PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 915, 13 September 1889, Page 10

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. The Speaker took tho chair at 2.30 p.m. WELLINGTON CORPORATION EMPOWERING BILL. The Local Bills Committee recommended that the Bill be permitted to proceed. Tho second reading of the Bill was made an order for the next day of sitting. EIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY’S BTLL. Mr Stevens brought up the report of the Free Conference on this Bill, and moved its adoption. Mr McLean, as an amendment, moved the adjournment of the debate, which was agreed to. Sir G-. S. Whitmore asked why, among the other defence reports, there is no report from the officer in charge of the submarine defences of the Colony ? Sir F. Whitaker said that so much of the reports as were deemed wise to print had been laid upon the table, but.it would manifestly be foolish to make public in what position the submarine torpedoes were laid. PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY. Mr Phakazyn brought up the report of the Joint Committee, and moved its adoption. Mr Reynolds moved as an amendment the excision of clause 3, which had for ‘ its effect the preventing of certain persons taking books out of the Library. Sir~G. S. Whitmore supported the amendment. Captain Baillie moved the adjournment of the debate, which was agreed to. PUBLIC HEALTH ACT AMENDMENT BILL. This Bill was read a first time on the motion of Sir F. Whitaker. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence was accorded to Mr Robinson for a week, aud to Mr Reeves for the balance of the session. CHATTELS TRANSFER BILL. This Bill was considered in committee, read and reported without amendment, the third reading being fixed for the following day. PUBLIC RESERVES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The amendments proposed (already referred to) were considered aud agreed to. SECOND READINGS. The following Bills were read a second time : —Rating Acts Amendment Bill. "'"'" SELECTORS LAND RE.VALUATION BILL. - Tdr Stevens moved that tho amendments made by the House of Representatives in this Bill be agreed to. Mr Shrimsici moved that the amendments of the other branch of the Legislature be not agreed to. Mr Millar seconded the amendment. The Council adjourned for dinner at 5 o’clock, EVENING SITTING. ! On the Council resuming at 7.30 pi.m. the debate was continued, Mr Stevens’ motion being lost by 19 to 3. NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY LOAN APPLICATION BILL. Mr Stevens moved the second reading of this Bill. Dr Pollen, as an amendment, moved the adjournment of the debate, his contention being that the Bill was a money Bill, and must either be passed or rejected, aDd, this being so, he considered further time was needed by hon members for reflection. Mr Oliver asked the Speaker's ruling as to whether the Bill was a money Bill or not. The Speaker ruled the proposed measure an appropriation Bill. The motion for the adjournment of the debate to next day was agreed to. BILLS READ A SECOND TIME. The following Bills were read a second ti m e Public Works Act Amendment Bill, Timaru Harbour Board Bill, Waitohi Riverbed Bill, and the Nelson Foreshore Reserve Bill. The Council, at 9.25 p.m., adjourned to the next day. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. NAPIER HARBOUR BOARD. The second reading of this Bill was made an order of the day for Tuesday next. CHATTELS TRANSFER BILL. This Bill was read a third time after the Council in committee had agreed to a slight amendment proposed by Mr McLean. SECOND READING. The following Bills were read a second time : Waimate Public Library Bill, Geraldine Public School Site Bill, P —ugh of Brunner Enabling Bill, Timaru ligh School Act, 1878, Amendment Bill, Ri' erton Corporation Empowering Bill, Geraldine Racecourse Reserve Act, 18S1, Amendment Bill, Waimate Public Reserves Sale Bill, Wellington City Empowering Bill, Masterton Trust Lands Bill, New Plymouth High School Bill, Public Health Act 1876 Amendment Bill. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE BILL.

The report of the managers on this Bill was agreed to on a division by 15 to S. LOCAL BODIES LOANS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Mr Stevens moved the second reading of this Bill. Sir G. Whitmore moved as an amendment that the Bill be read that day six months. The amendment was agreed to by 16 to 11. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY. The adjourned debate on the question that the report of the Joint Library Committee be agreed to, to which an amendment was moved by Mr Reynolds curtailing the privileges very considerably, was resumed, and was again interrupted at 5.30, when the Council adjourned for dinner.

