GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEW ZEALAND.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 11100, 15 December 1897, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEW ZEALAND.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TtfESDAY, December 14.—The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. Tbe Masters and Apprentices Bill was read a second time pro forma. The Con • aolidated Stock Act Amendment Bill, the Members of the House of Representatives Disqualification Bill, and the Fisheries Encouragement Act Amendment Bill passed their final stages. Hon. T. Kelly gave notice of moving that the Council' had a constitutional right to amend all the clauses of the Old Age Pensions Bill except clause 54. Hon. W., Montgomery" continued the adjourned debate on the Old Age Pensions Bill, objecting to compulsory contribution* as impossible. Money for pensionsshould be appropriated annually. Ho would vota against the bill. Hon. J. Kerr appealed to the Council to pasa the bill. Hon. B. H. J. Reeves supported thebill. Hon D. Pinkerton also supported the Bill and pointed out that a large majority of tbe population were sbut out from tbe benefits of Friendly Societies and must either getpeDsionsor charitable* aid. A j 5 o'clock tho Council ad jonrned till 7.30. On resuming the Hons Walker, McGregor, Scotland, and Taiaroa opposed the Bill, Mr McGregor dealing with the Bill ai great length. Hon* |T. Kelly and Jenkinson sopported the second reading. On division the motion for tha second reading was lost by 20 to 15, the division list being as follows :—Ayes (for tha second reading) 15 : Hons McCullougb, . Barnicoat, Smith, W. Kelly, Kerr, Bigg, Jo acs, Jenkiuson, Harris,Reoves,Feld wick, Pinkerton, Jennings, Bolt, W. C. Walker. Noes (20), Hon. L. Walker, Stewart, Eichardscn, Baillie, Bowcn, Scotland, McGregor. Swauson, Shrimski, Taiaroa, Bonar, Stevens, Ormond, Holmes, Grace, McLean, Williams, Peacock, Montgomery, . Reynolds. Pairs (for second reading) : Hon. T. Kelly, Arkwri«ht,' Kenny. Against : Hon. Johnston, Oiiver. Morris. A motion to insert Mr Bonar's amendment to by aside the bill was then carried by 19 to 7. The Land for Settlement Aci Amendment Bill was read a second tiaie pro\ forma. \ The Council rose at 10.35 p.m.