PARLIAMENTARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 657, 8 June 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, June 7. RAILWAY TUNNELS. It was agreed that the Government be requested to make enquiries respecting the latest improvements in the ventilation of railway tunnels, with a view to improve ventilation of the tunnels on the New Zealand railways. WEST COAST REPORT. The debate on the Hon. Mr Hart’s motion as to the West Coast Commission report—“ That the Council should appoint a committee upon it,” was resumed by Colonel Whitmore, but the motion was withdrawn. FIRST READING. The Corrupt Practices Prevention, Act Amendment Bill was read a first time. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, June 7. The House met at 2.30 p.m. “HANSARD.” The report of the debates committee recommended the issue of a daily “Hansard,” or if not, that “ Hansard ” be issued four times weekly. The report was ordered to be considered to-morrow. QUESTIONS.

In reply to questions, it was stated : A vote would be asked for the purchase of diamond drills and rock boring appatus. These would be hired out to local bodies for use on easy terms, and the Government would enquire if these machines could be manufactured in the colony.— The Government did not see the necessity for the amendment of the Adulteration Prevention Act, by making provision for the sale of 21b and 41b loaves, as the' purchaser might, if he thought fit, demand that they should be weighed in his presence. As regarded fancy bread, they did not think it was possible to make any provision for testing their weight, as the name “fancy” itself implied they were all manner of weights. The Government thought, however, it might be advisable for the police to take cognisance occasionally, so as to provide for the better enforcement of the law.—lmmigration proposals making arrangements for the reestablishment of female emigration would be brought down.

FIRST READINGS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—Waikato Confiscated Lands (Mr Bryce) ; Repeal of Sharebrokers Act, 1871 (Mr Sheehan). ADULTERATION ACT. Mr Hutchison moved—“ That it is very desirable that the Adulteration Prevention Act of 1880 should be amended in the direction of making more stringent provisions to prevent the sale of adulterated articles of food and drink.”—Carried. WESTPORT COAL TRADE. Mr Munro moved—“ That a select committee be appointed to consider and report as to what action should be taken to improve the facilities for shipment at Westport, in order to fully develop the coal export trade of that port ; the committee to consist of Messrs Johnston, Macandrew, Fergus, Fish, Allwright, Wright, Lovcstam, Hutchison, Levin,, and the mover.”

SITTING DAYS. Mr George moved—“ That after Monday next the House sit on Monday evenings.” The Hon. Mr Eolleston opposed the motion, and the House divided. Ayes, 24; noes, 46. Motion negatived. The House adjourned at 5.30, and resumed at 7.30. EMPLOYERS LIABILITY BILL. Mr M. W. Green moved the second reading of the Employers Liability Bill.. It was based on the English Act of s 1880, adapted to the requirements, of the,,, colony. a ■* Mr Dargaville seconded the rnoliqp, stanoing two cases in Auckland men had 1 suffered through faulty rjjaqni-, nery, and got ho redness. 11 1

Mr Bathgate supported the measure. The Hon. Mr Rolleston supported the principle of the Bill, but suggested that ft should be referred to a Select Committee to consider the whole matter, to which the moVer assented. Mr Holmes would support the Bill with the amendment introduced that the workman’s own unskilfulness or negligence should relieve the employer. After some slight discussion, the Bill was referred to a committee. DISTRESS AMENDMENT BILL. Mr Holmes moved the second reading of the Distress Amendment Bill. The Bill was designed to protect the goods and chattels of persons found on the premises of other than the tenant from being distrained upon for rent. There was also a clause enacting that property to the extent of L 26 belonging to the debtor could not be distrained upon ; the latter enactment extending a provision of the kind contained in the Debtors and Creditors Act. Mr Shrimski opposed the Bill. Mr DeLatour moved as an amendment —“ That it is desirable the Bill should be withdrawn, and the Government be requested to introduce a Bill similar to that of last session for the total abolition of distraint for rent.”

Mr Pyke said the Bill did not go far enough, and he would support the amendment.

The Hon. Mr Dick said the Government had not yet made up its mind to bring in a Bill similar to that of last year. > The House-divided on the original motion. Ayes, 61; noes, 33. On the question that the Bill be now read a second time, Mr Shrimski called for a division. Ayes, 42; noes, 21. Bill read a second time, and ordered to be committed this day fortnight. EVIDENCE AMENDMENT BILL.

Mr Hutchison moved the second reading of the Evidence Amendment Bill The motion was carried on the voices, and the Bill was ordered to be committed that day week. THE EIGHT HOURS BILL. The House went into committee on the Eight Hours Bill Several amendments were proposed, none of which were carried, and at 1.40 a motion to report progress, moved by Mr Fergus, was carried on a division by 26 to 20, and the House rote.