GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 613, 30 May 1882, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, May 25. handcuff- m prisoners. In reply to Mr Levestam, The Hon Mr Bryce said that the case of the police handcuffing unresis'ing citizens apprehended for a breach of the Gaming and Loiteiies Act was that of Coiiiitmen, and as a rush was made at the time the handcuffing was resoi.ed to for the purpose of securing their identity. In the other case under the same Act it was a test case, and the police thought it advisable to consult the law offices before instituting proceedings. education act. Replying to Mr Stewart, The Hon Mr Dick said it was not the intention of Government to introduce any amendment of the Education Act this session. B&miilßCl iX{ LAWS. Replying to Mr Levin, The Hon Mr Dick said a joint committee of both Houses to consider the bankruptcy laws would be moved for, and the Government would on receiving their suggestions bo prepared to frame an amended Bill. DIRECT fcTGAM COMMLiSIC ATION. Replying to Mr Macandrew, Tbe Hon Mr Johnston said that Government would make proposals during the session for the establishment of direct Bi.eam communication with England. ADJOORNIiBNT. Mr Macandrew moved—"That during the present session of the House any busi - nees trader consideration of -the House at half-paattwelve o'clock a.m. shall be adjourned by the! Speaker without any question bemg put. If at that hour the House be in commiifee, the Chairman, without any question being put, shall repon the same to the Speaker, who Bhall forthwith adjomn the business without puiiing any question, and the business bo interrupted to be put on the Order Paper for nest day, in accordance with tha Standing Orders affecting other interrupted business." MajoF Atkinson objected, contending that it would place the power of obstruction in ihe hands of a few, and thereby prevent the business going on. He moved as an amendment—'* That the whole question be referred to the Standing Orders Conimi.'tee." Mr Sheehan contended that it would be a gross injustice to private members and their Bills, if the motion passed. It wonld be much better to leave the hours to the good taste of the House. The bulk of the members were anxious to get through the work as fast as possible, and if they restiioted the Bitting hours, that object would be fustrated. After further debate, Mr Macandrew accepted the amendment, which was agreed to. licensing Aor. Replying to Mr Seddon, The Hon Mr Dick said it was intended toinfioduce an amendment of the Licensing Act of last session in order to render its operaiion more oft'ective, and smooth difficulties which had arisen.

G AMINO AND LOTTERIES ACT. _ Mr Stewart gave notice of a Bill to amend the G-aming and Lotteries Act. Mr McDonald gave notice of a Bill for the repeal of the Gaming and Lotteries Act. Friday, May 26. cobkoi'i' trac .'ices act. Mr Wynn Williams brought up the repo,t of' the Scclect Committee on the 'Cor-upt Practices Act. Mr Macand'-ew asked what bearing the lepo.i; would exercise on the Stanmore election. Mr Wynn Williams replied that the Oder of jefeence contained nothing that would enable them to deal with that particular case. He thought the House was quite prepared to deai w'th it by special legisldion. He moved the adoption of the report, which was put and carried, with addition that effect should be given to it by legislation. QUESTIONS. Replying to Me J. McKenzie, Tho Hon Mr Rolleston said the Government proposed ceifain alterations in the Land Act, but these did not go in the direciion of (1) having the Waste Lands Boards elected in place of nominated ; (2) the ballot system introduced in disposing of defei>ed payment lands in place of the auction system ; (3) the introduction of provisions limbing the area that can be held or occupied by one person or company on pastoral lease. Replying to Mr Fish, Tbe Hon Mr Dick said, if the business of the sersion permitted, a Bill would be brought in this session to extend the franchise in the direction of giv ; ng a vole to leaseholders. Replying to Mr Fish, The Hon Mr Dick said the Government had no intention of aliening or amendip" the Gaming and Lotteries Act. 1881, nnd one member had tabled a no,ice in ihat direciion, so that any alteration deemed necessary could then be consideied. peace preservation btll. In moving the second reading Mr Bryce made a most exhaus.ive speech. Sir Geo. Gray followed and complemen.ed Mr Biyce, astonishing the Opposition by assenting to the necessity of ca-.ying out Mr Bryce's policy. Other members followed and the House adjourned at 12.5 p.m.