House of Representatives.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 78, 29 September 1893, Page 2

House of Representatives.

The House met at 2.30. Another long discussion took place on Colonel Fox's report, an opportunity being ottered by Mr Jackson Palmer of moving the adjournment of the House. The Stock Bill was considered in Committee. In clause 2, it was decided that the Bill should come into operation on the Ist January next. Mr O. Hutchison proposed an addition which would provide that Section 54, authorising stock to bo driven only in tho day time, should come inte operation in any district only after a petition from the majority of stockowners in the district. — Agreed to. In Clause 42— Annual dipping corapulsoiy. — It was decided that dipping should take place between tho Ist of January and 30th of April. Clause 72 — Governor may declare earmarks to bo made ouly by punching.—An amendment by Mr Buchanan to strike out the clause was lost by 32 to 22. The Hon Mr McKenzio stated that j this provision would not be given effect to for twelve months. If the j majority of owners throughout the colony wero against it the Order-in-Council would not be issued. Tho clause referring to fire branding was struck out. The Bill as amended wn9 reported and put through its final stages. Mr Guinness moved that in tho opinion of this House, it is expedient that the report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Midland Railway be adopted. He said if the report was adopted it would remove an obstacle to the progress of settlement in the Westland and Nelson dis" nets. Sir llobert Stout moved an amendment " Tint as there is uo guarantee that if the contract with the Midland Railway Company is altered in ihe way proposed in the report of the Public Accounts Com* niittee, that the railway from Reefton to Nelson and from Springfield to Hokitika will be completed, this House is of opinion that no variation should be made in the existing contract." After a large number of members had spoken, the debate was adjourned till next day.