THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 15, 9 August 1873, Page 9

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

July 30 to August 5. In reply to a question, Mr Vo<;el stated that the assertion recently telegraphed, to the effect that Mr Russell had made arrangements at Washington for a new Californian mail service, was not correct ; but that if the other Colonies liked to join New Zealand in the matter, it was probable that a satisfactory contract could be arranged. Mr Steward moved the second reading of the Justicas Disqualification Bill, the object of which is to prevent justices from sitting on licensing benches. After considerable discussion, during which 1 the opinions were expressed that insolvency should disqualify justioes, that the Bill be so amended as only to disqualify publicans from sitting- on licensing daj, and that if publicans were disqualified, wholesale merchants should be disqualified. Mr Brandon thought the appointment of Magistrates should rest with the Superintendents. Mr Fitzherbert ] thought the appointment of Justices should vest with Ministers, under -the advice of the Superintendents. The Bill was read a second time. Mr Johnston urged the Government to publish the correspondence relative to the terms upon which the Bank of New Zealand negotiated the half-million of debentures in Australia. The rate oi .exchange paid was excessive, and should not have been paid. As a taxpayer, he felt he had been plundered.— The printing of the correspondence was agreed to. In reply toMrWakefield, MrM'Lean said the Native members of the executive attended the Cabinet only when Native questions were under discussion. Their advice and services had been useful and the experiment had proved very successful. The Juvenile Offenders Bill, after being stiongiy denounced from all tides of the House was thrown out on the voices. Mr S'eward moved that a Select Committee be appointed to report on the condition of the Volunteer force, with the view of amending the Militia and Volunteer Regulations. Mr Stafford said ■the Volunteers of the Middle Island were mere shooting clubs. Motion passed. Committee to include a Committee of the Upper House. In reply to Mr Sheehan, Mr Vogel stated that the Government had no intention of amending the Mining Companies Act of last year. On, a question by Mr Sheehan, Mr Vogel said the Government did not admit the necessity for a discussion of their Native Policy, and therefore, had no intention to submit the question of their Native Policy to the House. Certain measures regarding Native matters would be introduced, and Mr Sheehau«ould then take action. In reply to Mr Tribe, Mr Vogel said the Government had no in!' nt ion to increase the vote for water supply to the goldfislds to shalf a million. The Cable' Subsidy Agreement Ratification Bill was committed. Mr Stafford objected to the Bill as it did not compel the contractors to keep the cable open between New Zealand and Australia. Mr Vogel said the sixth clause provided fit such a case. The Bill waß reported to the House without amendment. After the Provincial Powers Bill had been condemned as narrow, technical, and pettifogging, progress was reported to allow of a better Bill being framed. Mr Vogel stated that the total cost of the telegraph, cable from Singapore to New Zealand (Australia ?) would be LIjQOO.OOO. Tho cable between New Zealand and Australia would cost L 400,000. Oorespondence relative to a Suez mail service was produced. Mr Parker, Sydney, wrote that, in reference to the contract made by New South Wales for a line of steam mail packets between Sydney and Sau Fraiiciaoo, the Sydney Government have decided to withdraw from the position of seeking the co-operation of other Colonies, and to ■throw the service open for the conveyance of letters to and from Australia and New Zealand for postage charges only. Also, that the Sydney Government had secured to it a choieo between a mail delivery •calculated at 45 days, and one at 40 days, to and from Liverpool, and that a c&ntract had been closed for a service at the rate of twelve knots per liour, for 6000 hours, between Sydney and San Francisco. The new boats of the line, built .expressly for the service, will commence running from Sydney to San Francisco about the middle of next year ; but the Government is prepared to start an interim service, though uofc of equal speed, in January next. The only arrangement necessary on the part of New Zealand to receive the lull advantages of the service will be the employment of a fast steamer between Eandavu and New Zealand ports. Mr Vogel read an extract from a telegram from the Agent- General to tho effect tl.at immigration is in a promising state. 3200 immierants left in June. Mr Bradehaw introduced a Bill to make provision with regard-to •the employment of females in wori rooms and factories.

Amendments will be moved extending the Bill ft> boys in flatmUl* — The Bill was read a first time. Mr Vogel explained the provisions of the Education Bill to be permissive in their character. The control of education' ? in*ftfters r m each district would be regulated by a School Board elected by the School Committees. There were four kinds of rates— a uniform rate on the capital value of property, and an annual value rate on'adults. Religious education was provided for but only at end or commencement of school ; at least four hours* secular education were provided for. The choice aa to religious education was left in the hands of parents and guardians. This permissive system would utiiiinately develope into a general system for the Colony. The differences of the regulations were not at present reconcileable.