THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Evening Star, Issue 3549, 8 July 1874, Page 2

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[Br Telegraph.]

__ _ ~ . Wellington, July 7. Mr Reynolds, in reply to Mr O’Neill, regarding the reduction of duty on Australian wines, said that this Colony only received one definite reply, from Tasmania/to the circular regarding reciprocity which had been sent to all thq Australian Colonies. In the meantime, it was impossible to take anil action until the question of reciprocity had been settled*

The Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Bill was rtad a second time—the Government intimatmg that sufficient time would be riven to membeni to consider its provisions before the third reading. !n the Legislative Council to-day the usual Sessional Committee was appointed. Mr Robert Campbell gave notice of his intention to-morrow to move an address in reply to bis Excellency’s speech. The following Bills were read a first time -—ln speotion and Regulation of Machinery • Offences against the Person ; Amendment of Jiwtwes of the Peace Amendment Act. Mr Waterhouse suggested that at the commencement of the session, Bills should be in the hands of members at least a week before the second reading. This was agreed to in the ease of the three Bills read

(From our own Correspondent.) Mr Shepherd has tabled for to morrow a motion asking leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Otago Waste Land Act It merely amends technicalities in the existing Act, and is likely to bo opposed on the Rdi lt * k ° uld haTe been introduced

the . HoUM nieetmg to-day, Mr Curtis. . natic « of intention to introduce aßill giving power to Nelson to borrow 1,250,000, to be charged against the revenues of the Province. 8 g W *J. r U intendßlo Mk if the Government haye taken any steps tp investigate the qharges made against Judge Chapman TnH° Ut w Be f m asserted to be from Judge Ward, published in the ‘ Otago Dailv limes; also, for the production Xll KglSto!* I ' B '^ o “ d - Jdwor totoo?tt “ 4 * Mr

Mr Steward asks if the Government intend introducing a Bill dealing with agrarian rights; In reply te Mr Shepherd, the Government ■aid they would not introduce a Gold Mining Bill, but Would give Mr Shepherd an opportunity of moving his. The Hon. Mr V\ aterhonse takes charge of the Deceased Wife’s Sister’s Marriage Bill. The report that our Government is anxious to re-ship the Asia’s immigrants is correct. In the Parliamentary Papers appears a telegram, dated June 4, from Mr Macandrew to the Premier, saying, “ Can get no ship to take them Home ” ; and he then applies for authority to spend L 230 in erecting a high wall round the females’ depdt, to prevent them from climbing over and making themselves a nuisance to the neighborhood, which the Premier has sanctioned. The Immigration correspondence is causing a considerable stir in political circles. The impression is that Dr Featherston ought to be recalled.

In answer to Mr Shepherd, Mr Vogel said that since the abolition of compulscfry attendance by the postal officials on Sundays, the latter had represented that they preferred Sunday work to coming hack early on. Monday morning to sort the country mails. A bonus wag allowed for such work, but no postmaster can compel attendance on Sundays, The English mails would continue to be delivered to the public on Sundays. In justice to the hardest worked and least paid department, Mr Vogel hoped no alteration as to the legality would be made. It was not considered desirable to alter existing arrangements re forwarding and delivering foreign letters insufficiently ■tamped, but there was no objection t’o adopting the English practice of returning such letters to the wiiters immediately. Mr Shepherd has introduced a Gold Mining Bill. i . In introducing the Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Bill, Mr Vogel said it went as far as practicable—exceptions in Clause 3, giving power to punish defaulting trustees, solicitors, and persona neglecting to pay salaries, being necessary.—Mr J. L. Gillies, in seconding the motion, said imprisonment for debt should simply be wholly and effectually abolished.—Mr Sheehan complained that there was no distinction made be-

tween misfortune and the dishonest contraction of debts. The committal of the Bill was adjonmed to Friday, to enable Mr Gjllies to prepare his prpdosed amendments. Mr ¥ogel intimated that the Government bad no intention of introducing an Insolvency Bill this session, because the differences of opinion in the various branches of the Legislature gave no hope of such a measure passing this Parliament. Mr Wales moved the Address in reply in a’short, vigorous speech. He inclines to strongly support the Government, and was well received on rising and loudly applauded ©n resuming his seat. He made a decided impression. Mr Gibbs (Nelson) seconded. There was hardly any debate, the House adjourning before five o’clock till to-morrow.