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New Zealand Mail, Issue 753, 6 August 1886, Page 16

Ministers expect to be able to conclude the session by Wednesday next, should no unforeseen obstacle occur.

A rumour was rather persistently circulated on Wednesday to the effect that Sir Robert Stout contemplated resigning directly after the close of the session, on the ground of ill-health. We are authoritatively assured, however, that this rumour is wholly devoid of truth. We are glad to hear it.

It is understood that the Representation debate will probably be taken on or about Monday next.

A petition of the Otago unemployed, that work may be found for them, has been referred to the Government for consideration.

It is understood that the Committee now sitting to investigate Mr Yaile’a scheme of railway reform will not be able to report for a day or two, some new issues having arisen, involving fresh evidence and further consideration.

The Public Petitions Committee have referred to the Government for consideration the petition of certain Wellington electors that the three electorates of this city may be amalgamated into one district, returning three members.

Mb Ormond was to a3k the Minister for Public Works yesterday, When will the short piece of line required to complete

the Napier Railway to Woodville be let, and will the contract provide for the completion of the line to "Woodville in February next, when the contract for the section now in course of construction is to be completed 1

The Government Insurance Bill got through its second reading with unexpected celerity and without debate. A discussion subsequently arose on the motion for committal, but ultimately the Bill got into committee at an early hour this morning, and some progress was made before the House rose.

The Special Powers and Contracts Bill was brought down Wednesday night. It validates the Nelson borough election and the Devonport borough rate ; apportions the respective allotments of reserves at Wellington and Nelson for hospital and lunatic asylum purposes respectively ; sets apart certain land reclaimed from the sea at Porirua as a recreation ground and site for a public hall ; corrects an error in the proclamation respecting an exchange between the Wellington Cemetery Trustees and Mr Mantell, M.L.C. ; defines the respective reserves for Wellington College (61a lr7p), Wellington Lunatic Asylum (6ta lr 2p), Wellington Aged Home (4 acres), and Wellington Hospital (13 acres) ; also deals with a large number of local matters in various parts of the Colony.

The Minister of Lands presented a return on Wednesday, to the order of Sir George Grey, of copies of all correspondence by which Mr W. H. Pearson, then Commissioner of Crown Lands for Southlaud. was authorised to value lands for the New Zealand Agricultural Company, by G. M. Bell, J. Clarke, P: K. McCaughan, H. Driver, A. McNeill, or W. J. M. Larnach, as set forth in the prospectus of the Company. The return was short,, consisting of the simple but eloquent word “nil.” Sir George Grey said he thought Mr Pearson should have an opportunity of being heard on the matter, and pressed the matter on the Minister later on, when, in answer to a question on notice, Mr Ballance said he could not give any further information than was contained in the return.

It is expected that the extension of the Wellington-Mauriceville line to Mangamahoe will be ready for traffic before the end of October next, in time to bring down next season’s wool.