PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1103, 31 October 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington. October 30. In the House of Representatives today, Tiie following replies were, given by the to questions : —The Government intended easing the expenditure in the Auckland districts and other parts cf the Colony pursuant to agreements with some of the Auckland'members as far as practicable, on a basis fair' to all parts of the Colony. The Government had arrived at no decision as to the removal of the Commissioner of Railways to Dunedin. A Bill would be introduced to regulate Chinese immigration this session. For the discovery of gold or diamonds in Canterbury a fund provided for the Middle Island was available. The Government would consider the action required for removing doubts as to the efficacy of contributions to friendly societies, so that they maj' obtain the full benefit of registration under the Societies Act, 1878. An amended Land Tax Act, and a Bill to Prevent Corruption in Parliament, were introduced and read a first time. On the motion of Mr. de Lautour, it was agreed that in the opinion of the House it was desirable that a Committee should immediately be appointed to classify the Crown lands in the County of Maniototo, and that in the vicinities of Naseby, Hamilton, Hyde, and Blackstone Hill, lands which may be classified as pastoral lands should be sold by auction in terms of the Land Act, 1877, on deferred payments, in sufficient and suitable areas, twelve months before the expiry of the expiring lerses. On the motion of Mr. Moss, it was agreed that the honorarium of members should be fixed by statute. Mr. Sutton moved "That it is desirable that the system of local self-government at present in existence should be extended to provide (1) For the efficient construction and maintenance of public works (excepting railway and harbor works), all hospitals and charitable institutions. (2) That in order to enable local bodies to carry out their duty it is necessary that their revenue should be increased—(a), by the payment monthly of all debts collected in each district as stamp duties upon land or succession ; (b) by increasing the maximum of general rates in the case of the counties. (3.) That steps should be taken to prevent the counties and road boards clashing, and to more distinctly define the powers and duties of these bodies. (4) That the Government bo requested, as early as possible to introduce a Bill for the purpose of carrying these resolutions into effect. The Government acquiesced in the general tenor of the motion, and admitted it was absolutely necessary to place counties and other local administrations on a much more efficient footing than it was. If the mover would not [>ress the motion further at pro.u:ii', the Government would undertake during the recess to give the whole matter careful consideration, and i io prepared to brill'.; down a measure ilex; •session. At 5.30 a motion for the adjournment of the debate was carried. At the evening sitting the Oamaru Harbor Bill was considered ill Committee. Tile first three clauses were passed, and leave was granted to sit again regarding the remainder. The adjourned debate on the question that the goldfields duty be reduced one shilling per ounce was resumed. Mr. Pyke moved an amendment that sixpence be substituted. On a division, the amendment was carried by 39 to 18. The Land Transfer Act Amendment Bill, the New River Pilot-station Reserrc Bill, and the Wellington Harbor Board Bill were partly considered in Committee. The Hawke's Bay and Marlborough River Act Amendment Bill were read a third tijne, the District Courts Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Kirklands' Road Bill was withdrawn. The House rose at 1.30.