PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 916, 7 November 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

GENEIIAL ASSEMBLY. Wednrsdat, 29th October. Mr Moss gave notice of a motion to the effect that the honorarium payable to members he fixed by statute. The Government, it is believed, will not venture to give either of the four Auckland members the vacant portfolio, and it is suggested Mr Fulton will take it. It has been offered indirectly to several, but will most likely be kept open until the end ot the session.

It is believed that the Government feel secure, and that they will defer bringing the Liberal measures into operation. Mr Reader Wood is shunned by many members in consequence of a.i alleged betrayal of confidence by divulging private conversations with members of his party. The Licensing Laws Amendment Bill was read a second time.

Replying to questions it was stated that a bill would be introduced this session to regilate Chinese immigration On the motion of Mr Do Lautnur, it was agreed That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that a Commissioner should immediately bo appointed to classify Crown lands in the County of Maniototo, and that in the viemiries of Naseby, Hamilton, Hyde, and Biackstnne Hill, lands which may he class!tie 'as “ pastoral laud ” should l>e sold by auction, iu terms of the Land A3t, 1877, on pastoral deferred payments in sufficient and suitable areas 12 months before expiry of existing leases.” Mr Sutton moved that it is desirable the system of local self-government at present in existence should he extended.

The Government admitted it v.as absolutely necessary to place Counties and other local administrative bodies on a much more efficient footing than at present, and would undertake during the recess to give the whole matter careful consideration, and be prepared to bring down a measure next session.

The adjourned debate on the question that the gold duty be reduced one shilling per ounce, was resumed.

Mr Fyke moved an amendment that sixpence He substituted, and argued in support of the amendment that the reduction of one shilling would have the effect of crippling local revenues. On a division the amendment was carried on the voices by 39 to 18. • When the House goes into Committee on the Qualification of Electors Bill, Mr Montgomery intends to move an amendment-to the subsection of the second clause, to the effect that while 12 months 1 residence or possession for six months of a L 25 freehold should qu-dify the possessor for registration, no person should be registered for more than one electorate in the Colony. It is reported that the Government would not be averse to such an amendment if proposed, hut probably might accept it. It has been urged on the Government by members on both sides that all the remaind r of the business, excepting only essential provisions for .finance* should be postponed to a special session to, be held'about March or April 1

This is not approved of by friends of the Government, who say itis a trap instigated by the Opposition, and the Government intend carrying through their measures. The redistribution of representation prohably can only he dealt with in a provisional manner this session, by giving additional members to the most under-repre-sented districts.

The general opinion is that the session must be brought to a close about the first week of next month.