EVENING SITTING. The Council resumed at 7.30 p.m. r when ths debate on tho report of the Joint Library Committee was continued.

I After further debate, Mr Reynolds’ amendment, its effect having the exclusion of the general public from participation of privileges, was agreed to by 13 to 8. On the motion of Mr Shephard it was agreed that, should the position of librarian become vacant during the recess, an appointment only of a temporary character should be made by the Recess Committee. The report of the Committee as amended was agreed to. RATING ACTS AMENDMENT BILL. This Bill was committed. After debate and numerous divisions on clause 2 (the school exemption clause), the latter was agreed to. Clause 3, exempting friendly societies, was struck out, and the Bill,, as amended, was reported, its third reading being made an Order for next Tuesday. The Council at 10.10 p.m. adiourned to next Tuesday.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. NEW- BILLS. The following Bills received from the Housei of Representatives were read a first time : —Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill, Education Endowments Bill, ICumara Sludge Channel Bill. SELECTORS LAND REVALUATION BILL. * The reDort of the Managers who recommended that the amendments of the House of Reprssentatives in this Bill be agreed to, was brought up, and its consideration made an order for the following day. STANDING ORDERS. Sir F. Whitaker gave notice to move next day the suspension of the Standing Orders for the remainder of the session. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY’S BILL. The report of the Managers was -received intimating that the amendments in this Bill had been agreed to. DEATH OF MR ROBINSON. M.L.C. Sir F. Whitaker referred to the' death of the deceased gentleman, aud moved that, in accordance with the usual custom of the Council on similar occasions, they should adjourn as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. Sir G. Whitmore seconded the motion, which was. agreed to. The Council, on the motion of Sir F. Wh’TAKER, adjourned to II o’clock a.m. next day. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. The Council met at 11 a.m. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS. Sir F. Whitaker moved, That the Standing Orders with regard to the passage of Bills be suspended for the remainder of the session. Mr Mantell expressed the hope that the motion would not be agreed to. The business so far brought before the Council had been very meagre, but at this late period of the session they were flooded with Bills. The Council had been regarded as a check against hasty legislation, but if the motion were passed it would be better for the Colony, and far cheaper to the taxpayers, if the Councii were done away with. After further debate the motion was agreed to by 17 to 3. PUBLIC HEALTH ACT AMENDMENT BILL.This Bill passed through committee, was reported without amendment, read a third and passed. PUBLIC WORKS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Tho Council considered this Bill in committee. Clause 21, imposing a penalty on persons failing to screen machinery erected within 66ft of a public road, was struck out. Clause 22, giving to Railway Commissioners power to compulsorily lease lands for 21 years, was also Btruck out. On the motion of Mr Stevens the following new clause was agreed to :—Whereas some doubt exists as to the power of harbour boards to expend any part of their revenue in constructing streets. It is hereb y enacted that, whenever it shall have been agreed between any harbour board and the local body having jurisdiction over any land which may have been reclaimed from the sea by the said harbour board to construct any street or streets over such reclaimed land, it shall be lawful for the harbour board to contribute out of its revenue such proportion of the cost of the construction of any such street or streets as may be agreed upon by the said public bodies. The Committee, at 1.5 p„m,, adjourned to 2.30 p.m. AFTERNOON SITTING. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY’S BILL. A message (by wire) was received from the Governor transmitting a certain amendment to this Bill for the consideration of the Council. The message was ordered to be considered next day. THE PUBLIC WORKS ACTS AMENDMENT BILL, This Bill was reported with amendments, and was ordered to be committed next day for the purpose of reconsidering clauses 3 and 14. MILITARY SETTLERS BILL. This Bill was introduced frem the House of Representatives, and having been read a first time, its second reading was set down for the following day. CHATTELS TRANSFER BILL. The Council’s amendments in this Bill, which had been disagreed with by the House of Reprssentatives, were not insisted upon, and a message to the effect.was ordered to be sent to the House of Representatives. BILLS COMMITTED AND PASSED. The following Bills were committed, reported, read a third time and passed : Waitohi River-bed Bill, Riverton Corporation Empowering Bill, Geraldine Racecourse Reserve Act, 18S1, Amendment Bill, Waimate Public Reserves Sale Bill, Napier Harbour Board Amendment and Further Empowering Bill, Waimate Public Library Bill, Geraldine Public School Site Bill, Borough of Brunner Enabling Bill, Timaru High School Act, IS7S, Amendment Bill, Wellington City Empowering Bill, Masterton Trust Lands Bill, New Plymouth High School Bill, Nelson Foreshore Reserve Bill, Gisborne Harbour Act, 18S4, Amendment Bill, Dog Registration Act Amendment Bill. The last named Bill was reported with an i amendment, having for its effect the reduc-

