PARLIAMENTARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 138, 12 August 1880, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, August 9. The House was occupied during the evening by another discussion on the railway management question, arising out of a motion by Mr. Moss for a conference of Provincial delegates to consider what system of local government was suited for the circumstances of the colony. In addition to railway management, in the discussion on which the battle of the “managers” was fought again by the various champions of the Commission and the officers, the work of the Railway Commissioners was once more overhauled, and the debate was adjourned at one o’clock in the morning. Tuesday, August 10. The debate on local government was resumed, after the transaction of some minor business.. Some members advocated a ‘ return to a modified system of Pi’ovincialism, others took occasion to generally attack Government, while Mr, Sheehan expressed an opinion that the abolition of provinces had been a failure, and half of the House's time was taken up in the discussion of parish business. The debate extended into the evening sitting, but had no result, and the House went into Committee of Supply, passing two classes of the Estimates, with several reductions, and rising at one o’clock. Wednesday, August 11. The House met at 11 o’clock, and went into Committee on the Counties Act Amedement Bill,

Mr. Sutton said the measure was paltry trifling with important subjects, on which comprehensive legislation was required. He moved that the Chairman leave the chair. The Hon. John Hall said he had no doubt the whole subject of local government would have to be considered at soma future time, but the present Bill was required to amend patent defects. The motion was negatived. The Bill was reported with amendments, read a third lime, and passed. Mr. Rolleston moved the second reading of the High Schools Reserve Bill. He stated it was based on a recommendation of the Royal Commission on Higher Education. Mr. Tole thought there was no necessity for the Bill. Mr. Hursthouse also hoped the Bill would not be allowed to pass. Mr. Rolleston stated that the proposal invoved the question of stoppage of secondary education in many districts. The House divided—Ayes, 40 ; Noes, 33. The Bill was read a second time. The Joint Stock Companies Act, 1860, Amendment Bill passed through Committee, and was reported, with amendments. Mr. Sheehan protested against the Committees being allowed to sit when the House was sitting. The House was just then almost empty, and if a division were called members would rush from Committee and vote without knowing very well what they were voting for. , Mi’. Hall said the House was not thinner than usual any evening after ten. The following were read a second time : —The Dogs Registration and the Brands and Branding Bills. Mr. Hall moved the second reading of the Fencing Bill. Mr. Swanson moved an amendment, that it be read that day six months. The House divided—ayes, 34 ; noes, 16. The Bill was read a second time. The Thames Water Supply Transfer Bill was passed through Committee, with amendments, read a third time, and passed. The House rose at 2 o’clock.