HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 737, 18 May 1887, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, May 17.— The House met at 2.30 p.m. la replying to questions it was stated that steps had been taken towards reducing the expense of Land Boards by suggesting that fewer meetings be held ; that bills would be brought in as private bills dealing with the question of abolishing grand juries and coroners' juries ; that the question of auditing pnblio accounts throughout the colony on the same prinoiple as in "The Municipal Corporations Act, 1886," was receiving serious consideration ; that it would not be wise to alter the regulation of small farm tions till more experienoe was gained ; that the Government bad decided not to establish a parcel post system outside the colony till it had been satisfactorily established within the colony ; that Government did not see their way to make provisions for allowing country members of Charitable Aid Boards expenses of travelling and hotel bills. The Bepresentation Bill was further considered in Committee. Mr. Peacock moved, "That sub-clause of clause 3, relating to amalgamation of city electorates, be struck out." Sir R. Stout supported the amalgamation of those electorates as possessing many advantages. After a lengthy discussion the sub-clause was struck out by 47 to 34. Clause 3, as a whole, was then put, and struck out by 58 to 17, Sir B. Stout moved that progress be reported, in order to bring down a new clause. The only alterations' he should make in the bill would be to propose that .the number of memberß be 91, and that the percentage be 15 per cent, aotual. The bill was then reported. Sir B. Stout moved "That the bill be recommitted at 7.30 p.m." Mr. Seddon moved as an amerdment that it be recommitted on Frid-y next. Mr. Levestam supported the amendment, and protested againßt any reduction of representatives. He waß interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. On the House resuming at 7.30 p.m., the Bepresentation Bill was recommitted in clause 2, providing for the appointment of a commission' for the adjustment of representation. On the motion of tbe Premier, the Commissioner of Property 'Tax wus substituted for the- ControllerGetiiofal as commissioner, who was unable 4p,t(ct. A hew clause was inserted in the "place of clause B. The new clause provided that the number of members be 91 .nominal. An addition was made of 18 per' cent., and margin 750. After discussion, lasting three hours, a division was taken on the question that the number of members remain as 91, resulting in a tie, 39 each. The Chairman gave his casting vote with the ayes. Mr. G. F. Bichardson moved that the per centage be altered to 20, explaining that the number being increased to 91, the proper percentage for country districts would be 25. In answer to questions the Chairman said it would still be competent to re-commit the clause for purpose of altering the 91. On division 18 was retained by 43 to 33. Mr. S. McKouzie .moved a new clause providing objections could be heard to alterations in boundaries. Mr. Pyke supported it. Sir B. Stout thought the suggestion a g66d one, but the expense and delay involved were greatly against it. On division, it waß carried by 41 to 25. The bill was reported as amended. In answer to Major Atkinson, Sir B. Stout said they would probably take the Financial debate on Friday. He would not definitely promise, but saw nothing to prevent it. A question of adjournment over Queen's Birthday was ulso mooted. Mr. Seddon stroQgly objected, and Mr. Fergus as strongly supported it. The Premier said he would Bay to-morrow what the Government proposed lo do. The House adjourned at 1.17 n,ra.

If there is a Bill introduced to the New Zealand Legislature which is intended to satisfy the fads of a few effeminately minded sentimentalists. sayß a Wellington paper, the chances are ten to one that it will be passed with flying colors. Given a hard-headed measure to meet the wants of the country and it will be " chucked out." There is a good majority in the House who may be described as belonging to the " flabby " order of the human species, and to their labors the oountry is indebted for the goody-goody mawkish statutes that needlessly increase the bulk of our legislative enactments. The Woman's Suffrage Bill is certain to pass for the simple reason that it is v twaddling piece of humbug, and utterly ' unneeded ; while for the same roason the j Bills introduced by Mr. Ormond for the reduolion of the honorarium to members of Parliament, and for the reduction of the Governor's salary will be thrown oat flyiug>