LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3392, 5 November 1879, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, Last night. Tn the Council today a great deal of small business was disposed of. There was on hour's discussion re altering the Standing Orders concerning the Local Bills Committee ; but tho only noticeable points were, that if local Bills were not vigorously watched by the Council, many little and some big swindles could be and would be perpetrated ; and also, that the Councillors could not agree as to who worked hardest at Committee work.

NOTICES OF MOTION. Among the notices of motion were tiro by the Hon. F. Buckley, to ask bj what right the,, Maori prisoners aro kept in custody, and when they will be tried ; also, if Government intended to alter the rules of procedure in the Supreme Courts. THE UNIVEBSITT BEBERVKS.

The Hon. Mr Miller asked if the Government intended to submit another reserve of 20,000 acres at Tauranga, which after they granted to the New Zealand University, was found not to be available; also, if a Bill will be broughj; in to vest the New Zealand University Ueserves in trustees.

Mr Whitaker said the University already had 30,000 acres in p'aco of the 20,000 referred to. Government were in favor of the Bill asked for, but were too busy to bring it in this session. BBPRINT OP STATUTES ACT.

Beplying to Mr Johnson, Mr Whitaker ■aid the Government did not intend to amend the " Reprint of Statutes Act" till they had consulted the judges and others. WAB DEPARTMENT.

In answer to Mr Buckley, Mr Whitaker said the expense through the West Coast troubles was (approximately) £5600 a month. There were 600 of the A.C. in the district. No Volunteers were under pay, but 60 were being drilled at Government expense. THE DECEASED INTESTATES BILL. The Deceased Intestates Bill was, on the motion of Mr P. Buckley, referred to a select committee.

THE EINBOBS CASE

The case of breach ot privilege in the Kinross case again came.up, but after tome discussion the matter was again referred to the Standing Orders Committee. THE FENCING BILL. The Fencing Bill (Hon. Mr Waterhouse) was read a second time and referred to a committee. OTHEB BILLS. The Nnpier Swamp Nuisance Amendment Bill (from the Lower House) was read a first time, and the Gambling and Lotteries Prevention Bill (Whitaker) was read a second time. IMPBEBT SUPPLY BILL. An Imprest Supply Bill (£300,000) passed through all its stages. In answer to Col. Whitmore, who remarked how fast these bills followed each other, Mr Whitaker said the Government had, besides paying its way, to redeem liabilities of the late Ministry. . The Council adjourned from five till 7.30 p.m.