GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

West Coast Times, Issue 2917, 9 August 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENT ATIVES. Thursday, July 8. The House met at 2.30 p.m. In reply to Mr J. E. Brown, Mr Macandrew said steps were now being taken for the local audit of railway accouuts, and rending tickets at other places than railway stations. Mr Macandrew told ?,Ir Brandon, the Government had no land between Paikaikariki and Manawatu, to defray the expense of a railway there. Mr Sheehan said the Government would not brimj iv a bill to repeal permissive clauses of Counties Act. Counties should be allowed to work out their own destinies. Replying to Mr George, Mr Sheehan said the question of reducing the cost of miners' rights should be entirely a matter for arrangement by localities. Government informed Mr Htifsthotise they did not intend to legislate for clasiification of Crown Lands. Disqualification aud abolition of g'6l9 duties bills was read for the first time. Dr Wallis, in moving that women be allowed the same franchise as men, made a j long speech iv support. At request of the Government the debate was adjourned. Replying to Mr Stevens, Mr Stout said it was impossible to endow Road Boards ■mil Municipalities more than they Were now . After some discussion the debate was interrupted at 5 30 p.m. After the House re3u;niii£ lust night, a message was received from the Governor, transmitting the Estimates for the financial year. Several Harbor Board Bills were read a first time. In reply to Major Atkinsou, Mr Ballance said, he expected that the bills carrying out the proposals in the Financial Statement, would be ready next Tuesday. Mr Barton's motion regarding the Wellington police, again came on, and after further discussion the debate was adjourned, at Mr Sheehan's request, until to-day, in order to give him an opportunity of making some inquiry regarding the allegations made of the officers of the Government. Mr Barri asked for returns showing the travelling expenses incurred by Commissioner Weldon, during his recent visit to West-land. The ho'n-. member's" remarks entirely referred to the curt way in which Sub-Inspector O'Donnell wa-3 dismissed, shortly after Mr Weldon's visit, and without any apparent reason, or auy word of complaint., He urged that such treatment against an old servant and officer, who was second to none in the colony for zeal and efficiency, was harsh in the extreme. Mr Sheehan laid tha information asked for on the table, and said the proper time to discuss the matter would be when Westland estimates came on. Mr Tairoa was promised a return of the receipts and expenditure in respect to Maori reserves of West Coast, Middle Island. After some otter business of little general interest, the House adjourned at 9.20. ,