THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Southland Times, Issue 1952, 24 July 1874, Page 3

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Wellington, July 23. The House on Tuesday evening adjourned immediately on the conclusion of the financial statement, which was well received. On Wednesday, Mr Richardson said, in reply to Mr Pyke's question about the Southland Waste Lands Board, that the Government recognised the importance of the matter, and disapproved of the action of the Board, and would bring in a short enactment by way of remedy. The enactment would be simple, and there was no reason why it should not be approved by the Provincial authorities. Mr Sheehan moved that the Government should bring down next session a well-matured scheme for the readjustment of the representation of the Colony. Mr Macandrew seconded the motion. The Premier said the Government were not inclined to interfere with existing arrangements, and moved the previous question. After a sharp debate, the previous question was carried by 33 to 30. Mr Macandrew moved that members of Volunteer Fire Brigades should be exempted from service on juries. Agreed to, after discussion. Mr Steward moved the second reading of the Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage Bill, which was carried by 20 to 9. The Otago Waste Lands Bill was read a second time. The Gold Mining Bill, introduced by Mr T. L. Shepherd, was read a second time. The Bill is simpler and less voluminous than the Bill of last year. In the House on Thursday, Mr Mac. Andrew obtained leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Southland Land Act. The extent of the amendment is stated to be a mere confirmation of the power of the Executive to reserve land from sale, respecting which doubts have arisen. On the third reading of the Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage Bill, Mr Yogel spoke against the Bill, and Mr Fox in favor of it. Mr O'Neill moved the third reading that day six months. On a division the Bill was read a third time by 34 to 17. Mr Murray moved for a return in detail, showing the prices, discount, and commission on all material imported under the Public Works and Immigration Act. Mr Richardson said it was impossible to give such returns, but they would give all possible information on the matter. The motion was withdrawn. Mr Taiaroa asked for the report of Mr Mackay on his subdivision of Native reserves in the Middle Island. The question was postponed till the arrival of the Native Minister. At the request of Mr Luckie, the Government promised to furnish all particulars regarding the leasing of large blocks of land in Hawke's Bay. Mr Steward asked whether the rolling stock employed on the Provincial branch railways will be of such patterns as to allow of its beiDg used on the main lines. Mr Richardson was understood to say that at present iv Otago some branch railway stock had been made available for the main lines. He believed that would generally be the case. The Civil Service Act Amendment Bill and the Justices of the Peaoe Act Amendment Bill were read a third time. The Offences against the Person Bill and the Presbyterian Church of Otago Land Bill were read a second time. The Minister for Public Works announced that he will make his Public Works statement to-morrow. The business in the Legislative Council was unimportant.