PARLIAMENT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3284, 23 August 1871, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, August 22. The Speaker took the chair afc two o'clock, bufc quitted ifc to proceed with members of fche Council to Government; House to present to his Excellency fche Address in reply to the speech at the opening of Parliament. At three o'clock tho Speaker resumed his scab. NEW BILLS. TheHon.MrSEWELLobfcainedleaveto bring in new bills entitled an Act to regulate the sale of bread, and fco prevent tho adulteration of meal and flour ; an Act; for better securing fche payment of debts due to workmen ; and an Act to amend the law relating to insolvents. He promised full explanations of the character of the measures on moving for the second reading. The bill as to the wages of workmen was a copy of the Victorian measure, and wa3 intended to give workmen a-prefer-ential lien over money due by contractors. Tho Insolvency Bill was a consolidation of the law on the subject, and also resembled the Victorian Act, which was substantially framed upon tho English Act. The second reading of tho first two bills was made an order of the day for Friday, and the second reading of the Insolvency Bill for Tuesday next ; The Hon Mr Sowell, in reply to tho Hon Mr Holmes, promising that there should bo no undue haste in passing the measure through its various stages. GOLDFIELD 3 COMMITTEE. On fche motiou of tho Hon Mr Sewell, a committee was appointed to consider alf bills and petitions affecting goldfields. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. The Hon. Mr WATERHOUSE moved, "Thafc there bo laid on tho tablo a copy of any regulations which may be in force for tho conduct of public business." He anticipated that thero might be no return, such as he called for, forthcoming, but he thought that great advantage might arise from a discussion of tho subject, and ifc was more as a text for such discussion that he proposod the motion. In England, where proper regulations existed for tho conduct of business, the State machinery moved with easo and regularity, and in somo of tho colonies regulations based on these existed. Bufc ho could find no regulations in this colony, and tho effect had been to encourage irregularity, and it might bo that great injury would result. If thero had been any regulalions in force thero would not havo been the misunderstanding which at present existed as to fcho powers of the different branches of tho Legislature, and he feared that, partly from the samo cause, tho statemont mado by Mr Gillies, in his lecturo at Auckland, thafc the Governorship was a mere shadow, was tho impression which too generally prevailed. He feared tho government had been so administered that tho Governor had sunk from the position which ho ou»hfc properly to occupy, and ho believed that this greatly arose from tho want of regulations for the conduct of business. It was necessary, for every interest, that the powor of tho Governor should not be infringed upon, but maintained. In tho absence of regulations such as existed elsewhore, there was reason lo believe that tho Governor was not kept, so continually informed of public business as ho ought fco bo. Although the colony had hitherto been fortunate in the choice of ministers, thero was no saying what change afc some future period might tako place. There had already been somo proceedings with reference to free pardons, which indicated what he ventured to call reprehensible looseness. In connection with meetings of tho Executive, ho also thought thafc there had been irregularities which might; amount to rendering them invalid. There was also a want of regulations as to fcho relative positions of ministers and departments, thoso positions being often altored. There might have been no practical injury, but inextricable confusion was likely to arise from such a want of systorn. His object would be attaiued if, by his motion and remarks, attention wero directed to the subject, and he hoped fchafc Miuistors would deul with ifc before tho commencement of another session. The Hon Mr HOLMES seconded tho motion. The Hon Mr SEWELL admitted that there was great weight in what had been said by tbe hon mover, and he hoped somo practical result would follow the suggestion. He had no return to give, such as tho motion asked for, nor could ho bo expected to give so full an answer to the hon member's remarks, which fcho motion itself had not led him to anticipate. Thero was somo further discussion of fche quostion, and another motion on the notice paper by tho Hon Mr M'Lean as to the Speaker's costume, after which the House rose. