HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3755, 28 July 1883, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday. The House met at 2.30 p.m. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers said the Government would not in any way assist increased Chinese immigration, but would willingly give tho Chinese already in colony facilities to move from one part to another; the Government were trying to arrange a parcel post by direct steamers from England ; Hie Government would not give any" facilities to a bill to repeal the Triennial Parliaments Act; the Government would give instructions to reserve a uniform system of assessing and collecting tlie duty cm native lands; the Government would push lon the tracks from Marton and AYanganui towards opening up tho interior; to join tho postal union would involve tho colony in too heavy a loss. NEW DILLS. The Property Tux Bill (Atkinson) and the Leaseholder's Qualification Bill (Dick) were introduced and read a first time. BILLS PASSED. The Federation and Annexation Bill, the Fugitive Offender's Jurisdiction Bill, the Trustees Bill, thoMurihiku Native Reserves Bill, and tho Taiarmutu Native Commonge j Bills were passed through all their remaining stages.

BANKRUPTCY BILL. The Houso went into committee on tho Bankruptcy Bill, when, in reference to the amendment carried on the previous night, Mr Connolly said he would not allow wages to bo a first charge, as they might absorb the whole of tho assets, and so throw the costs on tho State. Ho would purpose the recommittal of the clause, making tho sosts a first charge, wages second, and piece-work third. This was carried by 41 to 16. Soveral other amendments were made, and the bill was reported as amended. BILLS OF EXCIIAJJOE HILL. In committee on tho Bills of Exchange Bill, a long discussion took place, and various amendments were made. Mr DeLautour proposed a new clause, that notes or bills given by an aboriginal native should bo void unless bearing proof on their face of having been properly interpreted, and that the signer fully understood his liability. Mr Shcchan thought this ought also to apply to cheques given by natives. Progress was reported to enable Mr Connolly to frame a suitable clause. ATTIRMATION3 AND DECLARATIONS BILL. In committee on tho Affirmations and Declarations Bill, Mr Mason moved a clause altogether abolishing and forbidding oaths in all judicial proceedings. This was carried by -it to 21. Mr Turnbull strongly objected to the total abolition of oaths in judicial proceedings, and moved to report progress, but the motion was lost by ">L to It. The bill was amended in accordance with the decision on Mr Mason's motion, and reportod as amended. The House rose at 12.25.