PARLIAMENTARY.

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 26, 12 August 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. [PBtt UNITED PKESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, August 10. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, it was stated that £1470 had been expended for snagging the Wanganui River up to the end of last year. A sum of £800 more would be required this year. — That the lowest estimate for completing from the Wang anui Hirer to the North Island Main Trunk line was about £4000. — That the Government could not accede to the request to abolish the tolls on the Manawatu Gorge bridge, near Woodville.-— That no good was to be gained by instituting an inquiry into the reason why such a small proportion of telegraph operators presented themselves at the recent compitative examination in telegraphy, as the plan was fully understood by the operators. — That the Government thought it hardly likely that Mr Gladstone would visit New Zealand, but if he did come every effort would be made by the Government to make his visit as agreeable as possible. — That the charge of fruit carriage was reduced some time back, and the tariff now met the reasonable demands of fruit-growers. THE UNEMPLOYED. Eeplying to Sir George Grey, the Hon. Mr Richardson said he could not state at present what was being done for the relief of the unemployed in Auckland, but the Government were taking some steps in the matter. — Sir George Grey moved the adjournment of the House, and spoke at some length on it, urging that a sum of money should be put on the Supplementary Estimates for the relief of those persons who were now in great distress. A lengthy discussion took place, several members speaking on the subject. August 11. REPRESENTATION BILL. Mr Boas resumed the debate on the Representation Bill. The bill was read a second time without a division. On the motion for committal to-mor-row, Mr Seddon moved to insert that day month, but was ruled out of order. The question was then put — ayea 39, noes 29. This Day. Some further amendments were made and the Bill was read a third time and passed. The Minister for public works moved the recommittal of J the District Railways Bill in order to reconsider certain clauses. He said the purchase money had bees reduced in a small House. Mr Montgomery made a stroag protest. The House was then still smaller than when the clause was altered. The Goyernment would be doing wrong to try and force it upon the House. Mr Sutter reminded members the same thing had been done with the Waiinato Railway last session and begged them to take warning by what happened siace then. — Messrs Bryce, Buchanan, Duncan and Rolleston also protested against taking the House by surprise. — Mr Peacock moved the adjournment of the debate. — Mr Richardson said the Government had no wish to force the matter on. The matter was adjourned until to-morrow. The House rose at 12.45 a.m.