tion of fees for cattle dogs to 2s 6d per ! annum. BILL DISCHARGED. The Lincoln Agricultural School Bill was, on the motion of Mr Stevens, discharged from the Order Paper. The Couucil, at 5 o'clock, adjourned for dinner. EVENING SITTING. The Council resumed at 7.30. SECOND HEADINGS AND FINAL STAGES. The following Bills were read a second time : —North Island Main Trunk Railway Loan Application Bill, licensing Act, 1881, Amendment Bill, Timaru Harbour Board Land Bill, Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill, Educational Endowment's Bill, and Kumara Sludge Channel Bill. These Bills were reported and passed all final stages. ORIMAKATEA TITLE EMPOWERING BILL. The amendments of the House of Representatives in this Bill were agreed to, on the motion of Sir F. Whitaker. SELECTORS LAND REVALUATION BILL. Mr Phakazyn moved that the reasons assigned by the House of Representatives for disagreeing with the Council’s amendments in this Bill be not insisted upon. The motion was agreed to. The Connell, at 9.45 p.m., adjourned to the next day at 2.30 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. The House met at 2.30. The greater part of the sittings were taken up by discussions which are reported elsewhere.—ln the afternoon the adjournment of the House was moved by Mr Taipua, who spoke iu condemnation of the manner in which the owners of reserves who are West Coast members are treated. Other members spoke, And the debate was stopped by the 5.30 adjournment. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBEE 6. The House met at 2.30. NEW BILL. The Mining Companies Act Amendment Bill was introduced and read a first time. ESTIMATES. The House went into Committee of Supply on the Estimates. Working railways, £660,000. —Mr Walker asked for information in connection with the appointment of railway Commissioners. He was of opinion that if the House had known what was to happen, it would never have given up control of the railways to the three Civil'servants now appointed. While he admitted the ability of the gentlemen appointed as Railway Commissioners, he pointed out that two of them hud really had control of the railways before, and did not make them a success. He asked whether it was true that Mr Fergus told his constituents at Wakatipu that he was practically responsible for the appointments.—The Minister for Public Works pointed out that the Government had stated that they would not undertake to make local appointments if they could not get an expert from England, but that if they did do so the salaries given would be smaller than originally proposed. He referred members to the papers laid on the table, which showed that the Government made every effort to get a Chief Commissioner in England. The Minister of Justice was not responsible for the appointments ; the Government as a whole was responsible. When in Victoria he (Mr Mitchelson) had an interview with Mr Speight, the Chief Commissioner, who strong;ly advised him not to get a Chief Commissioner from England, because it would take a man some years’ experience to enable him to deal with the railways in this Colony. Mr Speight also said that there were men in the New Zealand service superior to any officer the Government could get from England under the terms proposed. Mr Mitchelson defended the appointments, eulogising Mr Maxwell in particular, and said that the services of these gentlemen, since they were appointed, justified the action of the Government.—Mr T. Thompson expressed an opinion that a breach of faith had been committed by the Government in this matter, and said he would never have voted for the Bill had he known what was to be done.In answer to questions later on in the discussion, the Minister for Public Wbrks said the appointment could only be affected by a repeal of the Act under which the Commissioners were appointed and the railways vested in them. A reduction of the Estimates would not have any such result. The discussion was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. The discussion on the Working Railways Estimates was proceeded with, Mr Kerr, who resumed it, stating that in his opiuion it was the same with Mr Maxwell as with Sir Julius Vogel, that he had been so decried that he got no justice. He was of opinion that Mr Maxwell was a very able man, and would make the railways pay if he was let alone. The man had never had a chance until now. Mir J. McKenzie moved to reduce the vote by £IOO as an indication of the Colony’s disap. proval of the appointment of Mr Maxwell. A long discussion ensued,, and eventually Mr McKenzie’s motion to reduce the vote was lost by 49 to 10. The vote was passed. PUBLIC WORKS ESTIMATES.

