PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 969, 3 August 1877, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

[from the] correspondent of the press.] [By Telegraph.] W Ellington, August 2. The second reading of the Charitable Institutions Bill was carried last night by a large majority, owing to (he support of Mr Stout and oilier Opposition members, and owing to Mr Whitaker’s announcement late in the evening that institutions which were not adopted under provisions of the Bill would be carried on as heretofore by the Government. Mr Bowen made an able reply to Sir George Grey, but after that the speaking became very mediocre, and every one was thoroughly tired of the subject when the division was taken after midnight. Mr box’s Local Option Bill lias been printed. It makes it lawful for twenty persons in a licensing district to ask for votes to ho taken as to the propriety of adopting the Act. The chairman of the Board is thereupon to deline sub-districts, having a radius of 100 yards round public-houses in boroughs and of two’milos outside of boroughs. Every male or female over twenty-one may vote. If the vote is against the adoption of the Act, a vote cannot bo taken again for a year. If iu favour of prohibiting, it cannot ho taken again for three years. After the prohibition clauses coming into effect, no license can bo granted in the sub-district. No steps have been taken to form an Opposition, yet members opposed to the Government think a party could easily be formed to oust the present Ministry if a leader could he agreed on. Canterbury members hold the balance, and though many of them would vote against the Government, especially ou the proposals to charge Canterbury's debts on the land fund, yet they will not accept Sir George Grey as leader to replace Major Atkinson.

Nothing important occurred this afternoon. Mr Stout’s notice of motion as to an elective Governor was received with applause. There was also applause on the House rising at halfpast live without remark, the Opposition members thinking an adjournment woidd be asked for ou account of Air McLean’s ball.

Scotch land owners tiro tit present making extensive plantations ol trees. 20,000 acres of new trees are to bo added to the 40,000 already existing on the estate of Lord Seatiold, and other similar plantations are being made of proportionate importance.