GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 964, 28 July 1877, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Telegraph.] [pee press agency.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, July 27. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Ten days’ leave of absence was given to Mr Taiaroa. THE LUNACY LAWS. Mr Whitaker, replying to Mr Travers, said it was not the intention of the Government during the present session to propose any alteration of law relating to lunatics, but that next session a comprehensive measure would be introduced. DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. Mr Rolleston asked if the Government intended to make provision during the session for establishing an asylum for the deaf and dumb of the colony. The Premier said they did not propose taking any steps in that direction during this session. From inquiries made they ascertained there were institutions in the neighbouring colony prepared to receive such patients, and at a cost more reasonable than the Government could do here. In the case of a very needy person the Government had no objection to contribute towards the cost. CROWN LANDS. In reply to Mr Sutton, Mr Reid said the whole question of dealing with Crown lands was under consideration of the Government. THE AGENT-GENERAL. In reply to Mr Stevens, the Premier said that the engagement with Sir J. Vogel was to temiinate twelve months after he arrived in England, which was in December last. LAND SCRIP. The Premier, in reply to Mr Stevens, said that a return would be prepared of the nominal value of unsatisfied Government land scrip in the colony. ADULTERATION OF FOOD. Mr Gisborne asked if Government would bring in during the session a Bill to amend the Adulteration of Food Act, 1866. Mr Whitaker said that the matter had not been brought under the consideration of the Government until the question was put by the bon. member. It appeared to him that the Act at present in operation was complete, but if it was deficient in any respect, Government would consider it when brought under their notice. COLONIAL DEFENCE. The Premier told Mr Fitzroy, in regard to the defence of the colony, that the Government had communicated with other colonies in respect to securing the services of eminent professional men there, and until those gentlemen visited New Zealand the Govepument did not propose taking any steps in the matter. WAIKATO RAILWAY. Replying to Sir George Grey, Government said that the survey of the railway from Grahamstown to Waikato was in progress, and would have been completed before this but for the bad weather. HIGHWAY BOARDS. Mr Ekes moved for the suspension of standing orders, to introduce a Bill to enable the Highway Boards to validate the notifications of these Boards during the past two years, in order to enable them to obviate the recent decision in the Supreme Court by Judge Gillies. The Auckland Highways District Validation Bill was read a first time, and the second reading fixed for Tuesday. IMPREST SUPPLY. An Imprest Supply Bill for not less than £250,000 was passed through all its stages. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Premier announced that the financial statement would be made next Tuesday night. mines bill. Mr D. Reid moved the second reading of the Mines Bill—a measure for consolidating the mining laws of the colony. In explaining the nature of the Bill, he pointed out all the new features in mining legislation contained in the Bill, amongst which were the powers to issue miners’ rights for one to twenty-five years, and of issuing consolidated miners rights to companies. These provisions were taken from the Victorian Act. They also proposed to limit the area of leases to 320 acres instead of 640 as in Victoria. The miners’ rights would) also enable the holders to search for any other metal as well as Tor gold. Mr Barff considered the Government had broken faith with him in the matter, and considered the Bill as one drawn up by some one who knew nothing about mining. It was, in fact, a thing of scissors and paste, chiefly made up out of the rejected measures of the last ten years. It was also a most revolutionary measure, and he wanted it postponed for a 'time, until he and other members might have greater opportunity of considering the Bill and laying their objections before the Goldfields Committee. He wanted to know whether the Bill was an outcome of the conference of wardens lately held at Wellington. At any rate the Bill should have been printed three months ago, and distributed amongst the mining districts. He moved that the Bill bo vffad that day week,

