PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1778, 1 November 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

[By Telegraph.] WELLINGTON, October 31. Tho Premier announced that the Government concurred in the opinion that the Agent-General should not be a director in a loan company, nor a candidate for the House of Commons, but as shareholders think their interests would bo prejudiced by Sir J. Vogel leaving the company, and as some of tho late Ministry allowed his connection with tho company, ho would bo allowed a reasonable time to sever his connection. The Government promised to consider the question of simplifying Law Court procedure. The Premier, in reply to Mr Saunders, said some members of tho late Government sent electioneering telegrams as public, and if not prejudicial to the public service, they would bo laid on the table. Tho Bill to reduce the price of miners’ rights was read a first time. The Qualification of Electors Bill came on for the second reading. Sir George Grey complained that the Bill did not give manhood suffrage. In committee he would do his best to amend tho Bill so as to secure manhood suffrage, and give Natives the same right Jthat they have under the Constitution Act. Several members supported the Bill, expressing a hope that it would be made more perfect in committee. Tawhai and To Wheoro protested strongly against tho alteration of the Maori vote, the latter predicting trouble, and tho stoppage of roads in the North Island. JMr Tole approved of tho dual vote to Maoris who paid rates. Others spoke, mainly supporting the Bill. The debate was interrupted by the adjournment. In tho evening the debate was continued on the Qualification of Electors Bill. Mr Tola cautioned tho Government against meddling with the Maori vote. Messrs Dick,'Saunders, Spi ight, Pitt, and Hutchison supported tho principle of the Bill, but expressed an intention of amending it in committee. Mr Murray supported a female franchise. At 10 the debate seemed likely to continue for the remainder of the sitting. Mr Lundon, was speaking in advocacy of Maori electoral rights. In the Legislative Council, Colonel Whitmore said the Council would never stand high in the estimation of the country till it was divided into parties. Dr. Grace considered tho services of Dr. Skae invaluable. The Government should do everything to retain his services for Lunatic Asylums. This was endorsed by Dr. Pollen, who urged that the Government should get a grant of money this session to improve the bad state of the asylums, which were now a disgrace to the country. Failing to got a vote, they might, in bo good a cause, imitate their predecessors and spend without the formality of getting it voted. Several others eulogised Dr. Skae, and urged the matter on the notice of Government. It was reeolved that tho Government should get three really qualified medical superintendents for Otago, Christchurch, and Wellington, and at once consider the recommendations made by Dr. Skae respecting alterations and improvement.