Parliament.

Western Star, Issue 1385, 31 August 1889, Page 2

Parliament.

The Tuapeka Times declares that it has excellent authority for saying that Mr Pyke is to be called to the Upper House. Considerable opposition was shown on Monday night to the Native Land Act Amendment Bill, which had already passed the Legislative Council, but as the Minister promised to refer it to the Native Affairs Committee, the second reading was allowed to pass without a division. Smarting under the defeat of the Otago Central Railway Bill, Mr Pyke has given notice of motion—" That this House has no confidence in the Leader of the Opposition" The Speaker said he could not undertake that the question would appear on the Order Paper. The famous Christie petition has been (says the Otago Times correspondent) reported on by the Public Petitions Committee. It will be remembered that the petitioner accused Mr District Judge Ward of perversion of judgment in sentencing him to imprisonment for fraudulent bankruptcy, and prayed that steps might be taken to ensure the proper administration of justice in the District Court of Oamaru and Timaru. The committee report "that, after careful consideration of the evidence laid before it, consisting of the judge's notes, the letters put in as exhibits, the Colonial Investment and Agency Company's statement of account and the petitioner's statement of assets and liabilities, the committee is of opinion that justice has been properly administered in the petitioners case by Judge Ward," It was stated that

there was a strongly expressed desire on the part of several members to report that the committee regretted that owing to a mistake in the warrant of commitment Christie escaped punishment. I understand nothing was moved in this direction, as it was apparent that the majority were averse to giving any expression of opinion on that point. LATEST PARLIAMENTARY. "WELLT]s'GTOiS T , Friday. The House met at 2.30. Replying to questions the Minister of Lauds said any explanation of the lottery system in use in disposing of Crown lands would occupy him some time. Many people put in applications on behalf of themselves and members of their families. Under ihe ballot system a deposit was necessary. It was not true that people had to go away because there was no land available—Mr Marchant moved the adjournment of the House. Iu his opinion a reform in land laws wa* urgently required.—Major Steward spoke strongly in the same strain, and thought the House should sit if necessary two months longer in order to amend the law and remove abuses which existed.—Capt. Russell the survey staff should be increased so that facilities might be given for obtaining land.—A lengthy discussion followed, the Minister of Lands speaking, when the debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Council met at 2.30 p m. Mr McLean gave notice to introduce a bill providing for better election of school committees. Mr Walker gave notice to introduce a registration act. The Chattels Transfer Bill and Slaughterhouses Act Amendment Bill were read a first time. The Chinese Immigrants ActAmendment Act Continuance Bill was passed. The Council rose at 3.30 till Tuesday.