N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6051, 26 September 1903, Page 2

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. YESTERDAY. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. FINAL STAGES. The Commissioners and Interpretation Act Amendment Bills passed their final Stages. CITY ELECTORATES. The City Single Electorates Bill was committed. The Attomey-General moved a long *eiiei of amendments to Clause 4, relat« us; to cry huen«ing districts. Mi McLean pointed nut that the committee was unable to understand the amendments as read out, and suggested embodying them in the Bill, which, when reprinted, could be recommitted for further consideration. The Attorney-General agreed, aud the amendments were inserted and the Bill reported. BILLS ADVANCED. The Bush sod Swamp Crown Lands Settlement Bill was read a eeoond time pro forma and referred to the Waste Lands Committee. The Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Bill passed through committee. The Council adjourned at 3.15 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. YESTERDAY. The House met at 2.30 p.m. STANDING ORDERS Mr Witheford gave notice to ask the Government to strike out Standing Order 229, which prohibits the publication by newspapers of information before Select Committees of the House. IMPREST BCFPLY. . An Imprest Supply Bill for £517,000 was introduced by Governor's message. Mr Massey entered a protest against such Bills being brought down without proper notice, On the motion for the second reading Mr Bedford moved a vote of want of confidence in the Ministry as at present constituted. This was lost by 45 to 19. A report of the debate appears elsewhere. After the division, Mr Herries referred to the management of the railways, drawing attention,to the fact that the net return per mile was steadily decreasing. The Bill was vigorously debated at all stages, the Opposition urging the necessity f r retrenchment in departmental expenditure. Mr Si-ddon said the growing demands of the colony had to be met, and it had been shown where the estimates could be cut down. The Bill finally passed and the House rose at 2 a.m.