The House went into committee on these Estimates. In answer to Mr Richardson, the Premier said the Government proposed to go through the Public Works Estimates, if possible. Mr E. Richardson asked whether the Government proposed to carry out that portion of the Government Railways Act of 1887 which placed the construction of railways in the hands of the Railway Commissioners. „ „ r .. , The Minister for Public Works replied that the Government had not yet considered that matter. A long discussion ensued, after which the following votes on the Public Works Estimates were passed Immigration, £3830; roads, £145,12? ways, £9330 ; Thermal Springs, £2350; waterworks on goldfields, £7OO ; tele-

graph extension, £12,700 ; lighthouses, harbour woiks, and defences, £9352 ; rates on Native lands, £8595; charges and expenses of raising loan, £3OS4 ; purchase of Native lands, £9396. The public buildings vote, £48,051, was passed. The vote, public works, departmental, £IOOO, was passed, as were also the following votes : —Railways, £31,000 ; roads, £692 ; purchase of Native lands, £692 ; and public works, departmental, £II,OOO. — Mr Barron and Mr Goldie, speaking on the last-mentioned vote, asked how it was that the Government had not kept their promise to abolish this department. — The Minister explained that he had not been able up to the present to hand this branch over to the Railway Commissioners, and it was necessary therefore that the Department should be continued. A Bhort discussion took place on Mr Blackett’s appointment as Consulting Engineer in England. The vote Railways, £276,415, was passed. The House rose at 2.45.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. The Houße met at 2.30. JOINT LIBRARY COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

This report having been amended by the Legislative Council in the direction of excluding all hut members and the Governor from the library, was transmitted to the House.

The Premier moved t >at the report be referred back to the Committee, and expressed great disapproval of the restriction imposed by the report. Mr Ballance supported the Premier, but anticipated difficulty in the question, seeing that the Council were all but unanimous in making the amendment. ■ At the same time, also, he pointed out that the principal reason urged by those who advocated the change was that throwing the library open meant interfering with local enterprise in Wellington. He himself did not agree with that.

Dr Newman warmly opposed the suggested restrictions, and said that to say the library would interfere with local libraries was “an idle dream.” Mr W. P. Reeves said that what was aimed at by the Council was not to close r,he library, but to prevent the dispersion of its books over Wellington by a process of filtration. The few people who took books out lent them to their friends, and so the library was simply used by the wealthier class in Wellington. It was not a case of the people of Wellington—(hear, hear) —but of those of the wealthier class who were allowed to take books. He expressed au opinion that the present management ot the library stood in the way of a public library being established in this city. Mr Fish said Dr Newman's whole mission was to do something for the Civil Service—he began and ended there. Mr Fisher vigorously condemned the management of the Athenseu.ni in this city, and said it was enough to make Mr Jonas Woodward, and others who had taken an active part in the initiation of the institution, turn in their graves. Sir George . Grey suggested that the library should be made a public library for the people of the city of Wellington during the recess, but that no books should be taken out.

Mr Izard, although he disagreed with the report of the Committee, pointed out that it would be difficult to make the library public at present. After further discussion the report was referred back. NEW BILL. The Distillation Act Amendment Bill wa3 introduced and read a first time. NAVAL AND MILITARY' SETTLERS AND VOLUNTEERS LAND CLAIMS BILL. This Bill was read a second time, on the motion of the Minister of Justice.

EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENTS BILL. This Bill was read a second time, on the motion of the Minister of Lands.

KARAMU RESERVE BILL. This Bill was read a Becond time, on the motion of the Native Minister.

