LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 6048, 18 August 1880, Page 3

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17. “The Speaker took the chair at 2.30. NOTICES —MOTIONS —READINGS —GENERAL. Mr. Whitaker laid on the table papers re Ban Francisco mail service, and several other documents. —A number of formal committee •reports were read. One, on the petition of Robinson, of the Hutt, recommended ■the petitioner's claim to the favorable consideration of the Government. Another, on the petition of Robert Laird—late of the Hinemoa—said the petitioner had no claim to -compensation. A report on Mr. Taiaroa's -qualification, affirming it, was ordered to be considered on Thursday.—Captain Fraser gave notice for a return of all wardens and R.M/s on the Otago goldfields, with their salaries, expenses, number of cases, and full detained information. —Mr. Peacock gave notice to move that Education Boards having a balance in hand at the end of the year should repay it to the Government. Mr. Chamberlin ro-ave notice to move, —In the opinion of the Council, it is desirable Government should declare whether its policy was to be free trade cr protection. (Laughter.) He also asked, — Will Government this session bring in any Bill based upon recommendations of the Industries Commission? Is the Commission to continue its labors, or will another Commission of less free trade tendencies be appointed ? He thought, as the session was drawing to a close, it was highly important the Government should declare their intentions.—Mr. Whitaker : The. Commission report, also whether the Commission shall continue its labors, are now under consideration. Whatever decision is come to, no other Commission will be appointed.—The Mining Companies Act Amendment, Jackson's Bay Settlement, New Zealand University Reserves, Canterbury Rivera Act Amendment, Municipal Corporations Act Amendment, and High School Reserves Bills (from the Lower House) were read a first t ? me.—A copy of the New Zealand Institute’s late memo, to the Government, and the Geological Survey Director’s report on the site of the Sea Cliffs Asylum were ordered to be laid on the table.—Mr. Waterhouse moved, The New Plymouth Harbor Board should be called upon to refund their land, revenue spent illegally; failing the refund the Board should be proceeded against individually. The mover said unauthorised expenditure by local bodies was becoming so general that it was desirable an example should be made.—Mr. Whitaker said if Government were to proceed against all local bodies who acted illegally half-a-dozen Attorney-Generals would not be enough. They all did it. The remedy lay with the ratepayers, who were the sufferers by the illegality. There •was considerable doubt, however, if there had been any illegality in, this case.— Mr. Wilson said the, Government should proceed against the Board, but, of course, they would not—, because it -was- in the. favored district ;. of Taranaki. Sir F. Bell Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Mantell, and Mr. XiAHMANN spoke briefly, when the motion was carried-—Mr. Acland was given ten days leave on a division by 20 to 10 votes.—Tne Otago Road Rates Validity Bill and the Debtors and Creditors Bill were read a third time. The Joint Stock Comp-mlos Act Amendment Bill and . the Counties Act Amendment Bill were read a second time. On the motion for the third reading of the Fire Prevention and Brigades Bill, Mr. G. Johnson moved that it be thrown out as interfering with the interests of insurance companies, and giving arbitrary powers over them, to which they were all opposed.—Mr. Waterhouse defended the Bill, and said Mr. Johnson should have opposed it earlier, before so much time bad been spent in improving it.—Debate adjourned. The Council rose at 510 p.ra.