PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2065, 9 May 1887, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, In the Honee of Bepresentativee on Friday, the Contagious Diseases Act Bepeal Bill wae thrown out. The second reading of the Limitation of Votes Bill, the Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bill, and the Law Practitioners Bill was carried. A plan of Tongariro Park was ordered to be laid ou the table. The papers re the Owheoko end Kaimanawa native land question was ordered to be printed. Mr|Barron carried a motion for a return oi the expenditure from 1860 to 1868 on account of the Governor’s salary and allowance*, Ministers' salaries and expenses, and both Houses of the Legislature. Mr O’Calleghan moved lor the appoint* ment oi a Select Committee to enquire into and report on, the subject of the advisableness or otherwise of New Zealand port* beinf opened for the importation of live stock; with power to call lor persons and papers. Snch committee to consist of Mr Buchanan, Mr Cowan, Mr Danean, Mr Fulton, Mr HuretboDse, Mr M’Millan, Hon Mr Bolleiton, Captain Bussell, Mr Whyte, and the mover.? Concerning the Bepresentation Bill tb* Premier said—Before proceeding with the ordeta of the day I wish to make e statement on the Bepresentation Bill. In consequence of the amendments carried last evening in the Bill, the Government do not see their way to proceed with the Bill in its present ehape. At the same time I recognise that (ae baa been admitted on all sides of the House) this is not a party question, and I am willing and exceedingly anxious that some Bill dealing with representation should be passed thie session. I would therefore be most glad if those who wish to amend the Bill in the interests of the colony could meet me aud arrange about some compromise satisfactory to all parties in the House. If that can be done I shall be very glad, so that the Bill may be proceeded with ; but I don’t see my way to the Bill being passed in it* present shape. Some discussion ensued and it it doubtful if the Bill will be carried this session.

Mr Taylor asked the Government whether they will, during the session amend the law, if necessary, so that the salary and allow* ances to be paid to any future Governor shall not exceed £6OOO pet annum. The Premier said it was not the Government’# intention to deal with the question this session. Mr F. H. Fraser asked the Minister lor Public Works if it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the extension ol the Masterton Bailway to the Te Aco district! and if so, how soon ? The Minister said there was no funds for the purpose, and of course the work could not be undertaken till Parliament provided the money. He hoped to be in possession ol the views ol the local authorities as to their requirements on the subject in a short time. In the Legislative Council the Divorce and Matrimonial clauses Act Amendment Bill was discussed. Hon Mr Menzies presented a petition from 81 men and women of Dunedin against the employment of girls in hotel bars. The hon. gentleman also presented a petition to the same effect signed by 8410 persons resident in Christchurch.