LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1736, 15 December 1887, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wednesday, DEOEjtBBa 14. The Council met at 2.30 p m. MOKAU COAL COMPANY. Mr Richmond presented a petition from Ihe Mokaa Ooal Company complaining of tbe decision of tha Chief Jadge of the Native Land Court, Sa whici the Company was conoarnetJ. LEAVE OB ABSE3TOE. Leave o absence was granted to Dc Pollen foe tbe remainder of the session. PETITIONS The Public Petitions Committee leported unfavorably against the following petitions :— Those signed by pereona praying that Bible rending la State schools be a'lowed ; petitions from seamen asking for relief under tbe Representation Act; petitions from t'ae Primate and Bishops and numerous Catholics of Wellington, all praying foe sa amendment of the Education Act. FIRST BEADINTs. ' The Land Aot Amendment Bill, And Ohrlstohuroh Hospital BHJi were read a firßl time. MAIL CONTRACT. Bir Frederick Whitakor, replying to Dr Menzles. said that Government, In considering the new mall oontraot, would consider every proposed route before coming to a conclusion. ViUvn,Baß. Mr Taiaroa spoka to a question of privilege, and m doing so referred to the Parliamentary report of the proceedings of the House In the "New Zealand Times" that day m -which Mr Samuel drew the attention of the Government to the faot that certaim members of the Council had forfeited their seats owing to having been absent daring the whole of a session without leave The Speaker ruled! that It was nob oompetent for Councillors to refer, to reports of proceedings m another place. NATIVE LANDS REPEAL BILL. The Native Lands Repeal Bill was committed, The Oounoll adjourned at 7.30 p.m, " The Oounoll resumed at 7.30. BILLS. The Native Land Courts Bill and Maori Real Estate Management Bills were reported with nlight amendments. ' Mr Stevens moved the second reading of tbe Government TGoana to Local Bodies Amendment Bill, Mr Waterhonse moved as an amend' ment that the Bill ba read that day dix months. After discussion, Mr Waterhouse's amendment was lost, and the BUI ordered to be committed next day. The Local Bodies Loan BUI, on the motion of Mr Stevenß for the second reading, waa rejautod on an amendment by Mr Valentine that the Bill be read that day six months. The Representation Bill was committed, reported with amendments, and passed its final stages. The Wellington College and Girls' High School Bill was lost on m amendment that it be read that day six months. The Coanoil adjourned at 11,30 to next day.