GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15938, 4 December 1913, Page 7

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LEGISLATIVE COUNCE.

(Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, December 3. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m.

SECOND READINGS.

The Counties Act Amendment Bill, the Police Offences Act Amendment Bill, and the Judicature Act Amendment Bill were read a second time pro forma, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee.

NATIVES' PETITIONS.

The Hon. Captain TUCKER moved that the report of the Native Affaire Committee on the petition of Oatine Paora and another, brought up on October 30, be agreed to.

The Hon. Captain TUCKER also moved that the Teport of the- Native Affairs Committee on the petition of Ngamako Te Rango, brought up on November 13, be agreed to. The Hon. V H. D. BELL opposed the motions on the ground that the committee should have referred the Teport to the Government, and not have asked the Council to agreo to them, as the Council had no evidence before it on which to form an opinion on the merits of the cases.

On his suggestion the Hon. Captain TUCKER amended his motions to the extent that the reports be referred to the Government for consideration, and in this form they were carried. Owing to the absence of a large number of members at Auckland the Council did not deal with the Orders of the Day, and adjourned at 3.25.

I END OF THE SESSION. Giving expression to his personal opinion, the Hon. H. D. BELL stated that lie saw no reason why the business of Parliament should not be concluded by Saturday week.