GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1510, 25 May 1886, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. In the Legislative Council last Friday, the motion to abolish hot dinners in Bellamy’s was lost on the voices. The Police Force Act Bill, having for its object the separation of the police from the armed constabulary, and the Defence Bill passed their second reading. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Replying to questions, Ministers stated that a Bill to amalgamate city electorates would be introduced. The' question of giving land grants to discharged soldiers and volunteers would be submitted to the Waste Lands Committee. No effect could be given to the recommendation of the Committee of last session in the matter of State aid to farmers. No decision had been cone to in the matter of creating Railway Boards, but prpbably reference would be made to it m the Public Works Statement. The Government was not quite clear on the question of opening up blocks for sale on deferred payment in the provinces of Canterbury and Otago, but would recommend {that it should be brought before the Lands Boards. Mr Stout moved ■ that a Select Committee, consisting of twelve members, be appointed to consider the question of the attitude that the colony should assume in relation to the Pacific Islands, and that the resolutions proposed on the subject by Sir George Grey on the 19th May, be referred to it, the Committee to consist of Major Atkinson, Sir George Grey, Messrs Montgomery, Macandrew,; Moss, O’Connor, Rolleston, Beetham, Sir Julius Vogel, Messrs W. D. Stowarf, M. .J. S. Mackenzie,.and the mover. The motion was agreed to. Mr Ballance moved for the appointment of a Native Affairs Committee, to consist of 15 members.—-Mr Sutter moved that the chairmanship of that Committee be honoraiy without pay.—A lengthy discussion ensued on the whole question of payment of chairmen of Committees, after which Mr Sutter said the object he had in view bad been accomplished by the discussion that had taken place.; he desired to' withdraw his amendment.—Mr Ballance regretted the debate that had arisen and the remarks which been made respecting chairmen of Committees. He thought the Chairman of the Native Affairs Committee was fully entitled to bo paid for the large amount of work -be had to perform.—The motion was’ agreed,to. Mr Ballance moved for the appointment of a Waste Lands Committee, to consist of 15 members.—Mr Sutter said he had intended to more that the chairmen of all those committees should not receive payment, but he considered now that he had done his duty by calling the attention of the House to the matter. Mr O’Callagban said that if be should be re-elected chairman of the Waste’ Lands Committee it was bis intention not to take payment for his services.—The motion was agreed to. The House adjourned till 2.30 to-day.