GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 213, 2 August 1878, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(FROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wbllikotow, Aug. 1,

A Bill forthe continuance of the Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth Reclamation and Akaroa Railway Trust was read a first time yesterday, and the second reading ordered for Wednesday next. The Bill is now in the hands of the printer. The principal provisions will be the continuance of the Trust as at present constituted, the Trust to have the power to construct the railway, or any portion thereof as may be approved by the Governor ; to reclaim any portion of the knd covered by high floods ; to sell any portion of the land or to raise money with the Governor's approval, by way of mortgage, or by debentures incurred on the land in the latter ; and, on the land mentioned in the tenth clause, at present not yet sold; with money so raised to construct drainage .works on any portion of the railway. If the Trust does not commence the works within the twelve months, the Governor may authorise a public company to construct the line of railway or a portion thereof, or the Governor may construct the railway. It is understood the Government will support the Bill, and it is probable it will pass the House of Representatives with some amendments.

The Treasurer will probably make his Financial Statement on Tuesday next, and it is understood the management of works will be put in a very comprehensive programme with regard to railways and public works in various parts of the country. There are no rumours of any political combinations. The Canterbury members will meet to-morrow, to consider matters affecting Canterbury, but the meeting witl have no political significance.