avere not likely to burden themselves more than was absolutely neces-

sary.—Sir Julius Vogel would rather see special rates raised for special purposes than grant indefinite powers to raise general rates which, would afford no check or safeguard to ratepayers. Mr. Stout agreed with the amendments, considering that the municipal councils were quite competent to judge of what was beneficial to the ratepayers.—Mr. Woolcock would also support the amendment. He thought the Government were making a mistake in endeavoring to legislate too much. Their over-anxiety to help local government, he thought, would result in making the e&orts of those local governments less effective than they would be if left more to themselves. —Mr. Hunter would rather increase the power of levying special rates than give additional power as to general rates. —After a considerable amount of further discussion, the amendment was put, and a division was taken, which resulted in its being lost by 44 to 12. The clause was then passed as printed. Clauses 98 and 99 were passed unaltered. Clause 100, providing for a separate rate not exceeding Is. in the £, on the petition of not less than one-third of the ratepayers, was amended so as to make it read not less than "a majority." Clause 102, providing for the increasing or diminishing of a special rate, elicited considerable discession. —Mr. Stout moved that the latter part of the clause, as follows, be struck out: —" Such reduction shall only continue so long as the Commissioner of Audit approve.''— A division was taken on the motion, which resulted as follows, 24 to 28. The clause was then passed. Clause 103 was passed without amendment. Progress was then reported, and the House adjourned at 12.50. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, July 27. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at the usual hour. PAPERS. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN laid on the table a further report from the Board of Health ; also a further report from the Lunatic Asylum. NEW ZEALAND FISHERIES. The Hon. Mr. CHAMBERLIN gave notice of his intention to move, —That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that the Government should bring in a Bill for the better preservation of the New Zealand Fisheries. GOVERNMENT ASSURANCE. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE asked the Hon. the Colonial Secretary,—Whether it is the intention of the Government to act upon the recommendation of the English Actuaries, who reported upon the condition of the Insurance department, to raise the premiums charged upon lives insured at an advanced age ? In reply, the Hon. Dr. POLLEN said that the Government had already determined to adopt the tables of the Associated Actuaries, which would have the effect of raising the premiums upon advanced ages. THE NEW ZEALAND CROSS. The Hon. Dr. MENZIES moved,—That there be laid upon the table a list of those persons to whom the decoration of the New Zealand Cross has been given ; and also, a copy of any despatch wherein Major-General Sir Trevor Chute has made a recommendation that the decoration should be bestowed on any individual. In reply to the Hon. Dr. Menzies the Hon. Colonel WHITMORE explained that in a previous speech on the subject he had no intention of reflecting on the services of the late Dr. Featherston. His meaning was that the New Zealand Cross should not he granted retrospectively in any case. The Victoria Cross had never been so granted. No one could entertain a higher feeling of respect for Dr. Featherston than did he (Colonel Whitmore). The motion was carried, and the Hon. Dr. Pollen laid the papers on the table. Subsequently the Hon. Col. Whitmore moved, —That, in the opinion of this Council, the decoration of the New Zealand Cross should not in future be awarded to any person for services rendered prior to the removal of the General Commanding the Forces from the colony. At the suggestion of the Hon. Dr. Pollen the motion was withdrawn. WASTE LANDS COMMITME. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN moved the appointment of this committee, to consist of nine members, viz., the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, Mr. Stokes, Captain Baillie, Mr. Hall, Colonel Whitmore, Mr. Wigley, Mr. Bonar, and the mover.—Agreed to. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN gave notice of his intention to move that the name of Captain Fraser be substituted for his own on the committee. WELLINGTON RESERVES BILL. The Hon. Dr. GRACE moved, and it was carried, —That the Wellington Reserves Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole Council, on Tuesday, the Ist August. HAWKE'S BAY RIVERS BILL. The Council went into committee on this Bill. Clauses 1 to 12 inclusive were passed as printed, and clause 13 was verbally amended and agreed to. Clauses 14 to 45 were passed, and clause 46 struck out. The remaining clauses were agreed to, and progress was reported. Bill to be further considered next day. OTAGO PRESBTTERIAN CHURCH CONVEYANCE VALIDATION BILL. This Bill was passed through committee, reported without amendment, read a third time, and passed. SOCTH DUNEDIN AND ST. KILDA MUNICIPALITIES BILL. This Bill was further considered in committee, reported without amendment, read a third time, and passed. PORT CHALMERS AND THE MAIL STEAMERS. The Hon. Mr. SCOTLAND, on behalf of the Hon. Mr. Nurse, gave notice of his inten-