POUTUTU JURISDICTION BILL. This Bill was read a second time, on the motion of the Native Minister. The usual adjournment was made at 5.30.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. NATIVE LAND FRAUDS PREVENTION BILL. This Bill having been recommitted, Mr Taipua moved that it be postponed, on the ground that he had not had time giv-n him in which to consider proposed amendments. After a short discussion it was agreed to proceed with the Bill. A new clause was moved by. the Minister and agreed to, enabling a Trust Commissioner to have the assistance of an assessor if the parties desire it. Another new clause was moved by Mr Samuel and agreed to, providing that deeds which had been executed in accordance with the formalities then required, prior to the passing of last year’s Act, should be valid. Mr Fitziierbert moved a new clause providing that it shall be sufficient for the Trust Commissioner to be satisfied that the consideration has been paid to him or some person appointed by him ; and that such consideration shall be paid to the vendor if a certificate is granted, or repaid to- the purchaser if it be refused. Lost by 31 to 26. The Minister moved a new clause providing that the Trust Commissioner Bhall satisfy himself that the consideration is sufficient. This was agreed to. The Bill was reported and read a third time and passed. THIRD READINGS. The following Bills, having passed through committee, were read a third time and passed : Kumara Sludge Channel Bill, Educational Endowments Bill, Karumu Reserve Bill, Poututu Jurisdiction Bill, Orimakatea Title Empowering Bill, Ngarara and Waipiro Further Investigation Bill. NATIVE LAND COURT BILL. Progress was reported on this Bill, in order that the amendments might be translated for the benefit of the Maori members. GOVERNMENT LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES BILL. The Treasurer moved the second reading of this Bill, which enables local bodies to pledge their thirds of land proceeds as security for loan, and also to spend loan money

for a ferry where there is no bridge on a main road. This was agreed to, and the Bill having passed through committee, was read a third time and passed. AUCKLAND AND ONEHUNGA NATIVE BILL. Further consideration of this Bill was sot down for “this day month ” on the motion of the Minuter for Native Affairs. The House rose at 10.40. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. The House met at 2.30. DEATH 07 MR ROBINSON. On the motion of the Premier, the House adjourned from 3.30 to 7.30, out of respect to the late Mr W. Robinson, M.L.C. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. PUBLIC REVENUES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Treasurer moved the second reading of this Bill. He explained that its principal objects were to enable the Government to appoint a Deputy Auditor-General in the absence of the Auditor-General ; and to carry out the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee as to the investment ot trust funds being controlled by a Board, one-third of the Saving Banks fundn being invested in London a course, he might say, which had always been followed by the present Government. It also provided that the name of deficiency bills should be altered to that of exchequer biils. Mr Ballance asked why it was necessary to appoint a Deputy Auditor-* Jeneial ; when there were already throe officers to do the work. The Premier, replying, said that if the Assistant Auditor was away from Welling, ton it would be impossible to deal with the fuud. After further discussion the second reading was carried by 4(5 to 29. PUBLIC DEBTS SINKING FUNDS ACT AMENDMENT bill. Thiß BiP was read a second lime. (Tt provides machinery iu connection with the Public Revenues Bill). On the motion for the committal of this and the Public Revenues Bill, Mr Fish protested against the Bills being proceeded with, seeing that they had only been circulated that night. After discussion, the Public Debts Sinking Fond Bill was committed. In committee the Bill was vigorously opposed by Messrs Fish, Duncan, Samuel, Marchant, Seddon and others, and a series of motions to report progress were encountered and negatived. The Premier said, after the supper adjournment, that it was useless to go on with the Bill. He remarked that the obstruction shown by the minority demonstrated the necessity for alteration in the rnles of prooedare. Mr Ballance charged the Government with encouraging the obstruction. The Premier denied this, and said the measure was introduced in pursuance of a resolution of the House. It was not necessary that the Government should be in sympathy with the Bill. He moved that the Chairman leave the chair. This' was lost, and the Premier then moved to report progress. In answer to Mr Perceval, he said he would bring the Bill on again if possible, but would do other business first. Mr Perceval charged the Government with supporting the Bill in a half-hearted way, and taking advantage of the first excuse to withdraw it. The Premier, replying to Mr Perceval, said the Government would act according to law as to the investment of trust funds, and not according to the resolution of the Public Accounts Committee, if this Bill was not carried. He had done all he could to push the Bill on, and if the majority desired it he would continue, and postpone the prorogation. The motion to report progress was carried by 32 to 29. Progress was also reported on the Public Reserves Bill, the Premier indicating that he would go on with other business. CHATTELS TRANSFER BILL. The Legislative Council's amendment in this Bill was disagreed with, and reasons for doing so approved. BILLS INTRODUCED. The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act Amendment Bill and Hospital and Charitable Institutions Bill were introduced and read a first time. NAVAL AND MILITARY SETTLERS AND VOLUNTEERS LAND CLAIMS BILL. This Bill was committed without material amendment. The Defence Minister promised to insert a clause when the Bill came before tho Legislative Council providing for the appointment of additional commissioners in tho districts where claims are moat numerous, and also that clerks of courts may receive formal elaims. THORNDON ESPLANADE BTLL. This Bill was committed. The Minister of Lands had drawn up extensive amendment 1 -', completely re-model-ling the Bill, but ho explained that their effect was the same as that of the original measure, except that power was now given to the Corporation to form a road through a small piece of land granted to the Railway Commissioners. Mr Seddon, arguing that it was practically a new Bill, moved that progress be reported. Lost by 17 to 9. Lsngthy explanations were given by the Minister as to the necessity of the Bill, and he assured the House that no private interests were affected. Mr Seddon moved to report progress, which was agreed to on the voices. (This practically means killing the Bill.) The House rose at 2 a.m. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. The House met at 2.30. BILL INTRODUCED. The Government Railway Employes Insurance Bill wa3 introduced and read a first time. The second reading was set down, on the motion of the Minister for Public Works, for “ Friday fortnight,” being introduced for circulation only.

