PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Volume 4245, Issue 4245, 4 October 1876, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

[By Telegraph.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

October 3. In reply to questions, Ministers stated—(l) That the Government would take into consideration the recommendations of the Committee as set forth in the report on the Otago Central Miners’ Association correspondence, to appoint a Commission to inquire, during the recess, into the question of ■roEdUj-- of -rrater -licenses granted under Goldfields Acts, and the relations between licenses to granted and the ordinary riparian rights of landowners and others; but without committing themselves to carry out any of them, and daring the recess would consider whether it was necessary to appoint the Commission suggested. At any rate they would take steps to ensure a proper Bill, dealing with the goldfields, beingintroduced next session. (2) The Public Works estimates would probably be brought down on Monday. (3) The Government had still nnder consideration the recommendation of the Engineer-in-Chief to extend the wharfage at Port Chalmers', but, in view of the works contemplated by the Harbor Board, there were doubts whether the Government would be justified in going te any great expense for wharf extension.' THE COUNI IBS BILL. Jn committee on clause 133 (Council may raise an ordinary loan), some hon. members took exception to the power to raise by loan an amount equalling by three times the annual County fund. Others supported, and, to test matters, a division was taken on the amendment that this clause be struck out; the clause was retained by 28 against 26. Clause 135 (limiting the loan) was smended to limit the loan to twice the annual County fund, instead of three times as printed. On clause 6 (applicati. n of ordinary lean), Mr Montgomery moved that that part of the clause be struck out, which provided for paying the first year’s interest out of the loan itself. The amendment was carried on the voices. Clause 174, exempting contracts from stamp duties, was struck cut by 25 against 22; and subsections 2 and 3of clause 183 were also struck but, the application of subsection 4 being extended to bridges and ferries. Several new clauses relating to the division of Counties were brought down and agreed to. The effect of the new clauses was to enable the Governor-in-Council to alter the boundaries of Counties, and redivide Counties the boundaries of which are altered into fresh ridings, also to make provision for the election of new Councils when the boundaries of the Counties are altered. Contracts then existing may be enforced against the original County, and Councils may agree for a transfer of a fair share of the property, and debts. If the Councils do not agree the Commissioner of Audit may make au award as to the matters in question. All property transferred from one County to another is to vest in the Corporation of the new County. No alteration of the boundaries is to affect the interests of the bondholders or creditois.

With regard to voting, Mr Wood proposed an amendment virtually limiting the ratepayers to one vote, but it was lost by 35 against 17. Mr De Lautour next wanted the number of the votes limited to three, but this was- also lost. The clause was then agreed to. Sir George Grey asked that progress be reported before proceeding with the schedules, which was agreed to. In Committee on the Education Boards Bill, on the 4th clause a good deal of discussion eusued, Mr Wakefield having moved an amendment to the effect that there should be two Education Boards in Canterbury—North and South—in consequence he said of the inefficiency of the Board at Christchurch, Mr Bowen pointed out that if they were bringing down a Bill dealing with the whole question he would have no objection to another Board for Canterbury ; but there were very great difficulties opposed to doing that under the present circumstances, one, of which was that an alteration in the present law would be required as the present Bill was only intended to carry on for a year. He hoped the amendwouldbe withdrawn, he giving an assurance to the member for Timaru that their Bill next year would provide for two Boards in Canterbury. The amendment was negatived on the voices, A number of amendments were made in the succeeding clauses, and

clauses 21, 22, and 28 being struck out, the Bill was read a third time and passed, the House adjourning at 1.15 a.m.

ABOUT THE LOBBIES.

The IT. 0. Times’ correspondent telegraphs that were is great diversity of opinion in Wellington as to the probable duration of the session. Some say two weeks will see the end; and others say it will last two months. Iu the Otago new distribution of Counties the “fruuon is as followsPiord, Wallace, Southland, Clutha, Bruce, Tuapeka, Lakeland, Molyneux, Mamototo, Taieri, Waitaki, Woikouaiti, Peninsula. Stewart's Island is to form part of the County of Southland, and the County of Waitaki runs far into Canterbury.