PARLIAMENTARY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2265, 6 July 1881, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

[PBBSB ASSOCIATION TBLSGBAM.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 5. Tho Council met at 2 30 p.m. In reply to the Hon. Captain Fraser, The Hon. F. Whitakbe said that an inquest was not held on the body of Walsh, lately poisoned in the Dunedin Industrial Sohool, because the coroner considered it would be a needless expense. The Chinese Immigrants Bill was passed through committee without amendment, read a third time and passed. The Hon. Dr. Pollen moved an amendment that tho Bill should only become operative when the Chinese number 2 per cent, of the European population, but tho amendment was negatived by 14 to 7. The following is tho division list: For the amendment —Hons. Brett, Chamberlin, Martin, Nurse, Pharazyu, Pollen, Scotland. Against—Hons. Aoland, D. Buckley, Dignan, Fraser, Grace, Hart, Lahmann, Menzies, Richmond, Robinson, Waterhouse, Whitaker, Wilson, Wood. Tho Bank and Bankers Ac 1 , 1880, Amendment Bill was read a second time. Tho Port Chalmers Cemetery Bill, Oamaru Harbor Bill, and Auckland Exchange of Reserves and Change of Trust Bill were received from lho Lower House and read a first time. Tho Gaming and Lotteries Bill was partly considered in committee and progress reported. The Council adjourned at 4 50.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 5, Tho House met at 2 30 p.m. notices of motion. Mr MacDonald gave notice that he would ask leave to introduce a Bill for the Amendment of tho Native Lands Act. Sir G. Geby gave notice that ho would move for leave to introduce a Bill to provide that no elector should vote in more than one electorate. Sir G. Grey gave notice that he would ask if ail the papers connected with Dr. Pollen’s pension papers were printed or only a selection therefrom. BBPOETS. Mr Bunny brought up and read tho following reports from the waste lands committee :—On the petition of John Kelly and others, praying that a piece of land may be sot apart and granted as a site for a cemetery in the Manutahi North district—that this petition be referred to the Government with a recommendation that its prayer may be given effect to out of such lands as may be available; on tho petition of the Wairoa Harbor Board, praying for a suitable land endowment to tho Board to enable it to successfully Carry out its duties —that they have no recommendation to make thereon; on the petition of the Rodney, Southland, and Cook County Council, praying that an elective element may bo introduced into the Waste Lands Boards, so that each county may elect its own representatives on the Board of such land district—that as they consider the subject matter of these petitions to be a question of public policy, they have UO report to make thereon ; on the petitions of the Rodney and Southland County Councils, praying that those counties may be placed on the same footing as municipalities as regards landed endowments—that as they consider the subject matter of these petitions to bo a question of public policy, they have no report to make thereon ; on the petitions of J. J. Duross, B. J. Faulkner, M. Collins, Thos. Stewart, B. D. Haldstead, John Wilks, Wm. Lunns, and others, praying for grants of land in consideration of military services, and as discharged soldiers—that as a similar petition to the foregoing has had the consideration of previous committees appointed by the House, who decided that the petitioners had no olaim, this committee sees no reason to recommend the prayers of tho above petitioners. QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr Speight, The Hon. W. Rollbston said that when in Auckland he had conferred with gentleman belonging to Auckland relative to the Auckland Museum, and that on their recommendation the Government had been considering the means to be adopted for placing that institution on a footing similar to that of other institutions throughout tho colony as regards endowments. Government was most desirous of getting the Museum placed on a better footing as regards these endowments than it at present occupied, but could not do anything definite at the present. Replying to Mr Shrimski, The Hon. Major Atkinson said that Government had received communications from the Kakanui Harbor Board relative to the probable trade of the port it improved, also requesting that a Bill be passed authorising them to borrow a sum of £BOOO to effect such improvements. After mature consideration of all the facts of the case Government could hold out no hope of such a Bill being brought forward. Replying to Mr Wright, The Hon. J. Hail produced and laid on tho table copies of all instructions issued to registration officers for their guidance in compiling rolls under the Registration of Electors Act 1879. Replying to Mr Weston, The Hon. J. Hall said that a Bill was in course of preparation enabling the Government to assist companies to construct and extend main lines of railway by concessions of land and otherwise. It would be brought down as soon as possible. Replying to Mr Weston, The Hon. W. Johnston said the Government understood that the road between Nelson and Beafton via Hampden and Lyell would be open for traffic in about a month. When it was open Government would see what arrangements could bo made for an overland mail by that route. Replying to Mr Weston, The Hon. W. Bolleston said the Government would introduce a Bill for the amendment of the law regulating land administering native reserves, as referred to in his Excellency’s speech. NEW BILL. In committee Mr Tubnbull introduced the Timaru Harbor Board Endowment Bill, and it was read a first time. COEEUPT PBAOTICBS BILL. The Hon. W. Johnston moved the second reading of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill. He explained its provisions, and pointed out the particular clause upon which it varied from measures of ths same nature introduced in previous sessions. A clause was in course of preparation based on the English Bill prohibiting any expenditure at all unless it passed through the hands and was spent at the discretion of an officer specially appointed by the Government for that purpose. Other clauses from the English Act would also be introduced. Dr. Wallis criticised the Bill at considerable length, expressing approval of all expenses being paid through the returning officer. He thought that tho Bill ehould also protect candidates from tho tyranny and corruption exercised by tho newspapers, which levied blackmail at election times, exacting long advertisements and charging them at scale rates. No doubt there were a good many honorable and excellent men connected with tho Press, but there were also a large number of men of very indifferent character. He approved generally of tho Bill. Mr Seymoue objected to the penalties provided for under clause 7, and thought the terms of disqualification should bo limited to say tho duration of the Parliament. Clause 18 was to his mind also too severe, tho penalty being disproportionate to tho offence, Mr Wood said that it was most important that candidates should know most distinctly what they could do and what they could not do. This Bill prohibited corrupt treating for example, but the difficulty was to say wbat was corrupt treating. The member for Auckland City West got into difficulties because ho had provided some slight refreshment in tho shape of beer and bread and cheese for his committee-men. That member had polled 800 votes over his opponent, so that it was monstrous to talk about that being corrupt treating. The English Act was more explicit on the point. It prohibited all treating, either corrupt or otherwise. He thought it would be much better if that course was pursued by this Bill, as it would be much fairer to all concerned. He reviewed • ho other prohibitions, contending that the English Act pure and simple would be much more beneficial in promoting the objects aimed at. Mr Qeoeqh said the Bill as it stood might operate very unfairly. Ho pointed out that a

