Latest Parliamentary.

Western Star, Issue 965, 18 July 1885, Page 2

Latest Parliamentary.

(By Telegraph.) Finn ay, July 17tii.

In the Council to-day a return was laid on the table showing that the total value of agricultural and .dairy produce exported to Rio de Janiero was £2133. Mr Chamberlain moved that this Council is of opinion “that New Zealand desires and requires a protection poll icy.” _ The motion was negatived without a division. The Council adjourned at 3.5 p.m. The House met a 2.30.

Replying to questions, Government said they could not permit the uso of a private still in New Zealand for the manufacture of spirits of wine ; free passes on the railways wore not issued to travelling agents of the Government Insurance Association.

Sir G. Grey introduced a billjto provide for the election of Justices of the Peace. Sir Julius Vogel’s, motion re a fresh ’Frisco mail contract was ‘postponed until Friday next, in order to allow a return to bo prepared of the cost of direct mail service and the ’Frisco service.

The Hon. Mr Ballanco moved the second reading of the Laud Bill. He said it was a consolidation measure, with some new clauses which would largely increase the powers of the Government in administrating the land. lie believed there was nothing in the world to equal the perpetual leasing system, which had been very successful. Ho thought, however, they should not confine themselves to one particular system, but should give all systems a fair tml. He contended that the special settlement system bad been a failure, although he did not blame the Minister who introduced the system. He strongly advocated the operation of the ballot in sa'cs of land, as, he eonsidoiod the deferred payment system hud failed, owing to the system of sales by auction tbat prevailed. —Mr Rolleston congratulated Mr Ballanco for the speech ho had made, and on his desire'to settle people on the land. He thought they should have some certainty in their laud lease. . Ho advocated the utmost variety in dealing with agricultural land, so as to promote the settlement of huna fide occupiers. Ho was glad to find the perpetual leasing system was attracting so much attention at present, and he thought the system would answer bell or than the homestead systnn —Mr Moutgcmary said there should be some uniformity in the land laws of the colony. He advocai ed the introduction homestead system. —Messrs Beotham, Hurst, Hobbs, Kerr and Mowait also spoke to the second reading.—The debate was interrup .ed by Urn 5.30 adjournment.'