GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8020, 4 November 1887, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

TnunsDAY, Novehuer 3. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. PETITIONS.

Several petitions in favour of Bible-reading in State schools were presented from Oatnaru and Gisborne by the Hon. Dr Menzies and the Hon. Mr Williams. NKW BILL. The Hammond Fencing Claims Bill was introduced and the first reading fixed for to-morrow. LIEUT.-COLONKL NOAKK'S PAMPHLET. The Hon. Colonel BRETT asked the Attor-ney-general what steps the Government have taken, or intend to take, in respect of Lieut.colonel Noake's pamphlet on the administration of the Government and officers commanding the Tho Hon. Sir F. WHITAKER, in replying, said the matter referred to had not been brought officially under the attention of the Minister of Defence. The only thing the Government knew of tho pamphlet was by newspaper reports. He regretted he could afford no definite information to the hon. member on the subject. The Hon. Colonel BRETT thought it very unsatisfactory. THE CIVIL SERVICE. The Hon. Mr WATERHOUSE moved— " That a return be laid upon the table of the names of all persons who, since the passing of the Civil Service Reform Act, have been temporarily appointed to the public service, together with a statement of office filled and of the salary payable in each case." In bringing forward the motion, he said he could not refrain

from stating that the working of the present act was little better than a farce, and if temporary appointments were allowed to be made, the efforts and intentions of the Legislature would be nullified.

The motion was agreed to. PRIVATE BILLS.

The Hon. Mr BAILLIE moved—" That the promoters of every private bill introduced into the Legislative Council or brought from the House of Representatives during the first session of the year, and who have had leave to

suspend any further proceedings thereon during the said session, may have leave to proceed with such bill in tsis present session at the stage at which proceedings thereon were suspended."— Agreed to. The Council at 3.3 adjourned to the following day.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES.

Thojisday, November 3. The House met at 2.30 p.m. BEPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Mr DUNCAN asked the Colonial Secretary if the Government will secure the services of a qualified expert in cheesemaking, in order that dairy factories in the colony may have the services of such expert in order to be able to manufacture cheese of the highest class, so that cheesemaking may bo remunerative as an export to England. The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON said the Government would take the matter into consideration.