professed friend of a candidate might violute the provision of the Act by corrupt treating “ for the express purpose of serving the cause of an opposition candidate.” Mr Bcnny advocated the necessity of framing such a Bill as would enable the candii date to close his pockets against the enormous expenditure to which he was at present subjected. Mr Saundbbs said that the Bill before them was vastly inferior to the Bill brought down by the Grey Government. The introduction of the provisions of the English Bill would be a great improvement on the measure before the House, He would not- oppose the motion for the second reading. Mr Shephabd thought it would' be wise to postpone the motion for the second’ reading until they had the clause promised to be brought down before them. He thought can - didates should bo prohibited from employing electors in any capacity at an election, and that public houses should bo closed during elections.

Sir W. Fox spoke in favor of the closing of the public houses during tho taking of the poll. He alluded to the sobriety ho had witnessed in San Francisco during a recent election for President, and on expressing his surprise he was informed that it was due to the fact that tho hotels were kept closed during the hours for election. Ho also objected to the expenses incurred by candidates in conveying electors to tho poll, adding that it was not so much the conveyance of the electors for which tho cost was incurred, but as a bribe for the candidates. Tho Hon. W. Johnston replied, stating that the Attorney-General had promised that tho new clauses would be of a nature to satisfy the most fastidious and pure-minded members. The Bill was read a second time, and ordered to stand committed ou Friday. EBQULATIoN OF ELECTIONS BILL. The Regulation of Elections Bill was further considered in committee. Clause 68,

Mr Geobob moved that a sub-section be inserted providing that a member joining the Ministry during the currency of Parliament should return for re-election by his constituency before taking his seat on tho Government benches, this, however, not to apply to ths formation of a new Ministry. He argued, in illustration, that members joining a Ministry were no longer the free members they were at the date of their election. Messrs Johnston and Dick, for instance, were elected on a particular branch of tho education question, and they had since their election joined a Government opposed to either of their views on the subjects. Under these circumstances, it was only right that they should go back and allow their constituents an opportunity for expressing their views on the situation. The Hon. W. Johnston said that Government could not accept the argument. The subject had frequently been discussed in that House.

Mr Wood supported tho amendment. If it were applied also to a new Ministry, it would put an end to all insinuations as to motives of corruption, inasmuch as that the members so elected to form the Ministry would hold office at the hands of their constituents. The amendment did not go far enough. It excepted “ a now Ministry.” Ho saw no reason for such an exception, and while supporting the principle of the amendment, he would move that the exception he struck out. Mr Qeoeoh said that he would gladly accept the amendment, but for the fact that great inconvenience would bo occasioned. Were a new Ministry not to he accepted when the House was in session, Parliament would, in tho wont of a change of Ministry, have to adjourn while the new Ministers went back for re-election. Mr Montgomebt preferred Mr George’s amendment as it etood, but rather than lose it would take it without exception. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING, The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. BBQULATION OF ELECTIONS BILL. The debate on clause 58 and tho amendment proposed thereon was resumed by Mr Rbbtbb, who spoke in favor of the amendment. Mr Collins opposed the amendment, on the ground that a provision of the kind had not been asked for by tho country. It would be derogatory to the position of a representative to contend that they should ask the opinion of their constituents in a matter of this kind. Their duty to their country clearly over-shadowed their duty in a matter of this sort to their constituents.

