Parliamentary Jottings.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9383, 28 June 1899, Page 2

Parliamentary Jottings.

WELLINGTON June 27

Mr. O'Regan will again introduce the Preferential Voting Bill, which 's on the same lines as the measure brought under the (notice of' the House last session. Notice has also been given of two Bills dealing with Parliamentary representation by the Premier and Mr. McNab. .

Mr. O'Regah also fathers "The "Weights and Measures Billy" whioh is designed to remedy a defect in the existing law; '. The Act of ' 1868 provides for the ofjkrial marking of iron a«nd brass weights only, and conse quently there is no law to 'compel the Smarking of weights anade of other ma terials. ■/■ . ,■■/■' -■- ■' ■?'■■■.-' .:;'

The "Government Railways Liabil ity Bill has been given notice of by the. Hon. A. J. Cadman, Minister foi Railways.. The Ipieasure is based upor the Act recently passed by, the New South Wales Legislature, which vr&iintroduced in consequence of r exces sive claifcos upon the Govern ment of that colony by persons wh< sustained injuries by railway accidents. The mam object of Mr. Cad man's Bill will be the limitation, oi the amount that can be claimed by any person for compensation for injury sustained on the, N^w Zealand lines. The Bill will not, however* be introduced until, the Rakaia railway accident Commission has concluded its inquiries, as there is sno desire on the part of the Government to jprejudice the report of the Gomniissioh. There is, a strong probability that the Gqyemment will press the Technical Education Bill in earnest. Con siderable opposition 'is anticipated to the measure, but it is thought that it will be carried by a smaU majority. The annouincejment in the Governor's speech that a measure would be introduced remedying existing defects in the electoral law removing disabili ties on persons temporarily abseni from the colony, is understood ,tp re fer to Mr. Tom, MacKenzie. It is in tended to put his name oa the roll, sc as to render him eligible as a candi date in the next election. ■;

Mr/ G. Hutchison has given notice that he will ask the Govern|ment whether they will introduce a Bill this session dealing with the gambling evil, especially street tot© betting; It is understood that the Premier ap proves of legislation in the direction indicated, and a favorable reply is an ticipated. , Mr. Hutchison /suggests that telegraph offices on racecourse? be closed during race days, preventing tote bettors keeping in touch with the tote on the course. This involves a question of revenue, and also ,the convenience of the people who. attend the races, and will probably be strongly opposed., „ ' , . Mr. Carncross is to introduce a "Libel Bill," framed on the lines of the English Act of 1888. It emanated from the Nevr Zealand Institute of Journalists. It is very brief, containing only six clauses. It practically makes privileged; fair reports of all public meetings held for legitimate purposes, and it is provided that any 1 person attacked in the report of such (meeting shall be given an opportu-i nity at the earliest possible date of replying through the columns of the paper publishing the report. Provision' is also made that in a criminal libel action the consent of a Judge of the Supreme Court must first be obtained before such action is commenced. , # The Premier has decided to ask Parliament at an early stage of the session for authority to appoint an extra judge, in consequence of the block of work, both as regards ordinary litigation and the Arbitration Court business. .