GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEW ZEALAND.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7111, 8 July 1886, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEW ZEALAND.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. [per united press association.] Wednesday, July 7. — The Council met at 2.30 p.m. . The Apportionment and Friendly Societies Amendment Bills were read a second time. The adjourned debate on the resolutions regarding the New Hebrides question was resumed by Dr. Menzies, who moved an amendment to the effect that the Great Powers should arrange that European convicts should not be sent to the Western Pacific Islands. A long debate ensued until the hour for adjournment. On resuming, Sir F. Wnitnker's resolution re New Hebrides was carried by 17 to 10. Sir F. Whitaker withdrew the second reading of the French Criminals Bill. The other business was unimportant. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, July 7. — The House met at 2.30 p.m. In replying to questions, it was stated that steps would be taken during the recess to obtain suitable books for primary schools on agriculture, horticulture, and arboriculture ; that the reports in newspapers as to the unsatisfactory nature of the New Zealand exhibits at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition were contradicted by letters received by the Government, but an enquiry had been made by cable, and a reply was expected in a fe.w days ; that Taw hiao had been offered a seat in the Legislative Council, which was refused, but the offer was not still open. The Native Lands Court Bill was reported from Committee, read a third time, and passed. The Persons Act Amendment Bill, the Animals Proteelion Act, 1880, Amendment Bill, the Cod'in Moth Act Amendment Bill, and the Defence Bill were all read a second time. The Counties Bill was reported from the Committee, read a third time, and parsed. Mr. Stout moved tho second reading of tho Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act Amendment Bill. The debate was interrupted by tho 5.30 p.m. adjournment. The debate on the Hospital and Charit able Aid Bill was continued in the evening. Sir R. Stout, in reply to arguments used, said he could not deal with oil the points raised. He hoped districts would loI; be made smaller, as some speakers had urged, nor could he see how the burden was to be thrown on the property tax," as others wished. There was nothing to prevent tho local bodies taking charge of industrial schools if they were prepared to do so. Several practical suggestions had been made which he would be glad to confer with hon. members upon before the bill was committed. The second reading was agreed to on the voices. Sir R. Stout moved the second reading of: the Civil Service Reform Bill. It pro vided that no one should enter the service except as a cadet with certain exceptions in case of experts. They must also r a^s examination" equal to the fourth standard , nor could they obtain a salary more limn £100 a-year until they had pusaod their senior examination. Nominations were to be left to members of tho llouso. He said this system was followed in America with excellent effects. Every Civil servant was to pay — per cent, of his salary into a fund to provide retiring allowances, and was to be under three months notice ; the post and telegraph department involving mechanical and technical work as well as clerical would be dealt with by special regulations. A commission was to be appointed to adjust the scale of salaries independently of Parliament. The bill also provided for the employment of women in the service. He recommended tho measure to the attention of members as tho first real attempt to doal with tho civil service in a systematic way, Mr. Connolly said he did not Bee the bill wus required, and moved that it bo read that day six months. A debate followed, and Mr. Connolly's amendment was rejecteiTby 27 to 7. Tho bill was read a Becond time. Tho House rose at 1.40 n..«.