Mr Weston opposed the amendment. With triennial Parliaments it would be wrong to do anything that would necessitate elections more frequently than those provided for by law. He could see no reason for the amendment. They had been told that the Government had a vacant portfolio at present. Now the fact that a proposal like that contained in tho amendment should be brought forward at such a time went far to convince him that there was no real necessity for a provision of the nature proposed by the amendment. The Hon, J. Hall demurred to tho inference that a constituency had a right to say whether a man was to take office as a Minister or not. It was the Government that had a right to decide upon that question. It would deter good men from entering into the House, inasmuch as that it would subject them to the possibility of more expense in standing a re-election than they were at present subjected to. He hoped they would not entertain tho motion. Mr Lbtistam: also opposed tho motion. It was not asked for by the country, and he felt convinced that members would not sell themselves, as was implied, to the highest bidder. As long as they had the remnants of Provincialism there was no fear of a constituency objecting to its representative going into the Ministry. Constituencies were only too glad to get a good share of the loaves and fishes, and no better way could exist for getting such share than by having their member in the Government. Mr Wood’s amendment that the words “excepting a new Ministry form the necessity for re-election” was then put and negatived on tho voices. The original amendment, moved by Mr George, was then put and the House divided— Ayes, 14—Messrs Ballance, Da Lautonr, J. T, Fisher (Heathoote), George, Montgomery, Moss, Reeves, Shrimski, Speight, Swanson, Te Wheoro, Tole, Turnbull, Wood. Noes, 36—Messrs Allwright, Bain, Bastings, Beetham, Bowen, Boyce, Bunny, Colbeok, Collins, Sir W, Fox, Messrs Gibbs, Hall, Hirst (Wallace), Hursthouse, Johnston, Levistam, Mason, McOaughan, McDonald, Murray, Rolleston, Saunders, Shanks, Shephard, Stevens, Studholmo, Sutton, Thomson, Tomoana, Trimble, Wakefield, Wallis, Weston, Whitaker, Whyte, Wright, Mr Wood moved an amendment that the clause providing that, “ If a member absent himself for a whole session without the permission of the House,” then his seat be declared vacant, be amended so as to strike out “ with the permission of the House.” Tho amendment was negatived on the voices, and tho clause as printed was then put and passed. The following were then proposed and adopted as new clauses : On tho day of nomination tho returning officer shall preside at a meeting to bo held at noon at the principal polling place of the district, and declare the purpose for which tho meeting is held. Every candidate shall bo proposed by an elector duly qualified to vote at tho election, and seconded by another elector, who is qualified, and if there be no more candidates proposed and seconded than tho number of members to be returned, the returning officer shall publicly declare the candidate or candidates then duly proposed and seconded, duly elected, and make a return accordingly. In tho event of there being more candidates proposed and seconded than tho number of members to bo returned, the returning officer shall call for a show of hands separately in favor of each candidate, and after such show shall declare the persona in whose favor tho show of hands shall appear to have been; and if thereupon a poll be not demanded by one of the candidates, or by not less than two electors, the returning officer shall declare such persons duly elected. The names of persons so declared to bo elected shall bo elected in pursuance thereof, and the writs shall be returned by him to tho clerk of writs forthwith. It shall be lawful for any candidate so nominated as aforesaid at any time thereafter, but not later than two clear days before the day of polling, to withdraw hie name as a candidate by giving to the returning officer notice in form of the fourth schedule, or to the like effect, signed by the said candidote in the presence of and attested by a justice of the peace; and whenever a candidate shall so withdraw, the returning officer shall forthwith publish suchnoticoir, such a manner as he shall deem best calculated for

giving full publicity £o the same; and if after such withdrawal there shall be no more candidate* than the number of members to bo returned no poll shall be taken, and the returning officer ahall forthwith publicly declare the remaining candidates duly elected, as though the number of candidates had not exceeded the number of members to bo elected, and shall insert at the foot of such last-mentioned notice a notice m form in the fifth schedule, or to j that effect, that the remaining candidates aro duly elected, and shall endorse the writ ec cordingly, and shall return the same to the clerk of writs forthwith; provided that if after such withdrawal the number of candididates remaining exceed the number of members to be returned, the returning officer ahall omit the name of every candidate whore name is withdrawn from the ballot paper. If a poll be demanded as aforesaid, the returning officer shall then declare the day on which the same shall be i held, being a day so to be fixed as aforesaid, and the poll shall thereupon stand appointed ' for such day, and that day at every polling place of which not'oe shall have been given, and at no other, the poll shall bo opened, unless the candidates shall before each day bo reduced by withdrawal to the number not exceeding the numbers of members to be returned. The remainder of the Bill and schedule were then put and carried, and the Bill reported as amended. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Hon. J. Hall explained that the Treasurer had not been able to get his statement prepared so as to deliver it that night, as originally proposed. He hoped to be able to do so to-morrow night. SECOND HEADING. The Chatham Islands Local Government Bill was read a second time on the motion of the Hon. J. Hall. The House adjourned at 9.25 p.m.