GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1688, 18 July 1879, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Wellington wore disposed ci ? Whether any modification of those terns has since been made ? What rent is m w paid for the Supremo Court buildings by the Government ; and whether any steps had been taken for building a now Court-house and offices.

Mr Sheehan said the site was sold for £16,000 for part cash, £3456, the rest in bills at sis, cine, and twelve months, one of whi had been met. The Government had the privilege of oeoupyings the buildings, which they did, and had an extended term for occupation at present, until the new Court-house was erected. Preparations to construct the same were in progress. ASMS OP VOLUNTEERS.

Captain Morris asked the Government how the volunteers recently enrolled on the West Coast are armed, if with breech loading arms or otherwise; and if with muzzle loaders, if the Government will communicate with the officers commanding the volunteer corps removed from the scene of disturbance, with a view of their corps handing over their breech loaders to Taranaki and West Coast Volunteers.

The Premier said the volunteers were of two classes there, those in the vicinity of their homes who had Snider rifles and the others Enflelds. The required rifles would be called in for the purpose of distribution there. PAECBL POST. Captain Russell asked the PostmasterGeneral if, in conformity with his promise on the 9th August last that the matter should not be lost sight of, any efforts have been made during the recess to introduce a system of parcel post. Mr Fishes said the matter was under consideration. BILLS INTRODUCED. The following Bills were introduced by leave of the House : Mr Shbimski— Oamaru Town Lands Exchange Bill, and a Bill to amend the Oamaru Harbor Board Act, 1876, and the Ordinance Amendment Act, 1878. Mr Reeves—Bill to amend the Mining Companies Act. Mr Mueeay —Kaitangata and Wangaroa Athenaeum Trusts and Reserves Bill. Mr Feldwick— Local Option Bill. COMMITTEE ON NATIVE APPAIES. Mr Sheehan moved—“ That a Select Committee, to consist of seventeen members, be appointed, to consider all petitions, reports, returns, and other documents relating to affairs specially affecting the Native race that may be brought before the House this session, and report thereon.” Carried. NELSON PUBLIC WOEKS. Dr. Henby moved—“ That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that public works in Nelson south-west goldfields should be under the direction of the .Public Works Department in Wellington, instead of Dunedin.” He said great delay arose in consequence of sending to Dunedin for papers. Mr Woolcock seconded the motion, and corroborated the statement as to the inconvenience experienced by his constituents in such matters.

Mr Macandrew said although he did not agree with the motion, he thought effect might be given to it. The separation of the Public Works Department was only an experiment, but so far had worked well.

On the motion of Mr Feldwick the name of Mr Beeves was added to the House Committee. BAY OP ISLANDS ELEOTOBAL BILL.

Mr Williams moved—“ That the report of the Royal Commission on the Mongonui and Bay of Islands electoral roll enquiry, together with the minutes of evidence, be laid before the House.” He said that the first had been furnished, but not the minutes of evidence, which were necessary for the expressisn of opinion thereon. Mr Sheehan said the minutes would be laid on the table. The motion was carried. p. bbbnnan’s petition.

Mr Reeves moved—“ That the petition of P. Brennan and others, presented by the mover on the last day of last session be referred to the classification committee.” Carried. accommodation poe eepobtees.

Mr Reeves moved—“ That it be an instruction from this House to the House Committee to provide for the better accommodation of Reporters for the Press.” THE OBAKBI PARLIAMENT. Mr Sutton moved—“ That a copy of all vouchers for moneys expended in connection with Paora Tuhaere’s Parliament at Orakei be laid before the House and printed, together with the papers on the same subject.” Carried. MOTION POB PAPERS. Mr Sutton moved—“ That the following papers be laid before the House: —l. A return of all agreements in respect of the occupation of Native lands for railway purposes between Napier and Kopua i 2. A return showing what amounts have been paid, showing in each case the names of the Natives claiming and the names of the persons who received payment.” Carried. NATIVE APPAIES COMMITTEE. Mr Murray moved—“ That the number of the Native Affairs Committee be increased to twenty, and that the names of Messrs J. S. JMaofarlane, McMinn, and Swanson be added thereto.” Carried. WASTE LANDS AND TELEGRAPH COMMITTEES. On the motion of Mr Baepp, the name of Sir Robert Douglas was added to the Waste Lands Committee, and on the motion of Mr Macpaelanb, the names of Messrs Cutten, Fisher, Feldwick, and Pyke were added to the Telegraph Committee. The House adjourned at 3.30.