THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Southland Times, Issue 3784, 7 August 1880, Page 2

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Friday, August 6. In the Legislative Council, Mr Buckley raised a question of privilege. He said he had received a printed document, unsigned, but purporting to express the wishes of the brewers, publicans, and spirit merchants of Dunedin. It amounted almost to an intimidation of the Council. He believed other members had received copies. He was often waylaid on coming to the Chamber, and asked about things of which he knew nothing. After some discussion the matter dropped, it being pointed out that the Council could take no action on an unsigned document. In moving for the printing of a return, Dr Pollen stated that hotel and other licenses for the last three years had been L 40,376, L 43,739, and L 44, 151 respectively. He also complained of the incomplete accounts kept of the license fees through their not being under Government control. The following bills came from the Lower House, and were read a first time : — Christchurch District Drainage Act Amendment Bill, Tnch Clutha Act Amendment Bill, Execution Against Real Estate Bill, and Taranaki Iron Smelting Works Land Act Amendment Bill. The Port Molyneux Reserves Leasing Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. On the motion of Dr Menzies, the Reporting Committee was ordered to inquire why the debates sometimes appear in Hansard in a mutilated form, and to inform tiie Council how its reports sometimes differ from facts. Mr Reynolds moved for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the cost of the clerical staff of the Council, with a view to reduction, but after some discussion the motion was negatived. The Dentist Bill was read a second time, and referred to a select committee. The Public Health Act Amendment Bill was passed through committee. The Council rose at 5 p.m.