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, August 22. The Speaker took tho chair at half-past; two o'clock. NEW .MEMBERS. Mr Yogel, Mr Reader Wood, Mr T. Honderson, and Mr T. Buckland took fcho oaths and their seats. PETITIONS. Mr CREIGHTON presented a petition from tho inhabitants of Auckland City, asking tho House to pass a bill containing the provisions of tho Permissive Bill. Mr. THOMSON presented a petition from certain inhabitants of Otago, praying that tho Houso would not interfere with tho continuance of tho educational system of Otago. Mr GILLIES presented a petition from the Auckland Gas Company. Mr BUNNY presented a petition from certain inhabitants of Oh.vriu, protesting against the carrying oufc of tho Wellington Water Works scheme. Mr CURTIS presented a petition with roferenco to tho obtaining of gas for tho city of Nolson. Mr MERVYN presented a petition from a person named Davis, requesting that the cancelling of his commission in fcho Armed Constabulary should be revoked. j Mr BROWN presented a potition from certain miners in the Province of Otago, praying for tho reduction of tho gold export duty. Mr STAFFORD presentod a petition from 560 ratepayers of tho city of Wollington, praying that tho Houso would not; consent to the passing of tho bill for the purchase of tho reclaimed land. Mr STAFFORD presentod a petition from Mr H. Smyth ies, praying that he might be allowed to bo heard at the bar of the House to urge his cluims under tho Legal Practitioners Aot. Tlie petitions wero ordered to lio on the table. PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE. Mr KELLY brought up the report of tho Public Petitions Committee on the claim of a person named Jackson. Tho committee recommended that the petitioner should receive a grant of land ; also, their report on tho claim of Messrs R. and J. Ho worth, which it was deemed not to bo within thepowera of tho Committee to moke any recommendation upon ; also, upon the prayer of certain minors of the Kanieri district, County of Westland, which thoy could not recommend to tho favorablo consideration of tho House ; also, upon tho petition of a person named M'Guinness, which thoy could not rocommend to favorable consideration ; also, thoir report on tbe potition of licensed victuallers in tho Province of Canterbury, which thoy could recommend to the favorable consideration of the House ; also, their report on the petition of Honry Carpenter and others, which thoy thought should be referred to the Waste Lands Committee ; also, their report on tho potition of the Chancellor of the Otago University, which they could not recommend fco favorablo consideration, further than to refer him to fcho provisions ol an act already in existence. THE MOTUEKA ELECTION. The SPEAKER announced thafc he had roceirod a communication from the leamod counsel for Sir David Munro, waiving any claim of right; on the ground of irregularity,

and pointing out the authority on which he had acted as he had done. . Tbe authority given was in Gushing, a very well known author on parliamentary law, who. stated ft ease in point in which fche House of Commons had heard a case oh fche "floor of the House. He confessed fchafc he was staggered on looking over the case as there stated, bufc on investigation of other records relating to the same occurrence, he discovered thafc the case in Gushing was not; cor* . rectly stated. After describing fco fche House the course pursued in thafc case, fche Speaker stated his opinion thafc the course adopted by that House wa9 in perfect accordance with tho practice of the Houso of Commons. Therefore he did not think ifc neoesaary thafc lie should accept any waiver from the counsel for Sir David Munro, and he should direct thafc fche proceedings should continue in the course already laid down, The Chairman and members of fche committee to hear fcho caso were then sworn in. PAPERS. Mr GISBORNE laid on the table a number of papers, which were ordered to be printed. XIEN ON CONTRACTS. Mr STBWAKI) asked the Colonial Secretary whether it was the intention of the Government to bring in a bill afc an early day, giving workmen a lien over money duo by a confcracfcee to a contractor, on the principle of the act passed by the Victorian Parliament in December lasfc, and intituled " Tho Contractors Debts Act" ? His object was not only to ascertain whether the Government intended to introduce a bill of the nature describod, but also whether ifc would be so extended aa fco include subcontractors. Mr GISBORNE said tho Government had such a bill in preparation, and would bo glad to receive any suggestions the hon member might make. THE FRANCHISE. Mr STEWARD asked fche Colonial Secretary whether ifc was the intention of the Government to introduce early in the session, an amendment of " Tho Registration of Electors Act, 1866," with a view to giving increased facilities to persons entitled to the franchise, as regards tho placing of thoir names upon tho Electoral Roll ? Mr GISBORNE said fche Government had under/consideration a bill embracing the prov^bns