GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1517, 10 June 1886, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

In the Legislative Council on Tuesday, Mr Aoland presented a petition from the Christchurch. Synod, in favor of Bible Reading in State Schdols. The Petitions Committee, relative to the reception of Cardinal Moran, reported that no special honor had been granted him by Government. Mr Scotland dissented from the finding of the Committee. Mr Wilson’s motion that members give up their honorarium this session, owing to the depressed condition of the colony, was lost.

The Charitable Trusts Extension Bill and Native Reserves Empowering Bill were read a second time.

The debate on Mr Buckley’s motion, that an address be presented to the Queen praying that the Eermedec Islands be annexed to Now Zealand, was adjourned to next day. Mr Buckley, replying to Mr Hart, stated that the estimated cost of the Hokitika-Qreymouth railway in 1878 was £220,000. There was no traffic yet on the line. Four miles were constructed at the Hokitika and one at the Greymouth end. Up to March Ust the amount expended was £37,760. The Council adjourned till next day. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Premier read a cablegram which had been received by the Government from the Governor of New South Wales on the New Hebrides question, to the effect that a French man-of-war had been despatched from Noumea to the New Hebrides.

Replying to questions, it was stated that it was not intended to appoint a Police Magistrate at Wellington. The Premier moved that after Wednesday next Government business have precedence on Wednesdays, and that the House meets on Monday at 7.30 p.m. for Government business only.—Carried. Captain Russell brought up the report of the Rabbit Committee, which was ordered to be referred to the Waste Lands Committee for consideration.

The Native Equitable Owners* Bill was read a third time and passed after a short discussion, Mr Ballance moved the second reading of the Native Land Administration Bill, explaining that it was a similar measure to the Native Land Disposition Bill, which was fully discussed last session. Mr Bryce moved the adjournment of the debate till Friday. The motion wss agreed to. Mr Ballance moved the second reading of the Native Land Court Bill, explaining that it was a consolidating measure.

The motion was agreed to. Sir Julius Vogel moved the second reading of the Gold Duty Export BH. He said that the Government proposed a redaction of sixpence an ounce par annum until the duty was altogether abolished. The debate was adjourned till Friday. The Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill was further considered in Committee and progress was reported. The Honse rose at 5.30. The House resumed at 7.30 p.ra. and went into Committee of Supply. Treasurer’s Department —£6607. Sir Julius Vogel nointed out that there was an increase of £IOO to the Secretary of the Treasury and some smaller items. In answer to questions he said he could

not see liia way to make »u,

which remark led to a brisk discussion ou the question of retrenchment. Mr G. F. Richardson moved to strike out the increase of £IOO to the Secretary of the Treasury, and Mr O’Connor moved to strike out the whole of the increase as shown on the vote.

The reduction was carried by 15 to 9.

The £SO increase was struck off the salary of the Assistant Secretary, and the total vote as reduced to £6457 was then passed. Some discussion then took place on the allowance of £6OO to the Agent-General for extra expenditure daring the London Exhibition, but eventually the remainder of the department money was voted—£4B,os4 in all. The votes—Slamp department, £7250 ; land and deeds registering, £22,725 ; Commissioner of Trades and Customs, £44,266 ; and marine and harbors £33,413, were carried.

Miscellaneous, £111,318, including s.s. Hinomoa £6500, and £3500 for a new boi'er for her.

An excited discussion took place on the usefulness or otherwise of that vessel, Mr Ormond moved to reduce ihe votes by £IO,OOO.

The House divided—Ayes 18, Noes 14. The vote was accordingly reduced. Progress was then reported, and the Bouse proceeded to the second reading of Mr Bradshaw's amendment bill on the Employment of Females Act, which was carried without discussion.

The Wellington and Wanganui Education Districts Bill was read a second time.

Captain Sutter moved the second reading of the Small Birds Nuisance Act Amendment Bill. Tbe Premier said it was doubtful if the bill should be allowed to pass, as some of its provisions were dangerous. Mr Cowan supported and Mr Dodson opposed the measure, moving that it be read that day six months. Mr Seddon agreed with Mr Dodson, and Mr Wakefield championed the birds, which he assured members did far more good than harm. After a number of other members had detailed their experiences of birds, caterpillars, and poison, the amendment was lost by 26 to 23. The bill was then read a second time, and the House adjourned at 11.20 p.m,