PARLIAMENTARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 644, 24 May 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, May 23. QUESTIONS. In answer to questions, The Hon. Mr Whitaker said ho would enquire what legislation there is in other countries regarding the employment of children in theatres, and if necessary would then introduce a Bill on the subject. —The Bills recommended by the Judicacuro Commission to simplify the procedure in the Law Courts, were now being printed, and would bo introduced as early as possible. TUB REBEL CHIEFS. The Hon. Mr P. Buckley asked by what authority To Whiti and Tohu had been allowed to go sight-seeing ; also, by what authority they wore now detained. Tim Hon. Mr Whitaker said there was no law either allowing or prohibiting them from being allowed to go sight-seeing, and that they were now imprisoned under the authority of the warrant of the Bench who committed them. The Hon. Mr Buckley said he would recur to aud speak on the question at the first opportunity. AFFIRMATIONS. The Hen. Mr Whitaker gave notice to introduce a Bill to allow affirmations and declarations in lieu of oaths.

REPLY TO THE ADDRESS. The Address in Reply was brought up by the committee appointed, and Mr Lahtnan gave notice to move it on Thursday. tHb vagrant act. The Hon. Col Brett gave notice of a Bill to amend the Vagrant Act. THE DUBX.IN MURDERS. The Hon. Co!. Brott also gave notice to move the sending of an address to the Secretary for the Colonies re the Phoenix Park murders.

THE LATE PERSONATION CASE. The Hon. Mr PharaZyn said he had petitioned the Minister of Justice for a free pardon from the disabilities he had incurred, but it could not be granted, and therefore he intended to move with the same object in Parliament. The Council at 3.10 p.m. adjourned till 2.30 p. in. on Thursday.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, May 19. The House met at 2.30 p.m. NEW MEMBERS. A number of new members wore sworn in. BILLS. The following Bills were given notice of:— Mr Levestam—For the further protection of life and property from accident by lire. Mr Holmes—To amend the Debtors and Creditors Act; to amend the Resident Magistrates Act. NOTICES OF MOTION. The following notices were given:— Mr Macandrew That the Speaker leave the chair without question put at 12.30 a.m. during the session, so that the House may adjourn not later than that hour.

Major Atkinson gave notice that on Thursday he would move—“ That Mr W. J. Hurst bo elected Chairman of Committees of the whole House.”

QUESTIONS. The following questions were given notice of: — Mr Hutchison—To ask if the attention of Government had been called to an article published in the Auckland Evening Star of February 4th last, entitled “Taranaki Land Jobbery,”

Mr Bracken —To ask if the attention of the Government had been directed to the report of an inquest on the body of Joseph Russell at Dunedin, and to the remarks made by the coroner at said inquest, and if they considered the coronership is in proper hands there. Mr Hutchison—To ask if the Government will be prepared to amend the Seamens Act of 1877, as recommended by the House in August last. THE CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT.

Major Atkinson moved, without notice that a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into and report whether or not the penalties provided forj by sections 17 and 18 of the Corrupt Practices Act were unreasonably severe, and whether or not it was advisable that the law should be altered and amended, and in that respect to report on Friday. He intended to defer moving for the new Stanmore writ till the committee reported. Carried.

first headings. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—To Define and Regulate the Hours of Labor in New Zealand (Mr W. Green) ; Indemnity Bill (Mr Bryce); to Extend and Regulate the Liability of Employers to make Compensation for Personal Injuries Suffered by Workmen in their Service (Mr W. Green); West Coast Peace Preservation Bill (Mr Bryce) ; to Amend the Law Relating to Distress (Mr Holmes) ; to Regulate the Admission of Persons to Practice in the Courts of Law ; to Further Enable Affirmations to be taken in Lieu of Oaths ; to Enable the People of New Zealand peaceably to make Changes in their Constitution whenever they may think it necessary so to do ; to Afford Relief under certain circumstances to Deferred Payment Settlers (Sir George Grey) ; to Regulate the Liability of Consumers of Gas in New Zealand ; to amend the Law of Evidence (Mr Hutchinson) ; the Auckland Harbor Board Empowering Bill (Mr Swanson). address in reply.

Mr Peacock moved a respectful Address in Reply to the Governor’s speech. Seconded by Mr Rutherford.

Mr Joyce moved, as an amendment, that there should be added to the motion —“ That the Governor be informed that in the opinion of this House it is desirable that the Premier should be a member of the representative branch of the Legislature. ”

Mr Feld wick seconded without remarks. The amendment was lost on the voices, .and the original motion was carried. On the question for the appointment of a committee to prepare the Address, the debate was, on the motion of Mr J. 0. Brown, adjourned to Thursday. Mr Montgomery said several members still wished to speak on the question. ADDRESS TO THE QUEEN. Sir George Grey gave notice of a motion that an address be adopted to her Majesty congratulating her on her escape from assassination.

At 12 10 the House rose till 2.30 on Thursday.