menfcionod by the hon. member and alsd'a' great many other points. The Government believed ifc would be well, at fche earliest; possible moment after tho present session, to introduce a bill tc consolidate all the registration Acts of the colony which should embrace, under heads or chapters, the differonfc matters coming within tho scopo of such a bill. LIGHTHOUSE FOR TORY CHANNEL. Captain KENNY asked the Colonial Secretary why tho lighthouse had not been erected afc Tory Channel Heads for which an appropriation was mado lasfc session ; and whether tho Government intended to provide for its erection during the ensuing year? Mr GISBORNE said tho Government dui'ing the recess, in considering the question of erecting the lighthouse, did not consider it advisable in the faco of the decliue of of revenue. The expenso of erection would be £1,000 or £5,000, and tho cost of maintenance about £600 per annum. After tho present session fche Government would consider fche matter again. LIGHTHOUSE FOR. THE MANUKAU. Mr O'RORKE asked the hon. the Colonial Secretary when the lighthouse, imported more than two years ago for the Manukau Harbor, was likely to he erected ? Mr GISBORNE said the apparatus was sent up *in August lasfc, and a survey of the bar was held, but up to May tho survey was not completed. Many other works of a more pressing nature had been on hand, bufc as they were now completed tho matter would be taken in hand. He might point out fchafc the light; would be of no use in guiding vessels at night : in fact ifc would rather mislead thorn. LEGISLATIVE POWERS OF PROVINCIAL COUNCILS. Mr HALL asked the Colonial Secretary whether fche Government intended to propose any measures for tho purpose of removing the doubts which now affect the legislative powers of Provincial Councils, so as to obviate the necessity for the renewal of fche Act of the General Assembly validating Provincial Acts and Ordinances ? He pointed out thafc three or four years ago a decision of the Court of Appeal rendered invalid a very important provincial ordinance. This was likely to be more frequently fche case in the next few years, and ifc was with tho desire of ascertaining how fche Government proposed to meet the difficulty fchafc he had asked the question. Mr GISBORNE said the Government proposed to meet tho difficulty by the introduction of a Highway Boards Act. He did not think ifc would be necessary to introduce a validation act after this session, because he thought the bill it was intended to- introduce would have the effect of keeping provincial legislatures within their proper bounds. To show fchafc ifc was possible to keep provincial legislation within its proper bounds fche ordinances sent up from the Provincial Council of Wollington had been found to be entirely free from those legal difficulties which seemed to be such prominent features in the legislation of other provinces. In answer to Mr Hall, Mr Gisborne said ifc was the intention of the Government to introduce the Highway Boards Bill afc an early date. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Mr HALL moved that leave of absence be granted to Mr Rolloston for fourteen days, on urgent private business. The motion was agreed fco. WELLINGTON RECLAIMED LAND BILL. Mr FITZHERBERT, in moving the second reading of this bill, said he proposed briefly to explain 3ome of fche circumstances conneofced with it, its character, and fche objects which ifc sought to accomplish. The bill was so unpolitical a ono as to justify its being called a domestic bill. Ho did not intend to say anything about fche petition which had been presented, though hefelfc bound to notice one or two points in> thafc many yarded document. There wero two parties greatly interested in thia matter,— the Provincial Council and the City Council. He did not think ifc could be said fchafc those two powers had exceeded thoir functions in agreeing, tho one to sell and fche othor to buy certain lands, and he hopod the Houso would not interfere, as ifc had interfered on former occasions, in local matters. Tho time for objection was at fcho timo when the Mayor and Councillors had tho • matter under discussion, aud on fcho broadest; ground, he said ifc with every re3peot to the privileges of the House, ifc had no power fco interfere in the matter. He had said enough to show that tho very opposite of tho prayer of the petition presented by Mr Stafford should be fche result of the consideration of tho House. The province wished to divesfc itself of that property which the bill would enable ifc to dispose of. Tho province had not a plethora of funds, nnd ono object; was fco realise this proporty for the purpose of placing them in funds. He viewed with satisfaction the tendency in every part of the country to decentralise itself and to have large bufc limited borrowing powers. The province of Wellington