HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Southland Times, Issue 10200, 4 July 1889, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Premier gave notice to move for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the affairs of the Harbour Boards of the colony. . Replying to questions, Ministers said— That the Government did not intend to introduce any amendment in the Gaming and Lotteries Act in the direction of limiting or abolishing totalisatbrs— The Government did ' not feel justified in making any change in the present system under which coroners' juries served without remuneration— lt was intended to move for a Select Committee to inquire fully into matters connected with the position of friendly societies. The Minister of Defence produced the report of Major-General Stewart referred to, by Mr Hutchison last night, and moved that it be read.'—^A lengthy discussion ensued as to the wisdom of making the report gublic, but ultimately it was read by the ilerk. The following bills were read a first time : — (Fish) ' to amend "the Licensing Act, 1881 " 5 (Hodgkinson) Riverton Corporation Empowering: (Seddon) Gold Duties Abolition ; (Grey) to prohibit the introduction of labourers other than European into New Zealand ; (R. Reeves) to repeal the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881, and amendments thereto ; (Grey) to provide for the limitation of votes at any election of members of the House of Representatives; (Hislop) Destitute Persons. Discussions on opposed motions occupied the House till the 5. 30 p.m. adjournment.