PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 939, 1 November 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Telegraph.]

[from our own correspondent.]

Wellington, This Day. In the Council yesterday the debate respecting Lunatic Asylums was continued. Some very strong remarks were made on the condition of. the Asylums, Dr. Pollen said -it was a disgrace to a Christian state. Ultimately the motion urging the Government to appoint medical superintendent's was carried. The House met at 2.30. Replying to a question, the Premier said that telegrams respecting election had been sent, by the late Ministry as public service telegrams, and the Government if it would not be prejudicial sffc> the public service they would be produced. Replying to another question, the Premier said that the Kss to revenue by the reduction of duty on tea for nine months from January to September was £24,000 and on sugar £61,000 making a total of £85,000. A very long debate arose on a motion by the Premier for the second reading of the qualification of Electors Bill, the principal objections being to a property qualification of £25, and to the exclusion of the Maoriss. Sir George Grey said that Bill increased the power of property, and that one man could have a vote m twenty districts. Under the Constitution Act the Native population was on an equal footing with the European ; butthe Bill displaced the equality and took a right from the natives. He would use his best to get the Bill thrown out. Mr. Hall, m replying, said that the records of the House showed that tho •Bill intended to be brought down by the late Government contained the very provisions against which Sir George Grey objected. The Bill was ultimately read a second time and ordered to be committed on Tuesday. The following Bills on kindred matters, were also read a second time. Registration of Electors Regulation of- Elections, Corrupt Practices Prevention, Election Petitions, Electoral Acts Repeal, and Triennial Parliaments. Mr. Hall explained with respect to the Elections Petitions Bill that its purpose was to have such petitions heard by the Supreme Court Judges. The House rose at 12.30