had to some extent anticipated the action of the House, and had made over some of its property fco tho General Government; to tho extent of £31,000. ThrproposaT-ttt pKu3l\t was that tho 'provincial Council and the City Couu£iWboul<f~_£ liable for the whole amount, though the proVince^—^ would be liable only for the period of sevefci. years, bufc in accordance with a suggestion he would alter the bill so as to include the liability of the province until the whole-amount of liability was cleared off. He did not desire fchafc the province should escape any portion of its liability, and he would propose fchafc fcho whole amount of the proceeds should go into fche colonial exchequer until the whole debt; was discharged. He might point oufc that a portion of the land had been distinctly reserved for fche purpose of erooting Provincial Publio Buildings, and this portion would not come within fche scope of tbe bill*

Mr BUNNY seconded the motion for the second reading. I Mr BRANDON pointed out tho numbor of unusual provisions inserted in tho bill. Had ifc not been for the statement of the mover that ho would submit to the making of many alterations in the bill when in committee, ho would havo opposed it in every way, for ho did not; think it right that, in tho event of a forced sale, tho City Council should have any surplus over the amount borrowed, whilo if there was any deficiency tho province would have to pay it. „ . Mr FITZHERBERT wished to guard himself against any pledge being given that he would consent to mako any great alterations in ' the bill when in committee. Mr REYNOLDS pointed out that although the hon. member had told the truth in introducing the bill, he had not told the whole fcruth,°for in 18G9 the province of Wellington had obtained a loun of £72,000 on this same property, and the present bill would take away thafc security. Ho thought if tho Corporation wero anxious to purchase tho property they should raise the wholo of tbe £50,000, and pay j to the General Government the £31,000, ard I to tho Provincial Government £20,000. He for one would not perpetrate such an injustice j upon tho colony as was proposed by the bill. Mr GILLIES thought the bill was not such , a Bimple one as ifc looked. It swept away ab- j eolutely tho claim of the General Government i to the £25,000. Tho £31,000 he did not think would be much affected, but looking at tho fact that it did away with the claim of the I colony to the £25,000, ho thought it was not a simple local matter, but a very important matter to tho whole colony. The statement of the mover that ho would continue the liability of the province removed a great objection to the passing of the bill, and nan owed down the objections to tho wiping nway of the L security of the £25,000. Ho would like to Wfe&ive the opinion of the Government on the 1 Mr COLLINS said the bill was another and a very good veision of a new way to pay old debts. The province of Wellington wished to have power to mortgage the land threo or four times over. Ho trusted tho bill would be postponed. It concealed many great difficulties, which he would like moro time than he had had to consider. Mr GISBORNE said that after the passing of the Consolidated Loan Act it was found that some of tho debts owing by tbe province of Wellington had not be en included in that act. There hud been £31,000 advanced by the Government on the reclaimed portion, while the bank had advanced £25,000 on the unreclaimed portion. The Government security would be improved by having the security of both tho reclaimed and unreclaimed portions. In addition, they had tho assurance of the member who introduced the bill that the Government would have the security of the whole of the revenue of the pvovince until the debt was paid. Mr STAFFORD hoped they would have a little more time to consider the matter. Tlio member for Collingwood had pointed out that a portion of the reclaimed land had been sold but he had received no answer to the question as to what had become of the money. There was another point; which the Colonial Secretary bad omitted to say anything about, viz., as to what tho real value of the provincial security was. After excluding tho Manawatu lands, and after excluding that portion of the province iv tho hands of tho Natives, he asked what was tho real value of the provincial revenue after paying departmental expenses. He would like to know what was the amount derived from its pastoral lands and what was tho probable annual value of the land Bales of the province, and also the amount derived from the Manawatu sales. An explanatory discussion took place as to how the security of tho colony was affected, Mr Fox stating, in answer to tho statement of tho member for Collingwood that a portion of tho land had been sold and the proceeds unaccounted for, that no portion of it had been disposed of