GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1431, 17 September 1878, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, Septembeb 16. The House met at 7.30. westpobt bailway. Dr. Henby gave notice to ask whether tho Government will cause a survey to be made of the railway between Weßtport and Reefton. PAY OP THE POLICE. Mr Pyke gave notice to move for raising the pay of the police in the South Island. NATIVE STATEMENT. Mr Sheehan informed the House that tomorrow at 7.30 he would make his statement on Native affairs. PENALTIES ON CONTBACTOBS. Mr Obmond asked when the return promised on the 15th August, showing tho contracts for public works in which penalties have been enforced since Ist July, and the contracts in case of which penalties have acorued, but have not been enforced during the same period, will be laid before the House ? Mr Macandbbw said all the information asked for would be laid on the table in a day or two. ELECTORAL BILL. In committee on the Electoral Bill, Mr Sutton explained at some length the intention and scope of some amendments he had given notice of some time previously. In clause 5, Mr Pyke moved an amendment with the object of getting public notices relating to elections published in some newspaper " published and circulating in the district, etc." The amendment was lost by 52, against 12. Mr Wakbfield moved another amendment, with the object of making it imperative upon the Government to advertise electoral notices in local newspapers. Considerable discussion ensued, the Attorney - Genebal contending that the amendment would place the Government entirely at the mercy of newspapers in the matter of charges. The amendment was carried on the voices. Clause 6, "provision as to Sundays and holidays," was struck out. The House is still in Commit tee.