TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 696, 20 August 1875, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE.

—o— Wkluvotok, August 19. Mr Shepherd’s River Pollution Bill of two douses found inoperative to accomplish the desired effect, and was referred to the Solicitor General who drafted a new Bill of ten clauses, embodying the resolutions passed by the Provincial Council of 0 ago. In the meeting of Goldfields Committee this morning, Mr Pyke strongly supported, and the Committee unanimously adopted, the new Bill. It will now probably receive the assent of the Assembly. L 260 was paid by the General Government last year for drafting gold mining bills. Debate on abolition will continue all next week. The Government are determined to force the measure through this session. A large section of the Honse is favorable to remitting the question to constituencies. A large public meeting was held here last night, at which was passed a resolution in favor of abolition unanimously, but urging delay. It has just leaked out that the Otago runholders have combined, and are subscribing largely to a common fund to return their nominees at next general election. When the provinces are aholishod, the disposal of Crown lands, and the policy of the Waste Lands Board will be under the control and direction of the General Government. Tuesday, 12.10 p.m. Shepherd’s speech on Friday, supporting the Abolition of Provinces, is considered by the Wellington Press the best yet delivered on the Government side. Ho advocated the goldfields being thrown into shires, endowed with all gold revenue, and subsidised on rates, the same ss paid in Road Board districts; miners’ rights to qualify for votes. The Ministry have expressed their approval of the suggestion. Mr Shepherd strongly opposed the appointment of a Provincial Government agent. Tire Ministry will abandon that portion of the Bill, and a ministerial statement will be made to that effect.

In order to secure the pa-sing pf the Pollution Bill through tho Legii lativo Council, Mr Shepherd proved that compensation to holders of Riparian rights should be paid prior to tho passing of the Bill out of Provincial land fund. Tho Bill isjnow considered safe, and tho intrigues of J. C. Brown against it harmless.