HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 294, 18 June 1896, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30., Mr Guinness in the chair Mr Seddon gave notice of the introduction of the Second Ballot Bill. The Hod. Mr McKenzie laid the report of the Horowhenua Commission on the table and said later in the session he would move a motion which would give the House the opportunity of discussing the report. He asked that the report, evidence and maps be printed. Objection was taken to this course as being a waste of money, but after considerable debate the Minister's suggestion was adopted by a large number. Government and private members bills were introduced and read a first time, including the Bible in Schools Bill (Mr W. Hutchison). Female Law PracI titioners (Mr G. W. Russell), Admission of Women to Parliament (Dr Newman), Fair Bent (Hon. Mr McKenzie), Referendum (Mr Hall Jones), Alcoholic Liquors, Usury Prevention, Master and Apprentice (Mr Seddon). Replying to questions it was stated the Minister iv charge would not take the responsibility of laying the report of the Commission on the Government Printing Office on the table of the House, owing to the number of names it contained of respectable women and girls, who had been' dragged before the Corn* mission. Members could see the report and it would be left to their good sense to say whether the report should be made public. Replying to Mr G. W. Russell as to whether he had accepted the position on the Advisory Board of a mining syndicate, Mr Seddon questioned the right of any member to put such a question concerning bis private affairs. He had been a registered mining advocate for maoy years, and the appointment he had accepted was in connection with tbe property of a registered English company of high financial standing. This company would not apply for rights from the Crown. Had it been so be would have refused the position. He had refused other offers at higher salaries than he received as Minister because the two positions might involve conflict with his colleagues. At the evening sitting, Mr Lawry moved the formal Addressin-Reply to the Governor's speech, and Mr Meredith seconded it. Captain Russell followed, chaffing the mover and seconder of the Address, and strongly criticising the Government. Sir Robert Stout attacked the administration and policy of the Government and was replied to by Mr Seddon. The debate was adjourned and the House rose at 1 a.m.