LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6308, 4 August 1888, Page 4

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Friday, August 3. The Speaker took his seat at 2.30 p.m. tojkfeituke of seats. The Hon E. O. J. Stevbns moved—"That the message from the DeputyGovernor, referring to the Council to hear and determine questions that have arisen .respecting vacancies of seats of certain members, be referred to a Select Committee of five, with instruction to take all necessary evidence as to facts, and to report tha same in full to the Counoil." The Hou P- A. Bucklet contended that there was no power in the Constitution of the Colony by which the Governor could depute his powers to his deputy. On the motion of the Hon Dr Pollen, the debate was adjourned till the Speaker's 'ruling was obtained on the point, the chair in the meantime being filled by the Hon W. L\ H. Baillie, owing to the indisposition of the Speaker. BILLS FORWARDED. Tho Mount Somers Boad Board Empowering Bill was committed and reported with amendments. The Ellesmere Lake Lands Bill was read a second time. The Hon J. A. Bonar moved that Clause 17, having reference to the constitution of the Board be struck out. The Committee divided, and the clause was retained by 15 to 12. The Counoil adjourned till I.ZO p.m. EVENING SITTING. The Couucil resumed at 7.30 p.m. IN COMMITTEE. The Land Act Amendment Bill was further considered in Committee, and reported with amendments. The Mining Act, 18S6, Amendment Bill was further considered. Clause 12, referring to provisions as to arbitration, was struck ont. The Hon P. A. Buckley moved that progress be reported, with leave to sit i again. The Committee divided : — Ayes, 9 ; noes, 17. The Bill was then reported with amendments. MARRIED WOMEN'S PEOPERTT BILL. The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the Married Women's Property Bill. The Council divided :— Ayes, 9 j noes, The Council rose at 10.45 p.m.