tion to ask the Colonial Secretary from what source he had derived the official information that the Australia had not touched on the bar at Port Chalmers. The Council then (5 p.m.) adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, July 27. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o'clock. ADJOURNMENT. On the motion of Hon. E. Stafford, it was agreed that the House should at half-past 5 o'clock adjourn until next afternoon. MR. WHITAKER'S RESOLUTIONS. On the motion of the Hon. Sir JULIUS Vogel it was agreed that the discussion on Mr. Whittaker's land resolutions should be taken at half-past 7 o'clock next evening. QUESTIONS. Mr. HAMLIN asked the Minister for Public Works, —Whether the Government are aware that the approaches to the Auckland and Mercer railway at Pukekohe are almost wholly impassable for vehicles ; and whether they will be prepared to assist the inhabitants in rendering access practicable ? In reply, the Hon. Mr Richardson said that there was a large principle involved in the making of such roads to railway stations as that mentioned, which should be properly made by the local authorities. Mr. SWANSON asked the Minister of Justice, —If he will lay before this House a return showing the classes of men who are exempt from serving on juries, stating as nearly as possible the number in each class. The Hon. Mr. BOWEN said that there would be no objection to laying the return asked for on the table. NEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—A Bill to dissolve the Corporation of the city of Dunedin, and to re-in-corporate the citizens of, and to consolidate and amend the laws relating to, the said city. —A Bill to amend the Maori Representation Acts. RESOLUTIONS. Mr. SHEEHAN moved for a return of all sums of money paid from time to time to the proprietors of the Waikato Times newspaper during tho year 1876, showing the date of each of such payments, and specifying the nature of the services rendered for which each of those payments was made. —Carried. Mi-. SHEEHAN moved,—That copies of all correspondence and instructions having reference to the recent refusal by the Government to permit Samuel Locke, Esq., a Resident Magistrate at Napier, to leave his office for the purpose of witnessing certain deeds, in manner required by the Native Lands Act, 1873, be laid before this House.—Carried. THE OFFICE OF AGENT-GENERAL. Mr. MURRAY moved,—That, in the opinion of this House, an opportunity should be afforded it of considering any appointment which the Government may purpose making of Agent-General before making such appointment. The hon. member said that so long as hon. members had confidence in the Ministry, it was well that that confidence should be mutual, and he trusted that the Government would not regard his motion as being made in any hostile spirit, but simply with a desire to see the appointment made in consonance with its peculiar importance. It had been stated that the Crown Agents should give security for their intermissions, and the same thing might be said with regard to the AgentGeneral, who should give some security for his good faith and fair dealing. The Hon. Sir JULIUS VOGEL accepted the hon. members statement as to the spirit in which he proposed the motion, but hoped that he would withdraw it. The Government had not discussed the question at all, but as soon as they had come to any determination they would lose no time in taking the House into their confidence. The news of the death of Dr. Featherston was so recent, and there had been so much pressure of business, that there had yet been no consideration of the appointment of a successor. As to whether the Agent-General should give secux-ity, the question seemed to be worthy of attention. Of course it would mean so much off his salary, as such security was usually given by guarantee companies. By Act, the power of appointment rests with the Governor, and no resolution of the House could affect the matter, though, no doubt, the Government would give the House the confidence it could give. Mr. W. WOOD translated the reply as meaning that the Governor, as soon as he had made the appointment, would inform the House. Mr. MURRAY thought the appointment should not be completed before the House was consulted, but, accepting the Premier's assurance, withdrew the motion. A STAMP QUESTION. Mr. LARNACH" moved,—That the Government be requested to make early arrangements for the establishment and working of an Imprest Stamp Office in Dunedin and other important towns in the colony, for the purpose of stamping cheques, bills of exchange, &c, as the necessities of commerce may require. On a division the motion was negatived by 39 to 34. ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. Mr. WASON moved, —That the resolutions from the chairman of the Ashburton Road Board, and from the public meeting held in the Library Hall, Ashburton, with reference to above resolutions, be printed. GOLD DUTIES. Mr. WOOLCOCK moved,—That in the opinion of this House it is highly desirable that the gold-mining industry of the colony should be relieved from the present exceptional taxes now imposed upon it. After a lengthened discussion the debate was adjourned.

Keceipts. Expenditure. & s. d. & s. d. The Kaipara Railway .. 2,497 18 9 2,638 16 3 Auckland-Mercer 22,487 10 10 10,416 18 1 Napier- Waipukuran 12,417 2 4 7,902 12 0 Waitara-New Plymouth 1.S33 12 3 2,190 12 0 Wellington and Upper Hutt 0,429 5 3 6,293 10 2 Picton and Blenheim. .. 3,516 3 2 3.0S3 9 9 Nelson and Poxhill 2,531 4 1 2.303 17 9 Bruuner-Greymouth 1,063 8 8 883 11 8 Making a total of receipts for the year of 55,770 11 4 Expenditure for the year of 41,713 7 8 Leaving a balance of .. £11,063 3 8 The permanent rolling stock has been kept in thorough repair.