FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 222, 11 October 1878, Page 3

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4.

| In the Legislative Council — The Hon. R. Campbell explained that the Hon. W. Robinson had requested him not to move the resolution to rescind the fine of LSO imposed upon him for contempt. The Hon. Dr Pollen, on the second reading of the Electoral Bil, complained that no statistics had been given of the measure. He quoted figures to show that the effect of the Bill would be to diminish the number of voters. In Victoria, under manhood suffrage, with double the number of population, the number of votes was only double the present New Zealand roll. The Maori franchise was only an afterthought, introduced on the spur of the moment. The Maoris neither asked nor wished for it, and only wanted increased special representation, as the Hon. Ngatata had said. The names of the Maoris on the Bay of Island roll were forgeries. The Hon. J. N. Wilson thought a man who was fit to act on a Jury was fit to give a vote. The Maoris and Europeans should have the same laws. Special representation would be considered later. Legislation in the past had been in favour . of minorities. The Hon. R. Hart opposed the Bill, on the ground of the evil that had arisen from manhood suffrage in other countries. The debate was adjourned till Tuesday next. In the House of Representatives — Mr Wason asked when the Government would give effect to a promise given by the Minister of Public Works, on the . withdrawal of the Mines Registration Bill, that he would bring " The Mines Regulation Act, 1874," into general operation 1 The Hon. J. Macandrew said that one mining district was averse to it. The Government had, however, taken the matter into consideration. Mr O'Rorke gave notice to introduce a Bill to equalise licensing fees for publicans throughout the Colony. On the first Order of the Day (Beer Duty Bill) being called on, the Premier made a formal statement to the effect that in consequence of what occurred at last sitting he was satisfied, himself, after enquiry, that a feeling prevailed among hon. members, who had in the most friendly and considerate manner supported the Government during the session, adverse to two of their Bills which stood first on the Order Paper. There was also a feeling in the minds of himself and colleagues that led them to doubt whether it would be practicable to pass those two Bills in such a form as to render them useful measures. Therefore the Government had determined to withdraw those two Bills, and proceed with other measures. The result would certainly be some embarrassment to the Colonial Treasurer, and the Government, in view of this, would make a statement to the House as to the mode in which they proposed to meet this embarrassment. After a long discussion,, the debate was adjourned.