HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5697, 16 October 1896, Page 4

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

I'HUBt DAY, OCT. 15. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House resumed Jit 2.30 p.m. SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES. The Supplementary Estimates were brought uoun by message from, the Governor. • The Hon E. J. Sepdon said that he! should put up " suiJpiy " at 7M> for consideration of the Estimates. ' ELECTORAL. The Hon E. J. Seddon mowd that the Electoral Acts Aiueuduient Bjil should be re-committed, in order to reconsider Clause 23, respecting electoral rights being given to co-operative labourers. After a long discussion the motion for recommittal was carried by 31 to 23, and the Bill was re-ixmnmitted. The Hon R. J. Seddon moved to strike out the first two words of the clause to test the feeling Oi the Committee as to whether or not co-operative labourers should have electoral right.-. Carried by 28 to 26, and the clause struck out. liLUCTIttCAL MOTIVE POWER. The Eleutmuai Motive Power Bill was committed.. ' . •The Hon R. J. Skddon explained thr.t this Bill asked the House to decide whether the State should keep to itself the right oi electricity a* a motive power or give thosu concussions to corporations and "private individuals. O^iuise for use of electricity as a moti# power subject to the Governor's.assent. Mr R. Thompson said that this claustwould pre-vent the owner of any waterfitli from entering into arrangements with local bodieß to use it for electricity. Clause ".carried. The Hon E. J. Seddon moved a new clause empowering the Governor- in - Council -to cause inquiries to be made Jit to the feasibility of using the waterways ■of the colony for the purpose of supplying electrical motive power on goldfielUs. Hu said ithat if this clause were agreed to itwould mean that the House desired the State to retain possession of these rights. A lengthy discussion arose. The Hon E. J. Seddon's new clause, finally, was carried by 37 to 12. The Bill was ordered to be reported. ADULTERATION. TJie Adulteration Prevention Acts Amendment Bill was further considered imzommittee. Mr J. W. Kelly moved that progress should be reported on the Bill. Oarried. > THIRD READINGS. The Electrical Motive Power Bill and Electoral Acts Amendment Bill were read a. third time and passed. > The House rose at 5.30 p.m, EVENING- SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. AMENDED BILLS. The amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Government Valuation of Land Bill and Orchard and Garden Pests Bill were agreed to. A message was received from the Legislative Council to the effect that it insisted on its amendments in the Wages Protection Bill and Mining Act Amendment Bill. Managers were reappointed to confer with the Council on both Bills. INSPECTION OP LIQUORS. . The Hon E. J. Seddon introduced tne Inspection of Alcoholic Liquors Bill. COMMITTEE OF KTPPLY. On the motion that the "House should go into Comnittee of Supply, Sir E. Stout moved an amendment — "That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that proper provision should be made for carrying on the Middle District of New Zealand University College." After a long discussion the amendment was lost by 35 to 20, and the House went into Committee of Supply for consideration of the Supplementary Estimates. Legislature, general expenses; .£2947. Mr Meredith moved that .£ISOO set down as compensation for Mr Barron should be reduced by £500. Lost by 56 to 15. Mr Hogg moved that the compensation to Mr Barron should be reduced by .£250. Lost by 34 to 32. Mr R. Thompson moved to reduce the vote' by £100, as a protest against what he called the scandalous manner in which Mr Campbell had been dismissed from the Public Works Department without any compensation. After a lengthy discussion, the amendment was lost by 34 to 17, and the total vote passed. Miscellaneous services, £4085. Mr Pijrani moved to reduce the item £250, grant in aid to Fire Brigades demonstration, by £150. He said that no demonstration would take place till two years from March last. Carried. Mr JPirani moved to strike out £250 for railway passes for fire brigades attending the annual demonstration. Carried. Colonial Treasurer, £2150. Carried. Miscellaneous services, £3680. Carried. Office of industries and commerce, £1252. Carried. Post and Telegraph Department, £3279. Carried. Conveyance of mails by sea, £7516. Carried. Marine, £28,500. — Cost of new cable steamer, Tutanekai. ["Left sitting at 2 a.m.]