sinco ifc was given as security to the General Government. Mr PEACOCK suggested that it would be advisable thafc a portion of fcho laud should be reserved as a railway terminus. It would be well to look forward fco the future. Mr BUNNY, iv order to meet objections, moved the adjournment of the debate. Mr FITZHERBERT pointed out that under the bill they wero doing what no other province in the colony was propared to donamely, the paying of four-sevenths of their debts under the Consolidated Act. 110 would second the adjournment of fche debate till Friday nexfc. Mr HALL said the hon. member for the Hutt wob not quite correct in attempting to lead the House to believe that the Wellington provincial loans, of which they would bo repaying four-sevenths, were raised on the came terms a3 other provincial loans, so that he was not willing to give to the mover of the resolution that credit ho claimed for the virtue of paying what they were not compelled to pay. He thought the Government should not relinquish their hold on their security, although on the whole he did not think they were likely to lose much by the passing of the bill. HOUR OE SITTING. The debate on the question, that the House ghould commence its sittings at half past two, and that the Speaker Bhould leave tho chair at half-paßt five and resume at half-past seven, ahould the business necessitate his co doing, was then gone on with. Mr REYNOLDS would suggest that no new bueiness should be taken after twelve o'clock at night. At the end of the session it might bo necessary lo do so, but it would be then timo to extend the hour of sitting. Mr MACANDREW thought it would be advisable to try tbe ten o'clock in the morning sittings. He was convinced that the session would be shortened one half by this being done. Tho motion was agreed to. COASTING TRADE REGULATIONS RILL. Mr GISBORNE moved the postponement of the second reading of this bill until tomorrow. WAYS AND MEANS. The motion that the Speaker do leave the chair for the purpose of enabling the House to go into Committee for the purpose of considering that portion of His Excellency's speech referring to ways and means, was then put and carried. SUPPLY. In committee of supply Mr Gisborne said it was usual to introduce a bill for the granting of an ad interim supply. In explanation of the late period at which the House had been summoned thero had been no reluctance fco meet the Legislature. Last year the delivery of the financial statement was made before the expiration of the financial year, a fact unequalled in tho history of their Parliament. The reasons for the delay this year wero entirely exceptional, and could only bo ascribed to fhc importance of the undertakings in which tho country had engaged. The House would soon be in possession of the arrangements mndo by the Colonial Treasurer with the Messrs Brogden. It was important that tbe Hoiuc should not be kept in tho dark with reference to any of those matters whichwere likely to become matters of discussion, and all information which members could desire would bo soon laid on the table. Mr Webb was also in the colony for tho perfecth_Jj£rangentents for the better carrying on of _ 4 0Jf_y_an Francisco service. He hoped the few he had urged would bo sufficient to | account for the unusually late period at which they had been called together. The unauthorised expenditure did not reach such an amount; as would incur any great amount of alarm among some hon. members. Tho amount expended without tho sanction of the Houso amounted to between £20,000 and £30,000. This amount was not expended on new s.-rv'ees but in continuation of services w'.ich had been authorised by recent appropriation Aefc. The Crovernment proposed to ask for such a supply a3 would carry them on to the end of nexfc month, co they would not, in all probability, haye to como to the House

with another imprest supply bill beforo thoy come down with the usual accounts. Ifc was proposed that the blank in tho bill should be filled up with the figures £150,000 to enable them to carry on the ordinary expenditure up to the end of September. Mr HALL said if the Government had expended that amount without the authority of the law they might expend £20,000 or £30,000 more without authority, and ho would like to know where tho defect in the law was which had enabled them to spend such a sum so that the Houso might remedy ifc. Mr GISBORNE explained, and, The bill was reported to tho House, and ordered to bo read a second fcimo tomorrow. PORT CHALMERS RAILWAY BILL. The second reading of this bill was moved by Mr Fox, who stated that certain difficulties having arisen with reference to the taking of necessary land for tho making of tho railway at Port Chalmers, tho bill was introduced to «ive authority to take tho land of an objector to the direction of tho line. The second reading of the bill