WKSTrORT-NGAK VW A KAILWAY EXTENSION BILL. The Minister for Public Works moved the sscond reading of this Bill, which provides for extension of the railway a distance of 20 miles at a cost of £36,000. He explained that this work was made out of the Westport harbour funds, and that the extension to Moxihinui River would greatly assist in opening up the coal fields. The amount now available to credit of the harbour fund was £239,000, Mr Hutchison moved, as an amendment, that this House, while recognising tho importance of stimulating coir petition in the development of the coalfields of the Colony, is of opinion that the present is not an appropriata time for entering upon new Public Works. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr Saundkrs supported tho Bill, holding it of tho utmost importance to develop the coalfields, which would be opened up-bythis railway. On division, Mr Hutchison’s amendment was negatived by 33 to 23. The formal motion, that the Bill be read a second time, waß carried by 35 to 22. FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES BILL. The amendment suggested by message to this Bill wob agreed to. NEW BILLS. Bills to amend the Public Health Act, Rating Act, and Dog Registration Bill were received from the ;Legi3labi\ 7 e Council, and read a first time. Mr Fish intimated that he should oppose the Rating Bill. MASTERTON TRUST LANDS BILL. The amendment of the Legislative Jouncil to this Bill was agreed to. HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS BILL. The Minister of Justice moved the second reading of this Bill, tho object of the measure being simply to remedy a defect in the original Act, and enable the Westland Board to levy on the Westland Council. Mr Walker condemned the Government for their action with respect to the general question of charitable old this session. Many districts had genuine grievances arising outof tho present law —grievances which were admitted by the Government, and which, through the incapacity ot Ministers to treat things, will practically remain unremedied. Several other members expressed a similar feeling, and the motion for second reading was then agreed to. west coast settlement reserves act SUSPENSION BILL. The Premier moved the second readiug of this Bill Mr Hutchison opposed the Bill, and moved that it be read that day six months. After a discussion the second reading was carried by 53 to 5. WESTPORT NGAKAWA RAILWAY EXTENSION BILL. Mr Fish, opposing the committal of this Bill, charged the Government with a distinct breach of faith with the Otago members in bringing on this Bill in the face of their pledge not to propose any further public works. He moved that it be committed that day week. After a long discussion, in the course of which Mr O’Conor made a vigorous speech in favour of the Bill, the motion for committal was carried on the voices on the understanding . that progress would be reported at once. This was done. The Native Land Court Bill was considered in committee, which took up some hours. The Bill was agreed to with inconsiderable amendments, and it was then agreed to report progress before proceeding to deal with the new clauses.

Progress was reported on the WestportNgakawa Railway Extension Bill. The West Coast Settlements Reserves Act Suspension Bill was reported from committee with slight amendments and read a third time and passed. The Land Transfer Bill was also reported ■with amendments and read a third time and passed. The House rose at 2.45 a.m.