General Assembly.

Western Star, Issue 454, 18 June 1881, Page 2

General Assembly.

Tuesday, 14th June. ■ When the House resumed at 7.30 o’clock, Mr Gollms moved the Address in Reply to the G-overnor’a speech, which he stated had given universal satisfaction throughout 1 he colony. Mr Fulton seconded the mol inn.—Sir G. Grey condemned the Address, and eonsi lered that the policy therein set forth w is neither adequate to the occasion nor in accordance with the feelings of the people.—Mr Wakefield and Col. Trimble supported the motion, and Dr Wallis condemned the Speech for the omis<ion of all reference to local Government. —The debate was adjourned on a division by 20 to IG, and the House rose at 11.55. Wednesday, 15th June. On resuming at 2 o’clock, (he Government repin'd as follows to questions That they intended to obtain information as to the terms o.i which a direct steam service could be established between the United Kingdom and the colony, so that next session the House could fully consider the matter; that it was intended to provide for the erection of new lfghthonse», but the Covornment was not in a position to indicate the exact localities; that until the Financial Statement was made, could not say whether it was intended to impose an import duty on rnaizo.—ln reply to Sir G. Grey, Mr Hall said the detached squadron would only visit Auckland in the colony, A mot ion was carried for a return showing ‘he number roc 1 ' on public works

and in the Armed Constabulary in each of the electoral districts. (MacnndrewA On the motion of Mr Gisborne, it. was agreed to irtt into committee bn Julv 13 to consider the desirableness of placing £6OOO on the estimates for pttblib libraries. The debate on tho Address in Reply was resumed by Mr Bunny,and after discussion the motion was agreed to. The Licensing Bill was real a second time, as also the Chinese Immigration Dili, after Considerable opposition. The lloßse adjourned at 11.5 p m. Thuusday. 16tii June. The House met at 2.3 b.

Replying ito questions it was stated—The Government did not intend to p-opn«o anv amendment of the Harbor Act, 1878, hut would assist Harbor Boards in getting any alterations made that, might appear necessary. The Marino Department, had been instructed to report, upon the necessity for ihe erection of a lighthouse on Waipapa Point; and if, ns was expected, the report proved favorable, a lighthouse would be erected there. The Government dil not this session intend amending thf Education Act or altering the regulations framed under it. The Government recognise 1 its responsibility for railway accidents and damage as simi’ar to that of private railway companies, and a measure based on that principle would be introduced. A Drainage Bill was introduced by Mr Murray and read a first time. On the motion for tho second reading of the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Bill, a discussion of some length ensued, tho motion being ultimately carried. The House adjourned at 1.10 a.m. Friday, 17th .Tune.

In the House this afternoon, the Speaker and members went to the Governor to present the Address in Reply, On returning Ministers in reply to questions said it was intended re-introduce the Gaming and Lotteries Bill ; had not handed o- er Thomas Russell any portion of Te Aroha block.

The Chinese Immigration Bill was partially considered in committee. An amendment to make import tax £SO instead of £lO per head was tat on a division by 24 to 23.