HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 16, 18 July 1895, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30. Captain Russell gave notice to move on going into Committee of Supply, a resolution traversing the speech made by .the Colonial Treasurer to the London Chamber of Commerce respecting the three-million securities. Replying to questions it was stated that negotiations were in progress for the purchase of a block of land near Gisborne for settlement purposes, and if the land could not be obtained by negotiation Government would have to put the compulsory claims into operation. That Government would send an officer to report on the discovery of natural illuminating gas in thcTavauaki district at luglewood, and to examine and report on the petroleum deposits near New Plymouth. —That Government wonld have enquiries made as to the grounds for the remarks of Mr Justice Richmond on the non-enforcement of the Licensing law when charging the grand jury in Blenheim recently with reference to the death of Thomas Gullerr on a chargo of manslaughter arising therefrom. — That Government had not seized or intended to use the sinking funds accumulated under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act for any other purpose other than to redeem the loans under the Act. — That the Dunodin constable who was fined yesterday for assault on a woman whom ho was arresting, has been dismissed from the force. — In reply to the question with reference to the New Zealand Rifle Assoention grant, the Premier said Government; did not consider it advisable that the subsidy should be continued after next meeting. Tiie military commandant and members of the recent military conference were of opinion that Government in miking an annual grant to Rifle Associations, was not in any way furthering the Volunteer movement, but rather, on the contrary, doing it injury. As next year's meeting at Oamarn would be of a federal character the Governmfnt would take care that this colony would not be behindhand in the matter of hospitality to Australian visitors. The adjournment of the House was moved for the purpose of discussing sonic of the replies given to questions by Ministers, and the debate drifted into a a, review of tbe manner in -which the Licensing laws were enforced by tbe police throughout the colony. Mr Caruell moved, That, with the view of reducing the number of race meetings in the colony, it is most desirable that Clause 46 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, ISSI (legalising the use of the totalisator), be repealed. The motion was carried without debate by 'do to 21. Mr Carnell afterwards gave notice to ask whether Government would introduce a Bill this session giving effect to the resolution. The House resumed at 7.00. Dr Newman moved the second reading of the Admission of Women to Parliament Bill, to admit women to the General Assembly of New Zealand. Dr Newman said he saw no reason why women .should not occupy seats in Parliament as well as on school committees, education boards, and other bodies. Mr Carncross seconded the motion. Mr Mackenzie (Clutha) opposed the Bill, and said it was a perfectly ridiculous measure. Mr "Willis supported the Bill. Major Steward would support the Bill on the ground that, if the people chose to elect a lady, there was no reason why they should not do so. Mr Duthio agreed that the Bill was a good election cry and hoped the good sense of the House would reject it. On a division the second reading was negatived by o5 to 26, and the Bill thus thrown out. Mr O'Regan moved the second reading of the Referendum Bill, to refer to the electors of the colony certain motions or Bills for their decision. Mr Saundcrs regarded the the Bill as of the greatest importance, and regretted that a Minister did not lead the House on a question of this kind. Mr McGowan opposed the Bill. The Premier bad no strong feelings on this measure, but the other day, by a deputation, be was publicly informed that the passing of this Bill meant the abolition of the Legislative Council. He held therefore that if it were to go to the country that tbe Bill will have that effect the country should know it. He thought the country was not ripe for a change as would be involved in the passing of the Bill, and be must therefore vote against the second reading. Captain Russell said that what he principally objected to in the Referendum was that in this young country they bad not yet such sense of responsibility as would make it essential that the voices of the people should be directly taken. He coulrl not support the Bill. After a long debate tbe second reading of O'Regan's Referendum Bill was carried by 28 to 14. The House rose at 12.35.