LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11739, 17 September 1902, Page 7

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, September 16. The Council met at 2.30. On the motion i\>r the third reading of the Mining Act Amendment Bill, the Hon. Jenkinson moved as an amendment that the Bill be recommitted for the purpose of altering the provision made for hours of labour. He contended that the provision in the Act of last year that -eight hours should constitute a day's work should be. adheredl to, and not left to the discretion of the Arbitration Court. The Minister of Education saw no reason for the recommittal of the Bill. He did not think the Court would exceed eight hours, while it anight award less. The Hon. Rigg thought the Bill was faulty in many respects, and should be recommitted. The Hon. Jenni.gs supported, the recommittal, so that the question of hours of labour should be definitely settled. The Hon. Grace said if the resources of the" colony were to* be developed, some attraction must be offered to foreign capital. On a division tue motion for the third reading was carried by 22< to 8. The Birds Nuisance Bill was committed. Several members questioned the necessity for the Bill, and others contended that there should be a schedule of birds to be destroyed. Ultimately, 'at clause 2, progress was reported, with a view to the measure beings referred to the Stock Committee. The Share-brokers Bill was committed. A new clause was added tfo the effect that the rules jsider the Bill be approved by the Governor in Council. The Bill was reported with amendments. The Fisheries Encouragement Bill was committed, reported without amendment, read a third time, and passed. The Opium Prohibition Act Amendment Bill was read a second time. On the motion for the second reading of the Bank Holidays Bill, the Horn. McLean and Lee-Smith urged that a greater number of holidays be given. The Hons. Rigg. and Jennings thought the number provided for was! sufficient, while the Hon. Bowen was of opinion that if Saints' Days were dione awiay with and added to the Christmas holidays it would. give more satisfaction. The second reading was agreed to>. The Council rose at 5 p.m.