Parliamentary.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1003, 8 July 1881, Page 2

Parliamentary.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Leave was granted to Sir George Grey, on Juno 30, to introduce a bill providing for the establishment of a bettor system of local self-government. The bill was read a first time, and on a motion that its second reading be fixed for July 13, Sir George Grey explained that he had purposely fixed on a distant date as ho was anxious to afford the Government an opportunity for stating what they proposed doing in the matter, a promise having been given that they intended taking action in regard to it. In reply to a question put by the Premier, SirG. Grey said he would lay the draft on the table so soon as ho was informed what the Government financial proposals were to consist of. Sir W. Pox argued that as the date fixed for the second reading was an exceptionally distant one, it was only fair to the House that members should have an opportunity for perusing the measure at as early a date as possible. The Hon. Mr Rolleston asked the Speaker whether notice having been given, and the bill read a first time, it was not before the House, and os such members ought to have access to its contents. The Speaker replied that the rule was that so soon as the drafts were handed to the Clerk they were printed and put into circulation. That was the usual course, and he saw no reason why the usual rule should be departed from. MISCELLANEOUS. It is rumored that Ministers have decided that in the coming Estimates they will set down all salaries now above L2OO per annum at a lower amount by 10 per cent, than at present ; hut that salaries under L2OO will not be touched. This report has created considerable stir in the “big building,” especially among officers just over the standard ; hut nothing is yet definitely settled. Mr Bunny stated in the House on Tuesday that the election expenses of himself, colleague, and one opp meet were L 1,300, whilst the expenses of one member for Wellington came to LBOO. On June 30, the report on the Otago Bible-in-Schools Association petition was introduced, refusing to recommend the prayer thereof. The second reading of the Chinese Immigrants’ Bill on Wednesday in the Legislative Council was carried by 13 votes to 10.

In reply to the Hon. Mr Waterhouse, who asked if the Government intende I to compel all Counties to enforce clause 6 of the Dog Act, the Hon. Mr Whitaker said that it opened the large question of tiio liability of the Government to enforce all Acts—a question winch Government were considering, and when they arrived at a decision he would give a definite rep'y.

Replying to Mr Murray, the Hon Mr Dick saiil the Government were taken steps to provide facilities for free vaccination and re-vaccination of grown persons. Mr Wakefield's name is again mentioned in connection with the vacant portfolio.

Mr Reader Wood says he will not take office. It is generally believed he is merely coquetting, and biding his time.

Sir George Grey has given notice tnat ha •will introduce n m -asure to further enable affirmations to be taken in lieu of oaths.

Members privately are beginning to put inquisitive questions to Ministers with respect to the boundaries of electoral districts under the proposed Registration Bill.

The report ot the Strath Taieri Railway Commissioners is circulated iu pamphlet form among members. Mr Macandrew has presented a petition from Mr W. A. Mosley, a settler at Inehclutha, in which Mr Mosley asks for compensation for damages to his property caused by floods, and the loss of three years’ income from same by, it was alleged, the Clutha Railway Bridge being so constructed as r,o divert the water on to his property. Mr J. C Brown has given notice of motion for a return of papers, telegrams, and other correspondence on the removal of the Post and Telegraph office from Waitahuna.

Iu the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sir George Grey gave notice of a hill to secure that no elector should vote at any general election more than one electorate. The Treasurer gave Mr Shrimski no hope that Government would help the Kakauui Harhor Board iu an endeavour to borrow LBOOO for the improvement of the harbor. The Postmaster-General introduced the Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, which, after a good deal of discussion was finally agreed to be read a second on Friday. Then the House went into Committee for the further consideration of the Regulation of Elections Bill. Mr George moved an addition to the effect that members on being called to join the Ministry should go back to their constituencies tor re-election, and a debate ensued ; but the proposed addition, which the Government would not accept, was lost by 36 to 14. A new clause was inserted in the bill iu place of that deleted on Mr Saunders’ motion (relative to written nominations by 10 electors aud accompanied by a LlO deposit). The bill as it now stands provides for nominations being made in the old familiar way—uamely, by a proposer and seconder at a public gathering for the purpose, with the show of hands,etc. Shortly after 9 p.m. the House rose.