PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 172, 1 August 1901, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

Legislative Council-

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, last night, The Council met at 2.30.

The Cyanide Process Extension Bill passed its final stages. The Land for Settlements Bill was read a second time without debate, and referred to the Waste Lands Committee.

House of Representatives. The House met at 1.30 p.m. In reply to questions it was stated — That the countries communicated with were opposed to a penny postage rate for newspapers irrespective of weight, and the Postage Union was also antagonistic to the proposal. The Government, however, would make further representations on the subject. That while the whole question of Government valuation of land required to be looked into, there, was no intention to introduce legislation to allow local bodies to make their own valuations. The House rose at 5.30 p.m. EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed at 7.30 p.m

Mr Hogg moved the second reading of the Settlers’ Fire Insurance Bill, to provide for insurance against fire of buildings or any security held by the Government Advances to Settlers’ Office. Mr Mills said that the Bill contained appropriation clauses which could only be introduced by Governor’s message. The Government could not allow the Bill to proceed in its present form, but would consider the whole question.

Mr Ilogg accepted the Minister’s ultimatum, and the debate was adjourned. Mr Ell moved the second reading of the Representation Act Amendment Bill, to provide that the 28 per cent, concession to rural population in the new adjustment of boundaries shall not apply to certain electorates mentioned in the schedule.

The Bill, which was opposed b,y the Premier, was thrown out by 38 to 10. Mr Wilford moved the second reading of the Divorce Act, 1898, Amendment Bill, which proposed to allow divorce (1) for wilful desertion for throe years; (2) if the husband has been sentenced to live years’ penal servitude; and (3) if reapondout lias been for five years continuously confined in a lunatic asylum. Th e Bill, which was strongly opposed by M r Scddon, was thrown out by 33 to 28.

Mr I’irani moved the second reading of the School Attendance Bill (No. 2), to promo to regular attendance at public school s.

Mr Ilall-Joncs pointed out that a Bill of asi niilar nature had been introduced by G overnment in the legislative Counci I.

The debate was proceeding when the Telegraph Office closed,