HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8833, 17 July 1890, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, July 16. — The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. In reply to questions it was stated that Mr Preece, Resident Magistrate at Napier, had been provided with funds to secure for settlement purposes Waikapiro and other native blocks in tho Seventy Mile Bush, and had acquired some of the land, but found it difficult to deal with the natives owing to the extraordinary high price they abked; that the Government would propose a resolution this session for granting a bonus for the manufacture of iron from iron ore or ironsaud, the product of the colony; that the Government did not propose to set up a committee to enquire into the financial position of the New Plymouth Harbor Board; that the Government would consider the desirability of offering a bonus for oil manufactured from New Zealand shale; .that the Government would set up a committee to enquire into the desirability of offering a large bonus for the improvement of flax dressing machinery; that the Government had instructed that every care should be taken to prevent the introduction of low and indecent publications into the colony ; that the pro* priety of heating the railway carriages '- used for long distances in the winter months would be brought under the notice of the Commissioners ; that the Government could not see their way clear to assist small country libraries; that the Government were not prepared at present to approach the Australian Colonies for reciprocal tariff treaties of colonial products; that the total amount of the Post and Telegraph Fine Fund was £416 7s lid. The sum of £1630 had been lent to tho officers out of this fund, of which £520 was now due ; that the cost of collecting the primage duty was nil, and it was done by the ordinary officers of the department; that sufficient cause had not been shown to make the honorarium an annual payment instead of sessional; that the Government have' given instructions to prevent, as far as possible, the dangerous practice of deck loading in the colony ; that the actual sum paid to Commissioner Edwards up\.to the • Ist July, 1890, was £491, and it was paid out of unauthorised expenditure ; that the Government would endeavour. to .get the Railway Commissioners to restore air the privileges formerly granted to religious bodies and Friendly Societies when travelling to attend meetings by allowing them first-class at secondclass fares. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. On the House resuming, Mr Seddon moved the second reading of tue Mining Act Amendment Bill, explaining that one of the principal objects to the measure was to clearly define mining partnerships. Mr Fergus did not intend to oppose the bill, as he agreed with several of its provisions. Mr Seddon was asking a great deal, however, in wishing for a second reading at once as the bill had only just been circulated. After a discussion the motion for a second reading was agreed to. Sir J. Hall called attention to what he considered a breach of privilege of the House. The Evening Press having _ published a report of the proceedings of a Select Committee sitting to investigate Mr Hutchison's charges against the Government. 'He did not, however, make a motion on the subject, and the House took no action. Mr Seddon moved the second reading of the Auctioneers Bill to regulate the licensing of auctioneers, and, after a long debate, it was agreed to on the voices. The House rose at 1.45 a.m.