NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3476, 8 July 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

[PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wednesday, July 7.— The House met at 2.30 p.m. Sir W. Fox gave notice that he would ask if an officer employed in tbe Railway Department, who was paid a salary of £1500 per annum, received a bonus of £500 from the Goverr ment last year, and if so. by whose authority that bonus was given. In replying to questions put, it was stated that no fresh negotiations for the purchase of native lands had been entered into by the Land Purchase Department since the accession of the present Government. It was proposed to reduce the number of small district gaols as much as possible. Jt was not intended to bring in a bill this session to increase the number of Maori members. Mr. Dick introduced the Hawkers' and Pedlers' Bill, and it was reaJ a first time. Mr. Reid moved, "That the Printing and Debate Committee be instructed to enquire into and report on what manner of retrenchment can best be effected in the cost of Hansard" He stated that £6000 per annum was the cost, the corrections alone being £300. Mr. BAIN seconded the motion, stating that he was prepared in committee to give the subject his best attention, hoping that their report would receive more consideration than a report on the same subject received last year. Major Atkinson said that Government agreed to the motion, which was carried. The following motions by Mr. J. B. Fisher were carried :—": — " That there be laid before the House a return - showing in respect of each postal town in the Colony — (1) The number of officials, other than police, holding office in such town ; (2) Offices filled by each official ; (3) Salary p lid in respect of each office ; and (4) Total salary paid to each officer." Mr. Tubnbull moved, " That a return be laid before the House showing the amount of money paid to Messrs. Grant and Forstcr or any other person in connection with the visit of those gentlemen to the Colony." Mr. Hall moved " That the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on the subject of the payment of a sum of £300 to Mr. Sievwright be referred to the Public Accounts Committee." Dr. Wallis was moving resolutions against the Colony raising any more loans, when the House rose at 5.30 p.m. On the House resuming, Mr. Seddon moved the second reading cf the Payment of Members' Bill. Mr. Hall said he sympathised with the principle of the Bill. He thought the members of both Houses should receive a sufficient sum to cover their expenses, and that the amount should be fixed by statute, but could not support the Bill. The present was a most inopportune time to deal with the question. Messrs. Moss, Pitt, Wallis, and others supported the Bill. Messrs. Shkpperd and Andrews agreed generally with the Bill. Messrs. Hall, MURRAY, and others opposed it. Mr. MACANDREW opposed paying the Legislative Council. Ultimately the second reading was agreed to. The Dentists' Bill was read a second time. The Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill was further considered in Committee. The House rose at 12.30.