ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXV, Issue 4254, 3 July 1895, Page 3

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

(From our Exchanges.) The Minister of Lauds says refunds will be provided on the Estimates for valuation fees on suburban lands which have not been valued under the Advances to Settlers Act. Dr Newmans Slander of Women Bill will enable a woman to claim damages for an imputation of unchastity. At present she must prove personal injury such as the loss of a situation before she can gain damages. Directions have already been given for the inspection of shearing sheds before the season opens. An amendment of the Banks and Bankers Act is being proposed by a Bill which MiMillar is introducing, and which proposes to make the publication of returns monthly instead of quarterly as at present. It will also seek to make each bank set out separately the gold, silver and bronze coin it holds, instead of stating the aggregate amount. Mr Buddo takes exception to the nature of the agricultural returns, which, he says, have proved seriously misleading to farmers, particularly as to wheat returns. The Hon. Mr M'Kenzie agreed that the statistics were of no valup, but in future the Agricultural department would take charge of the work and reform the system. Two hundred and ten Tokomairiro farmers are petitioning, through Mr Allen, that shops selling farm machinery may be permitted to remain open every afternoon during the harvest season. Mr Larnach is calling attention to the earth hunger existing round Poolburn, Ida Valley, and to the desire among a large community in that district to take up and improve small sections of land. The Hon. Mr Cadman. has informed Mr Larnach that a sum would be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of erecting dams for the storage of water in the interior of Otago, in order to develop the mining industry. The Premier's Corrupt Practices Prevention Act Amendment Bill provides that no payment of election expenses must be made except by a candidate. All money provided by any other person for expenses incurred must be paid to the candidate, provided that this shall not apply to any sum disbursed by any person out of his own moneys for any small expenses legally incurred by himself. Vouchers must be held for any expenses over 20s. All claims not settled within 21 days of the election shall be barred, and shall not be paid. Election expenses are to be limited to a sum to be inserted in a Bill in Committee.