WEDNESDAY, July 23.

Colonist, Volume XVI, Issue 1655, 29 July 1873, Page 5 (Supplement)

WEDNESDAY, July 23.

Mr. Fox asked the Government whether in response to petitions, the Government intended to introduce a measure amending the Licensing Bill. The Pbemier replied, refering to Mr. Fox's exertions in connection with the total abstinence cause ; and went on strongly to condemn drunkenness. He criticised the Permissive Bill, which would jeopardise the property and rights of licensed victuallers. It would not inprove houses already licensed, but by jeopardising the value of property, render the character of the houses worse. The Government favored the .improvement of the existing licensing laws. It would prefer to prevent adulteration of drink and sale of absolute poisons, and render more difficult the obtaining of licenses for new houses. The Government recognised the, present system of granting licenses by unpaid justices does not work well. The power of granting licenses should be taken out of the power of justices. Commissioners should be appointed to watch over and inspect'licensed houses ; to watch over improvements, instruct the owners to make necessary improvements ; if such not made in sufficient time, to have power to suspend licenses where really necessary; to inspect houses before granting licenses; to prescribe the conditions upon which bars should be conducted ; to grant encouragement to working-men's clubs. They should stringently suppress adulteration and impose heavy penalties. Any deficiency in revenue under the new system to be made up by increasing the cost of licenses. The Government were not able to give any definite promise upon the subjects raised by Mr. Fox, but would consider the question during the recess.

In reply to Mr Rolleston, Mr. M'Lean promised to produce the despatches from the late Governor to the Secretary-of State relative to the native meeting at Ngaruawhio, and the change of Ministry ; also the despatch from the Acting Governor, relative to the Luna's visit to Kawhia.

Mr. Richardson promised a return of the amcunt pafd to the owners of private property for land taken for railway purposes. . The Juvenile Offenders Bill, the Bills disqualifying holders of Publicans Licenses, and Justices of the Peace, the Marine Surveyors and the Native Reserves Bills, were read a first time. The Joint Stock Companies and 'he Canterbury Water Supply Bills passed the second reading. The Wellington College Bill was read a first time.

The Prisons Bill passed a seoond reading. Mr. Bathgate explained it was a simple Consolidation Bill, except clause ten, whioh empowers the Governor to appqiat a place for a penal establishm ' Mr. Stewart asked the Native Minister for information relative to Mr. Colenso's Maori Lexicon. Mr. M'Lean said £1,180 had been expended on the work, which was not completed. Mr. Colensoalleged that illness had prevented tbe completion of the work. Nothing had been paid since 1870. There was a large amount of matter which was: now in Mr. Colento's hands. . . THURSDAY, July 24. In reply to Mr. O'Neill, the Premier said tbat abstracts and specifications of patents were proceeding rapidly. In reply to Mr. O'Neill, tha Premier said (hat despatches from the Secretary of State were unfavorable to the establishment of a New Zealand Mint. In reply to Mr. BracUhaw, the Pbemier said the Government did not intend to introduce a measure this session authorising mining for gold or silver on private property. They had decided to watch the operations of the Victorian legislation on the subject. In reply to Mr. Murray, Mr. Richardson said the materials for public service were procured in Europe, as follows :■—Orders were sent to the Agent-General, who caused specifications to be prepared by the Government Engineer. Tenders were then invited, the lowest being always accepted.

On the motion of Mr. Vogel, the Education Bill was read a first time.

Mb. Peaeoe, M.H.E., presented to Parliament yesterday the petition in furor of the lodger franchise. It was nob Tory numerously sigo»& t —lndependent, July 19, '