PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Independent, Volume i, Issue 29, 30 July 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(own correspondent.) Wellington, Wednesday. In the Legislative Council on Tuesday the Criminal Code Bill was read a third time and passed. The Law Practitioners Act Amendment Bill was thrown out by 28 to 9. The Evidence Act Further Amendment was read a second time, and the Council adjourned at 4.10. In the House on Monday, Mr Grace, member for Tauranga, took his oath and seat. The Distress Bill was read a th rd time and passed. The Bank Note Security Bill, which gives holders of bank notes a preferential claim in case of the failure of a bank, was committed, but progress was immediately reported, with leave to sit again a month hence. The Gaming and Lotteries Bill No. 2, which legalises small sweeps, was thrown out on the motion for its second reading, by 32 to 24.

The Adulteration Prevention Act Amendment Bill was read a second time. Mr O’Connor moved the second reading of the Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bill, which provides that everything over 5 per cent, of the surplus funds of lodges be at their disposal, and go into the general management fund. The debate was adjourned until Thursday. The Police Offences Act Amendment Bill was thrown out by 31 to 27. Mr Wakefield moved the second reading of the Unclaimed Land Bill, which empowers Government to sell land over which the right of ownership has not been exercised for seven years, the proceeds to be treated as land revenue, but repayable to the owner if claimed within 20 years. The debate was adjourned, and the House rose at 12.50. On Tuesday the Public Works Act Amendment Bill, which enables Government to take land for the erection of fortifications, was read a second time and passed through committee without amendment. The Whitmore Enabling Bill also passed through committee, was read a third time and passed. The Hospitals and Charitable Aid Bill was considered in committee, and the House rose at 2.