EVENING SITTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5348, 28 August 1895, Page 4

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed tit 7.30 p.m. BILLS. Progress waa reported on the Fencing Bill. The Wilson Land Bill waa read a third time and passed. BANS OS" NEW ZEALAND. The Hon B. J. Skddon, in the absence of Mr Buchanan, Chairman of the Select Committee on the Estates Company and its relation to the Bank of New Zealand, brought up an interim report of the committee, which was as follows:— "Finding it impossible to bring up a full report this evening, the committee thinka it right to inform the Council and House that it has come to conclusions, which, if adopted by Parliament, will, in its opinion, place tbe Bank of New Zealand in a secure position." In doing so, Mr Seddon moved that an extension of time for one day should be granted to the committee to bring up its report. He said that the extension asked for was necessary, and he felt sure that the committee would be able to bring down its report next day at half-past two o'clock. He proposed, in the best intsrests of the colony, and also to meet the convenience of members, to have the report printed, together with the papers appended thereto, so that mamberß could be placed in poasessioh of the report and the necessary papers. They found that it was impossible to gat the report and papers printed to-day. He wished to allude to an abaurd canard that had been afloat, to the effect that the Government intended to clear the galleries during the debate on the committee's report. There was no foundation whatever for such a report, and he could not imagine how it originatad. He thought that when the House was made aware of the contents of the committee's report members would desire the Government to give effect to the proposals at once. The Hon E. Mitcsblson asked whether the report would include tbe evidence taken by the committee, and whether the debate was to be taken ab once or on a future day. The Hon. B. J. Ssddon said that the honorable gentleman was aware that the committee was a secret one, and he was pleased to Bay that, so far, its proceedings had been kept secret. The committee would send down to the House such papers and documents as it considered wise and judicious. He would announce next day when the debate would be taken on the report. Mr E. Thompson aalred whether the minutes would ba produced with the report. The Hon R. J. Seddon said that he presumed they would. Mr Dothie hoped that the Premier would not tike the debate at 2.30 next day, but that members would be allowed some time to consider the report. The Hon E. J.. Seddon said tbat he would not ask the House to discuss the report immediately. Mr Bell ssid that, whatever other members did, he, for oae, did cot feel competent to discuss a question of such magnitude at s : x hours' notice, and he should not attempt to do so. :Mr G. W. Bussbll also hoped that sufficient time would be allowed the House to consider the report, and they should have a; more definite statement from the Premier on that point. He felt sure that he was expressing the opinion pf many members when he said that they would, not feel justified in accepting anything in the shape of surprise legislation. Mr T. Mackenzie said that they should have a whole day to consider the report, and he mubtbe satisfied with the genuineness of the prospect before he voted on it. The Hon B. J. Seddon said that the Government had no desire to fore a either Mr Bell or any other member to do anything contrary to hia conscience. He hoped that this question would be considered altogether apart from party, and that they would do their duty in this matter simply as representatives of New Zealand. He might state that the Government had no intention of proceeding with the«debate at once, but on bringing down the report next day he would state what course the Government would take. He would bo forestalling the report of the

committee if ho said anything further. ' The motion for an extension of time for a day was granted. FENCINGi . The Fencing Bill was further considered in committee. A new clause making the Bill apply to Native land was added to it. The Bill was recommitted for the parpose of considering Clause 18—" Bush may be cleared along a line of fence." The Hon J. M'Kenzik moved that the olause should be altered so as to make the clearing half b chain on cash side of the fence instead of six feet. After a very lengthy debate this was agreed to by 38 to 19. The Bill was reported with farther amendments, read a third time andpassed. BETTERMENTS. The Hon A.. J. Cadmaw moved the second reading of the Betterments Bill, to impose on landa traversed by railways constructed at the public expense a charge in aid ot such construction. He said that the Bill gave effect to the theory that the unearned increment of the land should go to the State. The Bill, Lowever, proposed that only half the increase should go to the State. They would all admit that the State should receive some share of the benefits derived by owners of land from the construction of railways through their land. It would only apply to railways made in the future, not to those already constructed. After explaining the provisions of the Bill in detail, he said that he would be quite prepared to receive any suggestions from members to improve the Bill. The Hon E. Mitchklson hoped that Mr Cadman would consent to a postponement of the debate on the Bill, as bo many members were absent from the Houge at present. The Hon A. J. Cadman said that they might go on till twelve, when he would agree to an adjournment. The Hon J. M'Kenzie also hoped that a few more speeches would be made on the Bill. The Hon E. Mitchx&soh moved the adjournment of the debate, as several members who wanted to speak on the Bill were not present. The motion for adjournment was carried on the voices, and the House rose at 11 p.m.