GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7568, 20 May 1886, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, May 19. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. PAPERS.

The Hon. Mr BUCKLEY presented a paper relative to the leasing of special settlements. The Hon. W. SWANSON presented a petition from 797 residents of New Zealand complaining that special favours were shown to Cardinal Moran, and honours heaped upon him) by the Government on the occasion of that prelate's recent visit to Auckland.

The Council decided that the petition should be read. It complained that the Government steamer had been despatched from Auckland to meet the steamer in which Cardinal Moran arrived at Auckland; that special favours were shown him and special honours heaped upon him by the Government; and that upwards of 20 policemen in'uniform formed part of the procession. The petition expressed a hope that as there was no State church in the colony similar favours should not again be bestowed on any dignitary of any church visiting New Zealand The Hon.' P. BUCKLEY considered that as the petition had been read, the names should also be read.

The Hon. W. SWANSON hadno objection to this course being pursued. He believed the signatures were genuine.

The motion for reading the signatures was seconded by the Hon. Colonel BRETT, but not being pressed, was not put, and the subject dropped. JUBILEE CONGRATULATIONS. The Hon. P. BUCKLEY gave notice that on next sitting day he would move that a committee consisting .of the Speaker, the Hon. Messrs Baillie, Frase'r, Pollen, Reeves, Reynolds, Brett, and the mover, be, appointed to draw up a congratulatory address-to Her Majesty the Queen oh the occasion of Her Majesty's jubilee. . new bills. The Hon P. BUCKLEY .introduced the following Bills, which were read a first time, the Second readings being made orders of the day far. Friday next:—Defence Act, ISS6; and Police Force Act, 1886. ;■ ; THE ADDBESS-IN-REPLY. , . ■The formal, presentation of the address in reply to the Governor's speech then took place, and on resuming, The Council adjourned to Friday.