was agreed (o, and it was ordered to be committed presently. NELSON CROWN LANDS LEASING ACT. Mr CURTIS moved the second reading of the Crown Lands (Nelson) Leasing Act Amendment Bill. In explanation of its objects, be stated that it was to facilitate the obtaining of leasehold and freehold land by persons of the poorer class. Tho bill was such a one as it would be very desirable should bo in existence in the"Coming stage of the history of the colon v. Mr SIIEPHARD spoke at length in favor of the hill, and was followed on the same sido by Mr Fitzherbert and Sir David Monro. The bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be referred fco tho Waste Lands Committee. NELSON LOAN BILL. On the coming on of this order of tho day, The SPEAKER pointed out that the proper course would be that he should leavo the chair to enable the House to go into committee on the bill for the purpose of enabling a committee of the House to vote the provision asked for. In committee, Mr Curtis moved, " That, in tho opinion of this committee it is desirable that provision should be made to enable the Superintendent of tho province of Nelson to raise a loan not exceeding £30,000." The hon. "member explained that the City of Nelson liad not yet reached euch a stage of importance as to sustain the weight of a Mayor and Corporation, and the board of works which had been found sufficient to perform all the necessary work of the city had not power to borrow such an amount. Mr GISBORNE said tho Government had no opposition to offer lo the bill, but it miisfcbc distinctly understood that the amount borrowed should be in no way chargeable to the colonial or pro\incial revenue. Mr Macandrew, Mr Fitzherbert, Mr Reeves, Mr Reynold.-', Mr Thomson, and MrShephard spoke in favor of the bill. The resolution wis put and carried. On tho House resuming, the Chairman reported the resolution, and the bill was ordered (o be taken into consideration to-morrow. TOUT CHALMERS RAILWAY HILL. The House then went into committee on this bill. On tho House resuming the bill was reported without amendment, and the third reading ordered for next day. THE EDUCATION BILL. Mr FOX, on the motion for leave to introduce a bill fo mako better provision for the further education of the people, said ho would prefer that; the introduction of tho bill should be postponed, and in answer to a question stated that ho would probably give notice of its introduction about the end of fche week. STANDING OEDERS. Mr FOX moved that the reply of the Legislative Council to the message from this House relating to Standing Orders on Private Bills last session be read. This being agreed to tho Clerk read the roply. The hon gentleman also moved that the Standing Orders be sent up for the consideration and concurrence of the Legislative Council. This was also agreed to. PETITION OE SMYTHIE3. The SPEAKER drew the attention of Mr Stafford to the fact that the petition presented by him from Mr Smythies had not been signed. He would request tho hon. member to have fche signature appended. TIIE SALE OF ARMS. Mr D. M'LEAiN moved for leave to introduce a bill intituled "An Act to regulate the importation, sale and disposul of arms, gunpowder, and other warlike stores." Tho bill was read a first time, ordered to be printed, and the second reading appointed for next Tuesday. DUNEDIN WATER WORKS. Mr. MACANDREW moved for leave to introduce a bill to amend "The Dunedin Water Works Act, 1864." _ Leave was given, tho bill was read a first time, ordered to be printed, and the second reading ordered for to morrow. RETURNS RELATIVE TO GOLD FIELDS. Mr BRADSHAW moved that there bo laid on the table of the House a return of the amouut of revenue collected under tho Gold Duly Act, 185S, the Gold Duly Act, 1870, the Mining Companies Acts, ISGS and 18G9, tho Gold Fields Act, 18GG, aud the several gold fields acts passed by this liouso since 1860, and any regulations made in conformity with the said" acts, for the year ending 30th June, 1871. The return to show in detail the amount collected in each province and county, under the following heads ir-Minors' rights, business licensee, rents and fees for water races, sluices, &c ; gold mining leases, rents and royalties, registration fees, miscellaneous receipts, fees and fines wardens' courts, gold duty. He would not have troubled the Houso with the motion if tho information he desired could bo obtained in any other way. If agreed to, ifc would enable the members to obtain much valuable information. Mr GISBORNE said tho Government had no objection to furnish the return, if it wero so modified as not to includo rents and fees for water races, sluices, &c, which could not be furnished in the manner desired by the mover. Mr REYNOLDS would object to the making of the return on the ground that it would be a very expensive one, and would take much timo