PARLIAMENTARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1272, 24 June 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wednesday, June 23. THE CONDUCE OF XHB COLONY. Mr Hart’s mod >n, having for its object the appointment of a select Committee to enquire into the condition of the colony, the debate on which was Interrupted yesterday, was carried on a division.— Ayes 22, noes 12. BILLS. The following Bills were read a first time.—Harbors Act Amendment, Mining Companys, and Gold Duty Reduction. The Post-office Aot Amendment Bill was read a second time.

The second reading of the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill, after debate was agreed to. Mr Buckley moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporations Bill, which was agreed to.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2 30 p.m. RAILWAY FINES Replying to questions it was stated that it was proposed to devote the fines of railway employees to a general fund to be formed for that purpose. CRIMINAL CODE BILL The second’ reading of the Criminal Code Bill, was, after debate, agreed to on the voices.

COAL MINES BILL. The Honse was occupied in Committee on the Coal Mines Bill until the 6.30. adjournment. EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed at 7. 30 p.m. THE NEW HEBRIDES. The adjourned debate on Hebrides was proposed to be then taken, bat some opposition was shown on account of the thin House.

The Premier said the Agent-General had cabled asking for instructions. Tha House divided, Ayes, 39 ; noes, 20.

The Premier then said a request had been received from Sir George Grey, who was unwell, to postpone the debate, and under tbe circumstances be would not persist in going on with it.

LOCAL BODIES LOAN BILL. On the motion for going into Committee on the Local Bodies Loan Bill Captain Sutter and M-tjor Atkinson objected to tbe proposals to give power to borrow for school buildings. Mr J. W. Thomson considered tbe Loan Bill a new departure and it waa not altogether in a satisfactory direction. Dr Newman spoke in terms of general condemnation, es ecially of the proposal to lend the education boards sixty thousand pounds a year. Mr Rolleston spoke against It, and Mr . Turnbull thought they might as well give the money direct or else rate the districts for buildings. Mr Ormond said tbe proposal would strike a blow at the cause of Education. He also objected to the exemption proposed in the bUI. Mr Beetham thought it would be better to reduce the education estimate than pass the clause. Country districts wonld suffer by it. * Mr Hamlin thought the Government might as well say at ones that the education system had broken down, and looked the situation in the face. The Education Act was being supported by their proposals. Mr Montgomery was opposed to obtaining money for school buildings by reducing tbe capitation allowance. Be advised Sir Julius Vogel to withdraw the obnoxious danse.

Mr Fergus 'said tbe time must come when the maintenance of school building! wonld devolve on the boards, but before that justice demanded that every district shou'd be provided with schools Sir Julius Vogel in replying said that the exceptions were necessary to prevent the Government both lending the money and having to pay some of the interest too. They wonld confer with a deputation of members on the subject of education buildings, and not press the clause at present in view of the opposition exhibited Tbe propr sals did not impose a heavy burden on education boards, and members nardly realised the meaning of the clauses proposed. The House went into committee, and immediately reported progress, rising at 12.40 p.m.