Mr Mandees thought there was really very little to object to in the Bill, and that the Government deserved credit for the way in which they had faced the question of goldmining legislation. Mr Button explained that the majority of the members of the Goldfields Committee thought it best not to oppose the second reading of the Bill, provided it would bo referred to the Goldfields Committee for consideration of its details. Mr Cuetis thought the Bill more than a consolidation measure, and more than one of details. There were several important innovations, such as taking away the powers of the Waste Lands Boards and placing an unusual power in the hands of the Government. These were most important changes in the existing laws. The very important power of granting raining leases was placed entirely in the hands of the Governor. These questions affected the whole colony seriously, and were arguments why it should not be forced on. Mr Rowe thought there was no particular occasion for such a Bill. All that was in if. of any use might well be contained in half the number of clauses. He wanted people on various goldfields to have an opportunity of considering the measure before it was forced to the second reading. Mr Woolcock considered the measure one directed towards simplifying our mining laws, but he wished it to be referred to a Select Committee. He should support the second reading. In reply to a question, Mr Reid said the Gold-mining Districts Bill would not bo affected by the measure, audit therefore would not interfere with the mining legislation of Auckland. After some remarks from Mr Reid, who said that after second reading the Bill would be at once referred to the Goldfields Committee, a division was called for by Mr Barff. The result was that the Bill was ordered to be read a second time by 45 against 18. CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. Mr Retd moved the second reading of the Charitable Institutions Bill, the provisions of which he explained. It was absolutely necessary that some provision should be made for charitable aid, now that the provincial arrangements for that purpose had ceased. The question they had to decide was whether it was advisable to make the charge a burden on consolidated revenue or merely to contribute towards private aid in the direction. After considering the question they considered that it would be best to aid local efforts in providing for charitable objects, It appeared to him that that would be the best plan to effect the object in view. They woidd, therefore, under the Bill, pay to each institution out of the consolidated fund, each financial year, a sum equal to the sum raised by the managers of such institution by subscriptions, receipts, or donations. There should, however, be a limit beyond which they should not contribute out of the revenues of the country. The control of all these institutions would be placed in the hands qf persons on the spot who would be best calculated to administer their affairs, and distinguish between deserving and unworthy objects of charity. Mr Rolleston thought the House generally would consider the Bill utterly unworthy of the {subject with which it proposed to deal. The Bill left it purely optional whether there should be any charitable institutions, and if there were no charitable people in a district, where would be their system of charitable relief ? The lion, member said paupers ought to look upon any assistance they received as charity, but he denied the justice of this. There were many deserving persons who became paupers through no fault of their own, and they should not be compelled to feel ignominy. The mistake in the Bill was that the provisions for charity depended on voluntary efforts. These institutions should be dealt with nationally, and brought under the general taxation of the colony. The Bill was a miserable rechauffe of a Victorian measure, which had worked anything but well. He Imped the Bill would bo rejected by the House at once, and be sent away for remodelling. The House rose at 5.80. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Dr Pollen gave two notices of motion for Tuesday next, one of which was for leave to introduce a Bill intituled an Act to Encourage the Planting of Forest Trees. Captain Eraser gave notice of his intention on Thursday next to ask the Government when it was their intention to comply with the report of the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums re the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum. The second reading of the Industrial and Provident Societies Bill was discharged from the order paper. The Constabulary Bill was recommitted for the purposes of amendment, and ordered to be read a third time on Tuesday next. The Council then (3 p.m.) adjourned till 8 o’clock this evening, when the Imprest Supply bill was brought before them. PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS. [i'KOil THE CORRESPONDENT OF THE PRESS.J Welington, July 27. It is rumoured that a caucus will be held next week of members favorable to the formation of a moderate Opposition, not under the leadership of Sir George Grey. Doctor Skae’s report on Lunatic Asylums has been printed. He discourages the idea of a central asylum, and thinks the present ones should remain. He represents that all the asylums in the colony are much over-crowded, particularly that of Christchurch, but praises its management. He recommends the appointment of a resident medical superintendent, to take charge at Christchurch and Dunedin. The second reading of the Mines Bill was carried to-day on a division, by 44 to 18. Mr Donald Reid moved the second reading of the Charitable Institutions Bill in a poor speech. Mr Rolleston opened the debate and spoke till the adjournment. He announced his intention of voting against the Bill, thinking these institutions should be maintained by public not by charitable contributions. A few individuals would obtain entire control of the institutions. Dr. Wallis is now speaking. Members look bored. it sounds Lou much like preaclnng.