LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12799, 21 October 1903, Page 5

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. SECOND READINGS. Tlio Gold Duties and Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bills were road a second 1 time pro forma and referred to the Minos and Labour Bills Committee's. The Crown Grants Act Amendment Bill, extending the time to compound custody fees, was read a sccoiul time. Tho Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill was road a second time on the voices, after a brief discussion. Tlio Hon. Mr PITT moved the second reading of the Water Tower Bill, vesting in the Crown the sole right to use waters for generating and storing 1 electricity or other power. The bill was favourably received by all speakers, several of whom, however, urged the necessity of including provision for the delegation of powers to companies. The Hon. Mr PITT emphasised the importance of tlio Government retaining tlio solo right to deal with water power. He said the time was not far distant when the Government would have to consider whether tho railways should not bo worked by electricity, which was cheaper than steam. The second reading was agreed to. Tho Animals Protection Bill second reading debate was interrupted by tho 5 o'clock adjournment.

The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. till 8 p.m.

EVENING SITTING. The Council resumed at 8 o'clock. SECOND READINGS. The Animal,? Protection, Sand Drift, Unit Road, and Sea Fisheries Bills, from the other House, passed thc-ir second reading. BILL PASSF.D. Tli# Cook acid' Other Islands Bill was put through committee without amendment, read a third time, and passed. Tho' Council rose at 9.10 p.m.