THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 533, 22 July 1869, Page 2

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

MR STEVENS'S RESOLUTIONS DEFEATED. GOLD IN CANTERBURY AND WELLINGTON. (From the West Coast Times.) "Wellington, July 15. A resolution in favor of a redistribution of representation, prior to the next general election, has been agreed to. Mr Stevens moved his resolutions in an excellent speech, lasting over two hours. Mr Dillon Bell replied, and Mr Travers resumes the debate to-night. Mr Cracroft Wilson's Ghoorka resolution were discharged from the paper, as the subject will arise in connection with Mr M'Lean's resolutions. The Government objected to private members bringing forward such resolutions. The Government have called on Major Brown either to resign his seat

in the Assembly or the command of the Taranaki Militia, in consequence of his having voted against them on a recent division. He declined to accept either alternative, when they intimated their intention of dismissing him from his military command, giving him, however, the option of resigning. Ho refused to avail himself of the permission, and brought the snbject before the House this evening as a breach of privilege. No decision has been come to, as no motion was made, but Major Brown intends to take further steps. July 18. Mr Ormond moved an amendment on Mr Stevens's first resolution, which was to the effect that it is inopportune to discuss great constitutional changes, which should be left to the consideration of the new Parliament, and that the present difficulties of the Colony rendered it impossible to effect any reduction in taxation. The amendment was carried by 33 to 22. Other resolutions were withdrawn. The excitement about the gold discoveries still continues. Upwards of 100 claims have been taken up. The prospects are very small. Chkistchurch, July 18. A fire broke out at one o'clock this morning in the stables belonging to the Warrick Hotel. It is supposed to have originated by sparks from a pipe, as there were two men sleeping in the loft. The damage done was trifling. Several specimens of quartz have been brought in, but there is not yet sufficient gold to warrant a rush. A definite result may be expected tomorrow. The gold is very fine.