GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1523, 24 June 1886, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. In tlie Legislative Council on Tuesday, On the motion of Mr Peters it was agreed to furnish a return showing the number of land boards in the colony, together with the emoluments of officers employed therein. The Post Office Amendment Act Bill, Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill, and Municipal Corporations Bill, were received from the House and read a first time.

The motion for the third reading of the Bible in Schools Bill was lost—Ayes, 16; noos, 37. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. The House met on Monday and the Gold Mining Districts Bill passed its second reading on the voices. The Mining Companies Bill passed through Committee, the clause prohibiting any one buying and selling shares from being a manager being struck out. The Counties Bill was advanced a stage in Comraittie and the House rose at 12.40.

Tho House mat on Tuesday, replying to questions, it was stated that Government could not promise to introduce a bill to amend the Impounding Act this session so as to make tbe administration of the Act self supporting.

The Premier then made a statement on the question of representation. He found now, taking population as a basis, that about three members should be taken from the Middle Island Island and given to the North. He had himself felt for many years that this matter of representation should be dealt with automatically after each census was taken, and that something should be done to take the power away from the House in the matter. Government felt that if public business allowed, they might introduce a bill of that character this session, but if they could not do so this year it might bo prepared, so that it could be discussed by members and the country before next session.

In reply to Major Atkinson, he said that on going into supply they could consider whether a bill should be actually introduced this session, and whether the nnmber of members should be reduced or not. Replying to other questions, the Premier stated that it was proposed to amalgamate city electorates. The Gold Duty Abolition and Mining Companies Bills were passed. The debate on the Midland Railway Bill was resumed, and Messrs Fisher, Wakefield, Seddon, Menteath, Ormond, and Hatch having spoken, a division was taken, and the second reading was carried—Ayes, 52 ; noes, 14.

Mr Barron moved that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee, on the ground that the present contract was different to the proposals of last year.— Lost by 57 to 9. The Coal Mines Bill was then committed and several clauses passed with amendments. The House rose at 12.60 a.m.