HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1688, 15 October 1887, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. NOTICES. Oolonel Fraaer gave notice of a bill to amend the Representation Act. Mr Reeves (St. Albans) gave notice to ask the Piemier if he proposed to take ■tepa to federate New Zealand to the Australian .colonies. Mr Fitzherbert gave notice to ask the Minister of Public Works if he intends this session to take action m the direction of placing the railways under non- political boards, QTJE6TIONB. Replying to questions it was stated that tbe House would be Informed of whether the Government proposed to have a New Zealand court at the Melbourne Exhibi- j tlon ; that daily return railway tickets could not be granted from and to nil stations without farther consideration j that It was Intended to reduce the rent for railway sidings ; that the Naval and Military Settlers and Volunteers Land Bill would be introduced this Bession ; that It was Intended to put Mines under the control of the Minister of Lands, as It would entail less cost ; that the Government would consider the advisability of burning firewood m locomotives on Government lines m bash districts ; that the Land Transfer Act woald be amended In relation to the power of distress given to mortgagees ; that enquiries were being made whether tbe future Governor of New Zealand could be elected by the colonists ; that if it were possible to relieve gaol warders of the duty of flogging prisoners it would be done ; that the question of letting working men travel en the railways at reduced rates would be considered ; that Forwood, the absconding solicitor from Auckland, would be brought back from Melbourne as soon as poa9ible. ADJOURNMENT. The Premier moved that the House at its rising adjourn till Friday, 28 ;h iust, at 7.30 p m. Sir Julius Yogel strongly opposed the adjournment, end said that Buch a thing had never occurred as to stop all the business of tbe House because the Treasurer wished to prepare hia Financial Statement, He should not, however, divide the House on the question. A lengthy discussion followed, and the motion was eventually carried on the rolces. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. NEW BILLS Mr Pyke introduced the Otago Central Railway Extension and Construction Bill. BILLS PASBED. A resolution reported from tbe Committee of Supply granting an IrLpreßt Supply Bill for £150,000 was agreed to, and the Imprest Supply Bill was passed through all its stages. The Public Revenues Bill, to authorise the issue of deficiency bills to the amount of £50,000, was also passed through all its stages. NOTICES OP MOTION. Several notices of motion were agreed to. THE WESTFOBT HAKBOB BOABD. Mr O'Oonor moved that there be laid before the House all papers connected with the Westport Harbor Board from its inception to date. Major Atkinson had no objection to the motion, but said this board wa3 In a very unsatisfactory position, and he Intended to ask for a committee to inquire into the whole matter. The motion was agreed to, and the House rose at 8 p.m.