GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Evening Star, Issue 3588, 22 August 1874, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[By Telegraph.] Wellington, August 21. In the House of Kepresentatives, The Otago Waate Lands Bill and the Otago harbor Works Bill were passed. On the House meeting to-day, Mr Fitaherberfc gave notice that he would, when the House was moved into Committee of Supply, move a resolution to the effect that no at* tempt should be made to carry oat any or* game change involving central and bureaucratic authority, without the opinion of the people being taken ; and that an address be presented to his Excellency the Governor, praying him to dissolve the present Parliament. The announcement was received with loud applause. Mr O’Rorke made an explanation that his absence from the division last evening was because he had mot anticipated that the debate would ologe so early. Had he been in the House he would have voted for the amendment. Messrs Selwyn, White, and Harrison a 1 so explained that when they arrived at the House they found the doors locked. They had intended to vote for the previous question. Mr Wales also explained that he nad not anticipated that the debate jyould close so soon. He had intended to vote fop tlpe resolutions of the Premier. The Pacific islands Trade Encouragement Bill was discharged from the Order Paper. The Government deemed it inadvisable to proceed with the measure at this late period of the session. The Premier stated also that for a like reatou the Government did not intend proceeding with the Qualifications of Electors Bill. It was evident that the details of the Bill would occupy a great deal of time in discussion.—Mr Wales opposed the Premier’s proposal to withdraw the upeasprp, apd hoped the Government would reconsider jes decision, and proceed with the Bill, whi&h would place upon the electorate a large class of young men of judgment and education, who did not happen to hold property qualification. Amongst this class were miners, and be regretted to say that the principal opponents of the Bill were the goldfields members. He wished the Bill to be made one of the questions to be submitted to the country if there was a dissolution.— Mr Tribe was also anxious that the Bill should be proceeded with this session ; but as it appeared to be inconvenient to go on with the Bill now, he hoped it would be brought on early next session.—The Premier stated that the Government approved of the Bill and bad every desire to support it; but owing to the period of the session, and the business still before them, they did nob see their way to go on with it.— lt was then discharged. Mr M ‘Lean moved the second reading of the Volunteer Act Amendment Bill. It enables Volunteer corps to acquire laud for various purposes, vesting the same in commanders of corps and their successors. It also provides that licenses may be granted to Volunteer qorps for the purpose of rifle or artillery practice. The Act also applies to dand before purchased.—Bead a second time.

The House went into committee upon the Immigravion and Public Works Amendment Act. A new clause was introduced providing for the repair or re-construction of the roan between Hokitika and Christchurch out of the Middle island Railway Fond accounts tor Canterbury and Westland respectively. It was o'pptosed by Messrs llgllestoto. and Wilson, but the Houte agtWd to the Bill,

A draft Bill was brought down, recommending a retiring allowance to Mr Wilson Grey, District Ju<"gi in U;o. The Premier spoke in high terms of his services to the country. Ho said he would be prepared to increase the allowance if the Mouse so desired, as his health was utterly Chattered, and he had again and again refused a higher position than that which be occupied.—Mr Macandrew warmly supported tna recommendation. He said Mr Grey had sacrificed his health night and day in the service of the country. He would gladly support the proposal to make the amount larger.— Messrs Fox, O’Neill, and M'Glashan each sp ike in a like manner.—The Premier said the Government proposed to give him a year’s leave of absence on a full salary.—Mr O’Rorke took that opportunity of expressing a hope that the House wonld reconsider its decision regarding Sir James Martin’s allowance, which was too small for the first Chief Justice of the Colony.—Sir Donald M'Lean said it would be a refleetien upon the Colony if it did not regard the servie is of its first Chief Justice in any better way than it would do those of a chief clerk.—Adjournment for dinner then took place.