THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Evening Star, Issue 3932, 1 October 1875, Page 3

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Telegraph.] WruaxciTOX, October 1. In the House of Representatives, at 2 30 yesterday, Mr Ueu ves asked if tie Government were aware that grave charges had been made in tho other branch of tho Legislature against a person suspected of having made false declarations before the Registrar of Land, in order to obtain a title to lauds in Pinko District ? If so, wheth-T it is the intention of tho Government at once to institute legal proceedings against tho alleged guilty person ? Major Atkinson said tho Government were not aware of any such charge except from what they saw in tho public prints. The kon. gentleman proceeded to detail the circumstances which gave vise to certain charges. The case referred to was a piece of land acquired before the clays of settlement in the Colony, and the raid land subsequently changed hands several ti res. As far ns the Government were aware, there had been no fraudulent declaration—everything had been straightforward. On the motion of the Isative Minister, it was ordered that after Friday next the House sit on Mondays during the remainder of the session, meeting at 2.30 p.m. Mr Macandrew moved that there ba laid before the House a copy of the report (if any) to beforxarded to the General Government by the Auditor-General with respect to the administration of railways in Otago by the Provincial G overumsnt of that Province.

Mr Richardson said that on a previous occa : sion he stated that no special report, such as that asked for, had heeu made : there was merely a sort of semi-official e.ud confidential sort of memorandum drawn up by the AuditorGeneral solely for the information of the Government. They knew that Otago was initiating a system of its own, and as the General Government was also initiating a new system, he was anxious to make comparison between the different systems in Otago and Canterbury. In order to dispel any mystery Mr Richardson read that portion of the memorandum relating to the working of railways in Otago, Mr Mucaudrow expressed himself satisfied, and the motion was withdrawn.

Mr U akefield gave notice that he would to-morrow ask leave to introduce a Lodger franchise Bill. Tho House rose at 5 30,

On reassembling at 7 .30 p.m., The second reading of Mr Reid’s Employment of Females Act Amendment Bill was carried by thirty-one to twenty-live. Considerable discussion ensued upon the Registration of Electors Act Amendment Dill, the second reading of which was moved by Mr Steward. It provides that the clerks of Municipal Corporations, Highway Hoards, &c., should prepare lists of the ratepayer* willru their respective districts, and fonvard the same to_ the Registiation Officer of the electoral district in which they arc situate, who shall treat them as lists of claimants to vote. To prevent a person being placed on the list against his will,.the name is to he omitted on an applicacation being received from such perron. The mover pointed out the benefits likely to arise from an amendment in the law’ of registration, and asked that it might be treated in a friendly spirit. The following members supported the Bill: —Messrs Luckie, Webb, Bowtii, Cuthbertson, Sir Georgs Grey, Major Atkinson, and Mr White, Mr Sheehan would rather wait a year than pass a law which must be crude. Mr May objected to the Bill, It did nor provide for the qualification of lodgers, ami threw additional work on Road Boards, which had at present quite sufficient to occupy them. He would vote against the second reading. Mr Dyke said ho hoped the Dill would be withdrawn. Air Harrison said a large number of Chinese would be given a right which they did not possess under the Constitution C. The second reading was carried on the voices. SirGeorve they moved the second reading of the Gold .Duty Abolition Bill, and considerable discussion ensued. Mr Riukland considered the tax exceptional, but said it would be suicidal to remit it. Mr Wakefield supported the tax. '1 he Bill was opposed hy the Government, and thrown out by twenty-seven to eighteen, Mr T, L. Shepherd's Gold Duty Abolition Bill No. If, which provided for reducing the gold duty to sixpence an ounce, was thrown out by twenty-eight to fourteen. The House adjourned at 1 30 n.m.