PARLIAMENTARY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1297, 24 July 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Friday, July 23. The Council met at 2 30 p.ra. LOCAL BODIES LOAN BILL

Dr Pollen brought up the report of the managers of both Houses on the dispute between the Chambers on the proposed amandine- ts in the Local Bodies Loan Bill. The report stated that no decision had been arrived at. THK UNEMPLOYED

Mr Buckley, replying to a question by Dr Meozies, said that Government was enquiring into the condition of the unemployed at Dunedin and Auckland, with a view to aff >rding relief.

STOATS AND WEASELS The debate on Mr Reeves’ motion recommending Government not to import stoats and weasels was continued. Sir Frederick Whitaker moved an amendment that Government be requested to import these animals. The Council divided, with the result that the amendment was carried and the motion lost. BILLS

The Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill was further considered in Committee. The Chairman ruled that the Bill being a money Bill could not be amended, and this ruling was upheld by the Speaker. Eventually progress was reported, leave Deiug given to sit again. The Companies Branch Registers Bill was re id a third time and passed. The Otago Harbor Board Leasing Bill was read a third time, and the Counties Bill was further considered. Several amendments were agreed to. Mr Barn'coat’s now clause that Chairmen of County Councils should receive £IOO per year out of county funds was lost on a division —ayes 10, noes 15 The Bill was reported with amendments, and the Council at 10 30 adjourned to Monday next. _

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, July 23 Ths House met at 2.30 p.m. government insurance

Mr Ormond b ought up the report of the Government Insuranos Committee, Major Atkinson asked whether the hou gentleman Intendod'taking any further action on it.

Mr Ortnoad srid he had no sach intention at present, but no doubt the Government would afford an opportunity for the discussion of the report, as the subject was one which required attention In reply to Mr Ormond, the Premier said that Government pr posed giving an opportun ty for discussing the report this session.

QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers stated that the.ques'ion of d fforential duty on dressed and undressed timer would have to be dealt with when the Customs tariff was again under conaideratioij ; that the Tarawera natives had been appoaohed with a view to ascertain whether they would be willing to exchange the land of the Terraces for a site in another part of the colony ; that country postmasters and telegraphists who had to keep their offices open between 7 and 8 pm. had not received ary gratuity last year as the extra duty was part of the regular duty of officers.

APJODRNMENT. The Premier moved House at Its rising adjournstill half-past two on Monday. The motion was agreed to. The House rose at 5 30 p.m

EVENING SITTING, PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS

On resuming it. was decided that private members’ business should be taken on Mondays np to 5 30 p.m. LOAN BILL.

Mr Fergus thou resumed the debate on the Loan Bill and attached the Public Works Policey of the Government. Major Atkinson twitted Ministers with sitting dumb under the accusations brought against them. He presumed they were waiting to bear all the speeches and smother them up in a cloud of words, but he would take care whatever they did say was answered. The Public Works Statement showed that the Treasurer and Premier had been given Mr Richardson contradictory orders. Where were the Railway Boards and other promised reforms ? Then Government had distinctly stated they preferred making railways to roads, but their actions had not borne oat their pledges. They said railways were reproductive, but what linos on the present schedule werejreproductlve. The i tact was many of them had no business

on Jt Regarding the purchase of native lands he denounced the return to the con mis.'loners system. There was grave reason to think political influence had been at work for oil? of the men thus employed was an and an avowed candidate at next election. .He then proceeded to deal with the question of the £BUO,OOU of liabilities. He suggested that as they I bad bought rolling stock, t?tc.. for themselves they should go a little further and buy tho earthworks sof railways in progress as well. He lidicnled the efforts of Government to get rid of thess liabilities, and argued that practically half the loan was already spent. It was impossli le to give efl’ot to the proposals without borrowing again next year. He arged that the Estimates should be cat down to a million. ■ Mr Richardson replied and Messrs ißuckland, Hobbs, and Kerr having spoken the debate was adjourned and the House j .tom at 1.30a,m. J