PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 484, 16 November 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, November 16. In the Legislative Council, the only important feature of the business was the adoption of a new clause in the Education Bill, by which the Board can grant to any School Committee such aid in books, school apparatus and money, as the Board may think expedient, or at the option of the Board such aid may be granted in money only. '\ his was read, and carried on a division by a majority of one. In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, Mr. Rees gave notice of motion—"That in the resolution passed relative to Mr Lusk, the House did not mean to impute corrupt conduct to him, and that the fine of LSO be remitted," Sir George. Grey moved the second reading of the Disqualification Act Amendment Biil No. 2. the object of which was to correct a technical error in the existing law. Mr, Key no Ids thought that the bid should go further. At present members might inadvertently vi date the Act, Mr. Whifcaker said the brl would disqudify several members, and he thought that questions of disqualification should be decid d by the Supreme Court. Messrs. Barff, Kee*. Kelly, and Sir R. Douglas opposed the bill. Mr. Keid thought Parliament could protect its own purity and honor, and that it was only neces ary to prevent contractors and civii servauts sitting in the House. Mr. Montgomery preferred that the Supreme Court should decide questions of disqualification. Sir George Grey said the bill had been drawn in accordance with the report of the Privilege Committee. It could not be introduced without having a retrospective effect. The Government had no wish to pu.-h it forward, and were preparing another bill to alter the whole electoral machinery. This would be introduced next session. If members liked to wait for this complete measure, the Government would not object to the bill being rejected. The first Protection Bill was read a third time.

On the House resuming the Colonial Treasurer gave notice of an Imprest Supply Bill for to-morrow.

Mr. Sheehan then read h r s Native statement A'ter the delivery of Mr. Sheehan's Native statement, the House went into Committee on the Land Bill, and progress was reported at 12.35 a.m., when leave was obtained to sit again, and the Souse rose.