PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 792, 25 October 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, October 24.

In the Legislative Council to-day, The following Bills were read a third time and passed ;—Foxtan Reserves, Newmarket Reserves, Norsewood Mechanics' Institute, Oamaru Harbor, Christchurch Boys' High School, and Wanganui High School. There was a debate on the third reading of the Wellington College Act, which was ultimately read a third time and passed. The Wellington City Boundaries Bill was then read a second time. Colonel Whitmore moved the second reading of the Thames Harbor Bill at some length. The Bill was supported by the TT :i. Mr. Waterhouse, and opposed by tlie '. iuii>. Messrs. Holmes and Gray. I>r. Pollen thought the measure should !;.,;e been brought down earlier : the matter could not be properly examined into now. Some discussion followed, and the Bill was read a second time,

In the House of Representatives to-day, Mr. Fitzroy gave notice to ask the Premier if he has declared the independence of New Zealand, or intended to do so, and if so, at what date ; also by what authority he intends to supersede the Anthem of Great Britain with that of Thoriias Bracken, of Dunedin, and what will he the cost of supplying copies to the schools of the Colony. The Premier laid on the table papers relative to the alteration of reserves in Taranaki and Canterbury, correspondence from the Agent-General on immigration, return of Crown lands reserved, for railway and other pxirposesih 1577-S, report of civil service examinations heard, and report of geological survey of New Zealand, Mr, Maeandrew laid on the table correspondence relative to the establishment of a Railway Waggon Company ; also a report showing the extent of the damage resulting from the recent flood in the Glutha, He said the estimate made the total amount to L 103,000. The Government proposed to ask authority to advance the sum of L 50,000 to various local bodies, by way of loan, to repair the damages. The money would be repayable in annual instalments, extending over a period of five years. In making up the proportions! due regard would be paid to financial conditions. The report was merely preliminary. The report was ordered to bo printed. In reply to Mr. Rolleston, the Colonial Treasurer said the Financial Arrangements Bill would be circulated this evening. Mr. Gisborne asked when the Government would state the course they intend to pursue in regard to Mr. Barton's charge against the Judges. The Premier replied that so late in the session the Government could not give a definite answer.

The Premier then made a lengthy Ministerial statement with regard to the special wire question, upon which considerable debate ensued, w-hich was interrupted by the dinner adjournment.