GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1915, 11 July 1889, Page 1

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

legislative COUNCIL. On Tueaday, The Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Bill was read a third time and passed. The Law of Libel Bill was read a second time, The adjourned debate on the Medical Practitioners Bill was further adjourned for a fortnight. HOUSE OE REPRESENTATIVES. On Tuesday, ' The Auckland Gas Company’s Bill and the Zealand Banks’ Act, 1861, Amendment Bill were read a second time. ■ Replying to questions, Ministers said that they did not intend to introduce a Bill limiting the liabilities of trustees. ( They did not see the propriety of abolishing the sheep tax. ; j A number were introduceii., 1 The adjourned debate on the second reading of the Representation Bill was jresumed by Mr Saunders, who said that the Premier was entitled to great credit for introducing such a measure [dealing with proportional representation. The system moreover operated distinctly against the localism which how obtained. He quoted from a number of eminent authorities in pupporfc of the Hare system. Sir John Hall whilst approving of the Hare system objected to such large constituencies as those proposed, (Large districts destroyed a certain amount of advantage now possessed by the country districts. The element of chance under the Hare system, of which a goed deal had been made, was !teo small to enter into a consideration of the system. It only wanted to be ‘understood to be appreciated. It would ! give the colony wiser laws, jbetter administration, and benefit every section of the community. . Mr Walker maintained that whilst the Hare system had its merits it also ;had more imperfections than the present system. If the single electorates had resulted in the shutting qut of some 'of their best men from public life, he held that it would teach a wholesome lesson to the electors not to commit the same error again. Mr Tanner also spoke against the (Bill. I Mr Fulton moved the adjournment o£ the debate. The motion for adjournment was opposed by Mr Seddon, Mr Ballance, Mr Turnbull, Dr Fitchett, Dr Newman, Mr Kerr, and Mr Duncan, on ithe ground that the Bill was not intended by the Government to pass. ; Mr Scobio McKenzie supported the motion for the adjournment, and it was carried on a division by 48 to 38,