GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1724, 5 September 1873, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

*. [Pee Anglo-Attstealian PeessTelegeaph Agency.] Wellington, Sept. 5. Tn the Souse of Representatives, last night, The Speaker" stated that a printed paper, purporting to be the evidence of witnesses before the Timber Floatage Committee, bad been circulated among members, and the committee not having reported to the House, a flagrant breach of privilege had occurred. Mr T. L. Shepherd said that recently a member of committee had shown the minutebook of the committee, and the contents were published by a newspaper prior to the committee reporting. ' The Speaker said" a committeeman or witness divulging prior to a committee reporting, waa a breach of privilege. After a discussion, the matter dropped. The second reading of the Masters and Apprentices Act Amendment Bill is adjourned. The report of the committee on the Gold Mining District Bill was agreed to. The Protection of Animals Bill was read a third time. Major Atkinson moved that the Houae go iato-committee to consider a vote of £25,000 compensation to the Wanganui and Patea , settlers, for loasea incurred during the disturb- i snees of 1868 and 1869. 1 The Premier opposed. Mr I, Kelly moved as an amendment that tlie- Government during the recess ascertain the number and amount of the claims. After three houra discussion, the resolution was negatived on tho voices, and the amend- '' ment negatived by 30 to 20. The following bills were read p, third time : -, — Distillation Amendment Bill, Taranaki : HXfUeatloi*' Reserves Act Amendment Bill, ' Now Plymouth Exchange Validation Bill, Township of Geraldine Bill. Tbft second reading of tho Otago Waste Lands Bill No. 3, Clutha Districts Public Work Loan Bill, and Plans of Towaa Regulation BUI, were agreed to.