Mr LEVBSTAM asked the Government whether they will amend the Disqualification Act so that members of the Legislative Council who make use of their position as members of that body to influence elections for this House shall be disqualified from holding a seat in Council. The Hon. Major ATKINSON said the Government had no intention of introducing such an act. He held that Legislative Councillors were free citizens and had a perfect right to their opinions. Neither did he think there was anything improper in these gentlemen addressing their fellow citizens. Mr LEVESTAM mdred the adjournment of the House. He thought members of the Legislative Council who abused their privileges at elections should be disqualified. Sir J. VOGEL said the question was a very important one, and in his opinion one that would directly threaten the independence of elections; besides, such influence might be exercised at a time of strong political feeling. The Hon. Mr FISHER said it was very remarkable that the Legislative Councillors who were referred to were all on one side in politics. He pointed out that other members of the Council took a very prominent part in the late elections, but no complaint was made against them. He himself had been honoured by three important members of the late Government delivering addresses in his electorate, but it had the effect of his being returned with a large majority. Dr NEWMAN said that Sir J. VogePs remarks were certainly somewhat amusing. Why, the colleague of that hon. gentleman in the Council had only recently exerted himself to the utmost to keep him (Dr Newman) out of the House. Mr FULTON said the whole matter arose out of a desire to return candidates favourable to the reading of the Bible in schools. It had no reference whatever to political parties. The motion for adjournment was lost. Mr ROSS asked the Minister of Education whether it is the intention of the Government to so amend the Education Act during this session as to provide for the periodical transfer of school inspectors from one district to another, and to secure to teauhers or school committees who may feel aggrieved by decisions of education boards the riaht of appeal. The Hon. Mr "FISHER said it was hardly probable the Government would introduce a bill to this effect this session. He thought it undesirable that the Government should in any way supplant boards in the exercise of their privileges. Mr BEETHAM asked the Government if they will cousider the advisability of removing the prohibition that now exists against the importation of cattle and sheep from Europe. The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON said the Government intended to remit the question to a stock committee. Mr THOMPSON (Auckland) asked the Minister for Public Works whether in dealing with the question of reform in our railway system he wil! take into consideration the advisability of giving Mr Samuel Vaile's railway scheme a fair trial on the Waikato-Auckland or such other line as Mr Vaile may suggest; if so, with a view of giving such trial every chance of success, will the Minister make some provision whereby Mr Yaile could personally supervise the traffic for a definite period. The Hon. Mr MITCHELSON said the question could be discussed on the bill that had been introduced by him. Mr B ARRON asked the Government whether they are in favour of setting aside suitable areas of Crown lands in each land district as grants for workmen and others in Government employment whose services are being dispensed with, and who are not entitled to pensions or substantial retiring allowances; if so, whether they will provide for such grants being immediately available. The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON said the Government were not in favour of grants, but facilities would be offered to that class in the land bill which he had introduced. Replying to Mr Pyke, The Hon. Major ATKINSON said there was no truth whatever in the report that had been spread that he had offered Sir R. Stout a seat in the Legislative Council with a view to his joining the Government as Attorney-general. He also wished to say there had been no communication between himself and Sir R. Stout on the subject of a coalition since 1884. OEDER OF BUSINESS. The Hon. Major ATKINSON desired to state to the House that, after consultation with the hon. gentlemen opposite, he thought it would be more convenient to take the Midland railway discussion next day. He therefore proposed to bring it on at 2.30 next day. The discussion on the Financial Statement would then be taken on Tuesday. Sir J. VOGEL said he had no desire to open the debate on the Financial Statement. If any '. jther hon. gentleman preferred to do so he was I quite willing.

SECOND JtEADINGS. The Akaroa Borough Council Reserves Vesting and Reclamation Bill and Gisborne High School Act 18S5 Amendment Bill were read a second time.

Mr LEVESTAM moved the second reading of the Nelson Foreshore Reserves B,ill.

The Hon. Mr FISHER said as the bill would be so detrimental to Nelson Harbour it was impossible that the Government could support it. Should the bill pass, it would have to be very considerably altered in committee. The motion for the second reading was lost by 37 to 32. Mr DUNCAN moved the second reading of the Oamaru Harbour Board Loan Bill, to authorise the Harbour Board to raise a loan of £35,000 and to consolidate certain loans. A lengthy discussion ensued, and the motion for the second reading was carried on the voices. Mr BALLANCE moved the second rending of the Wanganui Harbour Board Bill, tojraise a loan of £40,000 for harbour improvements, He explained that the bill had passed its second reading last session, and that a large portion of the Eangitikei county had been struck out of the rating area of the bill. He should not insist on retaining that portion of Rangitikei county which still remained in the bill if in committee it was decided to strike it out. He thought that would disarm the opposition that had hitherto been raised against the bill. Mr BRUCE said it was quite true that only a small portion of the Rangitikei electorate would bo affected by the present bill, but he should still'propose certain amendments if the bill got into committee, as he desired to exclude every portion of Rangitikei district from the Wanganui Harbour district. The motion for the second reading was carried by 39 to 31. Mr LAWRY moved the 6econd reading of the Ouehunga Cemetery Reserve Bill, to change the purpose of cemetery reserves and authorise the acquisition of other laud for such purpose.— Agreed to. Mr JONES moved the second reading of the Christchurch Drainage Board Reserves Sale and Exchange Bill, explaining that it was simply a machinery measure to authorise the sale of certain drainage reserves in Christchurch. — Agreed to. Mr ORIIOND meved the second reading of the Napier Harbour Board Amendment and Endowment Improvement Bill, to authorise the harbour board to reclaim certain reserves and to borrow £30,000 for the purpose. He pointed out that the reserve in question was now becoming a menace to the health of the town, and that the bill was a most necessary measure.— Agreed to. Mr HAMLTN moved the second reading of the Onehunga Water Reserves Bill. j The debate was by the 5.30 p.m. i adjournment. '

Evening Sitting. The Hoase resumed at 7.30 p.m.

