GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 658, 29 July 1876, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(From a correspondent of tho Press.) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, July 27. new zealand cross. In reply to remarks by the Hon Dr Menzies, who had moved for a copy of Sir T. Chute's despatches recommending the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross on any individual, the Hon Col vVhitmore explained that iu a previous speech on the subject* he had no intention of reflecting on the services of the late Dr Featherston. His meaning was that the New Zealand Cross should not be granted retrospectively in any case. The Victoria Cross had never been so granted. No one could entertain a higher feeling of respect for Dr Featherston than he did. Colonel Whitmore afterwards withdrew a motion of his to the effect, " That the New Zealand Cross should not in future be awarded to any person for services rendered prior to the removal of the General Commanding the Forces from the colony."

Friday, July 28. questions.

The following questions were asked : Hon Mr Nurse—lf the Colonial Secretary will procure from Mr Blair, district engineer, in Otago, an opinion as to the utility of the Western District Railways under the present plans and specifications, first as to their safety for passeager traffic, and if so, up to what rate of speed; second, as to goods

' traffic, what weight can safely pass along the line, and if he will lay the same on the table of the Council; if he will inform the Council from what source he derived the official information that the City of San Francisco had not touched on the bar at Otago harbor on her last trip to that port. The following replies wore given—(l) That Mr Blair was arbitrator between the Provincial Government and contractor, and could not be expected to draw up the report, and the hon gentleman's object would be gained by calling the attentiou of the Government to the matter. (2) That the report was furnished by 'he havbor-maßter. NEW ZEALAND FISHERIES, After considerable debate, the following was agreed to on the Hon Mr Chamberlain's motion—" That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that the Government should bring in a Bill for the better preservation of the New Zealand fisheries." HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, July 28. The House resumed at 2,30. TELEGRAPH EXTENSION. The Commissioner op Customs, in answer to Mr Thomson, said the Government would at a future sitting state whether it was intended during the current year to extend the line of telegraph to Catlin River by way of Port Molyneux aud the Nuggets. FIRST READINGS. The following Bills were rend a first time: —A Bill to Provide for tho Management of the Cromwell Racecourse Reserve in Otago j (Mr Pyke); a Bill to Provide for the Management of Certain Reserves of the Lawrence Athenrcum and Mining Institute (Mr Brown); the Otago Central Interior Railway Reserves Bill (Mr DeLatour); a Bill to Amend the Deputy-Superintendenfcof Wellington Act of 1876 (Mr Andrew). BILL PASSED. The Waikuku Church of England Site Crown Grant Pill went through committee without alteration. JURIES BILL. In committee on the Juries Bill on clause 6, Mr Stout moved as an amendment the addition of the following words, " Exclusive of wines, beer, or alcoholic liquors," which on a division wag negatived by 37 against 24. Mr Montgomery, who had previously given notice in the event of Mr Stout's amendment being carried, to move the exclusion of the words, " such refreshment to be procured at his own expense," withdrew it, saying that since the House had affirmed that strong drink could be supplied to jurors, he did not think the country shouM have to pay for it, Mb Beid at once took up Mr Montgomery's amendment, which was carried on the voices, after the addition of a proviso at the end of the clause " be provided by the sheriff " at the public expense. On clauEe 7 Mr Macparlane moved an amendment empowering the judge to accept the verdict of two-thirds of a jury. Hon C. C. Bowen hoped such a radical alteration in the existing law would not be pressed just now, saying that the Government intended to consolidate the jury law and amend it in several respects which required amendment. Mr Rees suggested the addition that such verdict of two-thirds should only be taken after the jury had deliberated for three hours. Progress was then reported to allow of Mr Macfarlane's amendment being printed. (Per Press Agency.') Upon resuming, the debate on Mr Whitaker's resolutions was postponed till Tuesday, and the House went into committee upon the Municipal Corporations Act at clause 131, and remained so occupied till 12.30, when an adjournment took place. Two clauses in particular excited a great deal of discussion—viz, the clause providing for allowing Councils to borrow or issue debentures equal in amount to two times the rates of the preceeding year. The Government wanted it limited to twice the amount, and consented to make it three times, but Mr Lusk got the clause amended by insertion of "five times." Clauses 17, which provides for Councils letting municipal property in lands and buildings by way of lease for 21 years, occupied several hours. Various amendments were proposed, such as allowing the Council to lease for 33 years, 42, 66, and 99 years. The arguments on one side were that property increased so rapidly in value in the colonies, that a long lease was favorable to speculators and detrimental to the interests of the municipalities. On the other hand, it was argued that lessees would not erect good buildings on short leases, and the municipalities would lose in rates. There not being much chance of arriving at a decision for several hours, progress was reported, and the House adjourned. PARLIAMENTARY NEWS. (From a correspondent of the Press.) Mr Murray has given notice that a committee of sixteen members be appointed to consider and report (1) As to the expediency of erecting one central penal establishment for both islands. (2) As to the most suitable site. (3) As to the plan and description of buildings best adapted towards the classification and discipline of convictß, with a view to their reformation. Such committee to have power to call for persons and papers, and to consist of the following members —Hon Mr Bowen, Hon Major Atkinson, Mr Andrew, Mr Ballance, Mr Button, Mr Curtis, Sir R. Douglas, Mr Hodgkiuson, Mr Hunter, Mr Larnach, Mr Ormond, Mr Montgomery, Mr Pyke, Mr Seymour, Hon Mr Stafford, and Mr Wakefield. The Cattle Importation Committee has reported recommending the immediate issue of regulations prohibiting the importation of cattle from the colonies. Mr Andrew in asking leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Deputy Superintendent of Wellington Act, 1876, said it was not usual, except for a particular reason, to make any statement on introducing Bills, and he would not depart from the rule. The Eastern Maori election committee reported recommending that Karaitiana should be declared duly elected. The committee add that although evidence on the point is very conflicting, they do not think the number of votes shut out from polling, by reason of oertain polling places not being open, would have affected the result. 'lie Mr Smythie's petition, the public petitions committee will report, recommending an amendment of the Law Practitioners' Act, to allow the Judges, if they should think fit, to grant the petitioner a re-hearing. '_ Mr Whitaker wai to move his resolutions at the evening sitting to-night, but in the early

part of the afternoon, it was intimated that an attack of gout prevented Sir J. Vogel from coming down to the House, The Hon Major Atkinson at once claimed the indulgence of the House, and proposed that after Mr Whitaker made his speech, the debate should be adjourned till Tuesday, or if it were pressed, the Government, though at a disadvantage, would proceed with the debate. Later in the afternoon Mr Whitaker got up to announce that he had arranged with the Government to open the debate on Tuesday, but he was anticipated by Mr Stout, who amid loud cries from all sides, claimed his right to be heard, when the Speaker left the chair, it being 5.30 p.m. It is, however, understood that the debate will not now be taken till the evening sitting on Tuesday. It will not last long. Mr Whitaker will be followed by Sir J. Vogel, after whom will come Sir G. Grey, who, in the course of his speech, will announce his separation resolutions. It is said that perhaps one or two Canterbury members will speak, and then will come the division. The Auckland members to a man will go into the 'Aye' lobby, and the Otago allies, not only will not put up a man, but, when the division bell rings, will withdraw in the hope of reducing the Government majority to a narrow one."