PARLIAMENTARY.

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 123, 17 May 1888, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF EEPEESENTATTVES, (PER UXITKD PRKSS 4SBOCIAfIOV.) . Wellington, May 15. The House met at 2.30 p.m. KOTICEB. Mr T. Thompson to move for a return showing the cases, if any, in which the Commissioner has made reductions in assessments under the Property Tax Assessment Act. Mr T. McKenzie to introduce the Californian Thistle Eradication Bill. Mr Valentine to ask the Government whether provision will be made in the new Land Bill for the relief of Government settlers by re- valuation, and whether such relief will apply not only to those at present in arrears, but also to those who have been capitalised, and are not now behind.

Major Steward to introduce a Bill to provide for the administration of reserves in the interests of settlement.

Mr T. Thompson to ask the Government whether they will bring in a Bill to either abolish or restrict the use^of the totalisator. \.

Mr W. P. Beeves to move for a return showing in detail the reduction made by Education Boards in salaries in consequence of the reduction, of the education vote of last session.

Mr Seddon to ask whether in the event of an International Conference on the Chinese question this colony would be represented.

The District Eailways Purchasing Amendment Bill was read a first time.

Mr E. Kichardson said he- believed he was expressing the feelings of thecolonists generally in warmly congratulating the Premier on receiving the honor of Knighthood since laet session.

Sir John Hall also offered his congratulations.

Mr Pyke was surprised the honor had not been conferred before.

Sir Harry Atkinson said that to a man who had given the best part of his life to the service of the colony, whatever his views might be as to the form the distinction should take in a democratic country, it could not but be gratifying to have his services recognised by his sovereign. What he valued most in connection with the distinction was the universal good will expressed by his fellow colonists, opponents, or friends. He heartily thanked the House for their congratulations.

The Minister of Laads, in answer to Major Steward, said the question of the administration of educational and other reserves was under the consideration of the Government,

The Minister of Defence, in answer to Mr Taylor, said the attention of the Government had been drawn to theprevalence of glove fights, but it was. found that the men engaged in them generally sparred with soft gloves* and did no harm to each other. If,, however, there was any disgraceful proceedings at such exhibitions th& Government would at once put a stop to them. ■■■•."

The Minister of Justice, in answer to Mr Izard, said in the present condition of the finances of the colony theGovernment could not increase the* remuneration to common jurors. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :— The Minister of Defence— The Naval and Military Settlers and Volunteers Land .Bill; the Minister of Education— The Codlin Moth Bill, and the Auckland Girls* High School- Bill; Mr Pyfce— Otago Central Bailway Bill.

The second reading of the ChineseAct Amendment Bill was moved by the Premier and passed, and the House adjourned until 2.30 p.m. on. Wednesday. ,

.„ , . May 16. Replying to questions, it was stated that an amendment of the Gaming and Lotteries Act* with a view of abolishing and restricting the use of the totalisator, was still under the consideration of the Government.

Mr Steward moved the second reading of the Educational Franchise Bill, which, he mentioned, was no new measure, and had been before the Houße on several occasions.

The Hon. Mr Fisher commended the attention that Mr Steward had paid to the subject, but pointed out that an objection to the measure was that it sought to amend the Education Act. He should, however, support ifc with a good deal of pleasure, and hoped that it would become law. The Bill was then read a second time without a division.

Mr Hutchison's Hospital and Charitablo Aid Bill was adjourned for a fortnight. Mr Pyke's Ctago Central Railway Bill passed its second reading by 53 to 12.