to produce. A return had been asked in last session by the hon. member for Christchurch (Mr Travel's) which hud been variously estimated by hon. members to have cost from £250 to £500. He would like to know from the Government . ; .whafc the cost really was. Mr T. L. SHEPHERD spoke in favor of tho passing of the motion, which was agreed to. RETURN RELATIVE TO DEBENTURES. Mr BRADSHAW moved that a return bo laid on the table of this Houso, showing the amount of money raised cither by sale of de- , bcnlutcs, or by advances under the Temporary Loan Act 1870; at what date it was raised, where raised, interest paid, commission paid . and claimed for the same ; bow the suid loan or advance has been applied, and at what date tho principal is made payable. The motion was agreed to. Tii TORTS AND EXTORTS OE GRAIN AND ; FLOUR. Mr REEVES, in moving for a return showing » the quantity and value of Grain and Flour cxi ported from and imported into tho colony of . New Zealand, from let January to 31st July, i 1871, said he had moved for the return because f tho papers laid on tho table only came up to i the. end of the year 1870, and ifc was a matter of ! considerable importance that members ohould [ be informed of the most recent statistics with t regard to tho grain trade. Ho trusted ho i would disarm the opposition of the hon member for Dunedin, by stating that the figures » were not to be obtained in any other way, and i as tho matter was of considerable importance , ho hoped it would be agreed to. If tho return i wero granted, ifc would ghow that the colony

was importing and exporting a great quantity of grain, which benefitted only thoso persons engaged in tho shipping trade. The motion was nsieeed to. LIMITATION OF DEBATE. Mr REEVES moved that; the select com-, mittee on standing orders bo instructed to acquaint itself with tho rules of debate adopted by tho Supremo Legislatures _of France and tho United Stales, with tho view of determining whether tho practice in force in cither of thoso countries of limiting the duration of debates might not be adopted by this Houso with advantage. Ho trusted the Houso would not consider that he was taking up its time by proposing a merely theoretical motion. They had already had a short debate on a question affecting the Bitting hours of the House, in which hon members had shown plainly that it would bo desirable, if possible, to limit tho hours of sitting, but apparently they did not see their way to do it. The real way to meet tho ovil was the one he proposed by this motion : that was, to limit tho debates, or rather the talking power of members. He would bo sorry if ifc appeared fchafc he wished to interfere with the liberty of speech. It was not the liberty of speech tlmt he wished to curtail, but license of speech. The House was already aware that two of tho greatest nations in tho world had taken means to curry out the terms of this motion, and he simply desired that the standing orders committee should be instructed to inquire into the subject. lie did not wish tho House to suppose that ho had brought in a cub and dried motion on the subject. He was aware that in all assemblies of Anglo-Saxona the liberty of speech was most jealously regarded, but it must be remembered that the pcoplo of ono ot the greatest and most practical nations in the world had, he was informed, adopted the method which his motion indicated, and which met the evil. He thought tho House would not refuse the very simple motion which he had put on tho paper. Mr MURRAY did not think the hon. member was very happy in his choice of the legislatures they were to lako.as models. The motion was agreed to. SALARIES OF OFFICERS UNDER THE EXECUTIVE. Mr HARRISON moved that in the opinion of this nouso it is desirablo that tho salaries of all officers in the public service who are appointed by or are responsible to tho Colonial Executive should be paid under appropriations by this House ; and that such salaries should be placed on the estimates of expenditure duriiur tho present session. He had been given "to understand that tho motion, m its present form, would inconvenience the Government, and for that reason he would askto be permitted to adjourn the motion for a week. At the suggestion of tho Speaker the motion was allowed to lapse. WELLINGTON WATER WORKS. _ Mr PEARCE moved for leave to bring in a bill to make provision for tho construction and maintenance of water works for supplying the city of Wellington with water, and for defraying the cost thereof. Leavo was given, tho bill was read a first time, and referred to a select committee lo report on or before this day week. RETURN OF GOLD DUTY. A motion on this subject, standing in tho name of Mr Mcrvyn, was allowed to lapse. Notices of motion having been given, the House adjourned at ton minutes to 10 o'clock, to half-past two o'clock next day.