AUCTIONEERS BILL,

Mr SEDDON moved the second reading of the Auctioneers Bill. He explained that it had already been three sessions before Parliament, and was designed to consolidate existing acts, which were all of provincial character. Dutch auctions were abolished, and various reforms which experience had shown to be necessary were introduced. A uniform license fee of £40 was fixed.

After a short discussion the second reading was carried.

SIB GEORGE GREY'S HILLS. Sir GEORGE GREY moved the second reading of the Limitation of Votes Bill, preventing electors from voting in more than one electorate.

The motion was carried on the voices without debate.

Sir GEORGE GREY moved the second reading of the Land for Settlement Bill. It was intended to provide land on such terms and in such a way as would attract immigrants with capital, and also enable people now in the colony to acquire land on reasonable terms. The land taken under this bill was to be paid for in land bonds on the same system that had been pursued with eminent 6uccess in Prussia. It was to be divided into farm and cottage allotments, and power was given to lay out town sites. He had been told that a large number of the Irish Constabulary had expressed their wish to come here if some such measure became law, and he believed many other desirable colonists would bo attracted hither.

The Hon. Major ATKINSON said Governmeat recognised that the time had come when a measure of this kind was required, »nd they would agree to the second reading so that the bill might go to the Waste Lands Committee with a view to seeing whether a satisfactory solution could be arrived at. He did not, however, altogether agree with the bill as it stood, for he thought it did not provide sufficient safeguards. The second reading was carried on the voices. OTHER BILLS. Tte following bills were also read a second time: —Onehunga Water Reserves (Mr Hamlin), New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Reserve (Mr Samuel), Bumner Public Works (Mr Jones), New Plymouth Borough and Harbour Board Street and Reserve Exchange (Mr Samuel), North Dunedin Cemetery Extension Bill (Mr Stewart). The latter excited some opposition, and was adversely criticised by Messrs Allen, Mackenzie (Clutha), Fergus, and Hislop. Messrs Fish, Fitchett, and Stewart spoke strongly in its favour, and pointed out that the present cemetery was full, and that an extension was urgent. The second reading was eventually carried by 36 to 31. SAMOAN AFFAIBS. ' Mr TAIPUA moved —"(1) That in the opinion of this House the treatment by Germany of King Malietoa and the friendly Samoan people is oppressive and ungenerous, and unworthy of a great nation, and is in contravention of treaty obligation. (2) That the Government of New Zealand be requested to communicate with the Governments of the Australian colonies with a view to making combined and urgent representations to the Imperial Government on this matter." He explained that he had been induced to move in the matter because, according to tradition, the Maoris themBelves came from Samoa, and because it was so close to New Zealand. The Hon. Major ATKINSON said it would hardly be right to carry such a motion. They bad no information on the subject except that England and the United States had assented to the action of Germany in the matter. He asked Mr Taipua.now thathe had expressed his opinion, to withdraw the resolution. This was accordingly done, THF FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Mr BALLANCE moved—" That there be laid before the House the details of savings proposed in the Financial Statement so far as they may have been determined on." The Hon. Major ATKINSON said he could not consent to do this. He intended to ask the House to place full confidence in the Government, and it would be premature to disclose their plans. Messrs Turnbull, Fish and Seddon expressed their opinion that the details would have to be given before the House separated, but advised the withdrawal for the present of the motion. The Hon. Mr FISHER avowed his surprise at this attempt to discuss the Financial Statement by a side wind. Sir J. VOGEL pointed out that if the details asked for were refused, it would naturally give rise to suspicion. Retrenchment belonged to the whole House, and not to Ministers only. It would not, however, be convenient to enter into the general discussion at the present juncture. Mr BALLANCE said his motion was not intended in a hostile spirit, and he asked leave to withdraw it. This was done, and the House rose at 11.21.