HOUSE OF REPEESENTATIVES. Afternoon Sitting.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIII, Issue 9456, 22 July 1881, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPEESENTATIVES. Afternoon Sitting.

July 21. The Housemet at 2.30 o'clock. — Sir W. Fox gave notice that he would move in the direction of prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquor in the Parliamentary buildings. — Eeplying to questions put, it was stated that steps had been taken to abate the rabbit nuisance at the railway embankment and reserves at the Thornbury-Otautau railway, but these efforts had in a great measure been stultified by the laxity of nighbouring proprietors. The Government did not propose to sell or dispose of the Government buildings at Hokitika, or the buildings at Ahaura and Eeefton. The extra traffic would not justify the extra expense of a special train twice a week meeting the Middle Island (West Coast) mail coach at Springfield ; they would, however, see what could be done otherwise to expedite the mails. The imposition of a duty on maize was at present under the consideration of a Select Committee, and until the result of its labours were known, the Government were not prepared to say what course they would pursue in the matter. It was a mistake to think that the Government had given any indication of their intention to withdraw the capitation allowances to Volunteers Corps in Poverty Bay. The Government would inquire into the merits of a petition from Mount Ida, expressing confidence in the administration of Warden Eobinson, with the view of getting it referred to a Committee to which a counter-petition had gone. The Government viewed favourably the proposal for getting the law affecting patents amended, so as to lessen the trouble and cost of obtaining them.