Parliament.

Western Star, Issue 1384, 28 August 1889, Page 2

Parliament.

During the discussion on the defence vote, Captain Russell urged the Defence Minister to increase the salaries of officers commanding volunteer districts to such an amount as would enable the officers to give all their time to their work, and thus bring the corps up to the fullest state of efficiency. The Government promised consideration of the matter. Mr Hutchison is to move for a return showing tho money paid in each of the preceding five financial years to consulting engineers in England on material inspected in respect of tho public works of tho colony, and also showing the value in each such year of the material so inspected. RELIEF TO CROWN TENANTS. On the motion for going into committee on Monday night on tho Selectors Land Revaluation Bill, Mr J. McKenzie moved that it be an instruction to tho committee when considering certain provisions of the Land Act and tho administration of land boards to insert a clause to remove doubts that have arisen whether land acquired by individuals under Land Acts before 1887 should bo taken into account in calculating the amount of land allowed to be taken up under “ Tho Land Act, 1887.” The Hon. G. F. Richardson agreed to the motion, which was agreed to after some discussion, and tho House went into committee on tho bill. Clause 2. Mr Valentine moved an amendment to make the bill apply to deferred payment, perpetual lease, or other selectors under the School Commissioners of Otago. After considerabfe discussion the amendment was lost by 46 to 12, Clause 5, decision of board to be approved by the Minister. Mr Scobie MacKenzie moved that this clause be struck out—Lost on the voices, and the clause retained. Progress was reported on the bill on the Hon. Mr Richardson’s motion. * LATEST PAELIAMBISTTAET. Wellington Tuesday. The House mot at 2.30. Replying to questions Ministers sail enquiries would be made as to what steps wore being taken by Cattle Boards in reference to diseased cattle. Mr Mitcbolson moved tho second reading of tho Public Works Act Amendment Bill which was similar to tho measure introduced last session.—Mr McKenzie (Waihemo) thought the bill required considerable amendment, and indicated some change he desired to make in tho bill in committee. The chief of these was that local bodies should have the opportunity of testing whether it was desirable they should hand over roads to Government instead of having it forced on them.—Messrs Blake and Allen took the same exception. After discussion the motion was agreed to. Mr Mitchelson moved the second reading of the North Island Main Trunk Railway Loan Appropriation Act Amendment Bill, to provide for setting apart the sum of 6120,285 from North Island trunk loan for purchasing land along the railway, to bo devoted to tho purposes of primary education. —Mr Ballance supported the bill, but suggested five per cent, should be set apart for primary education, Instead of 21- por cent.— Messrs Buchanan, Izard, Wilson, Newman a.nd others also spoke in support of the bill. —Tho motion was agreed to. Tho House rose at 5.30. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Council mot at 2.30. The Land Transfer Bill was read a third time and passed. Tho Offences against the Persons Act was further considered in Committee, and reported with amendments. The amendment made by the House of Representatives in the Fire and Marine Insurance Companys Bill was not agreed to, and a committee was appointed to confer witii the committee of the House of Representatives. The Animals Protection Amendment Bill was agreed to, and reported with amendments. The Council rose at 5 till to-morrow.