PARLIAMENTARY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2305, 24 August 1881, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

[pbebs association telbgbak, 1 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, August 23. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Hon. W. Bobinbon gave notice for a return of the indebtedness in every form of every local body in New Zealand. The Licensing Bill was recommitted, and a clause reinserted that children under sixteen shall not be supplied unless lodging in hotels with their parents. The BUI was then read a third time, and sent back to the Lower House. A memo, was read from Captain Hume, saying that the first he heard of the Council wanting a return was through reading a newspaper. Ho, therefore, complained of the remarks in the report of the Civil Service Return Inquiry Commission. The Hon. P. Buckley objected to the memo, lying on the table, as Captain Hume had not yet been blamed. On a division, the memo, was allowed to remain by 13 to 12. The Dentist Act, 1880, Amendment Bill ond the Oamaru Harbor Board BUI were read a third time and passed. The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Bill was read a second time. The Hon. F. Whitaeeb moved the reading of the Fixtures Law Amendment Bill. The Hon. M. Holmes moved its throwing out, e The Bill was thrown out by 18 to 8. The Hon. H. Millbb moved the appointment of a Boyal Commission to enquire into the question of harbors for the West Coast of both islands, with special reference to Taranaki. A debate ensued, duCug which several members expressed their conviction that Boyal Commissions do no good, that all the artificial harbor works in New Zealand, except at Oamaru, had been simply money thrown away, and that it is high time that the legislatu-e should have the political courage to stop the whole affair. The Hon. Oapt. Peasbe said that £400,000 had been squandered in Dunedin, and that the authorities there, and at other places, all thought they knew better than Sir John Ooode and other eminent engineers. Eventually, on the motion of the Hon. F. Whitakbb, pointing out that carrying the motion would do no practical good, it was withdrawn. The OounoU rose at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Tuesday, August 23 The Home met at 2 30 p.m. QUESTIONS.

Replying to Mr Pyke, The Hon. W. Johnston said that enquiries had been made aa to the amount of Sunday business transacted at the smaller telegraph offices, and the result was that the business was so trifling that orders had been given to close about 100 of these offices on that day. Replying to Mr Hamlin, The Hon. J. Hall said that a special train conveying 100 passengers was run from New Plymouth to Waitara on 17th instant, in accordance with the railway regulations, the cost thereof being guaranteed. Replying to Mr Bunny, The Hon. W. Rollbbton stated that Government was in favor of an exhaustive inquiry being made as to old land claims and grievances, during the recess, by a commission.

Replying to Mr Richardson, The Hon. T. Dick said that Government would offer a bonus for the establishment in the colony of a manufactory of glassware. Replying to Mr Pyke ; The Hon. J. Hail said that during the absence of the Governor whilst engaged in the performance of his functions as High Commissioner, an officer would be appointed as Acting Governor, who would receive half salary as provided for by the Governor’s Salary Act, and no extra expense would be thrown upon the colony in consequence. His Excellency would be absent not more than six weeks or two months.

Replying to Mr Weston, • The Hon. J. Hall said that artisans of the Greymouth quarries were paid lls per day, and laborers 9s 6d. The 10 per cent, reduction would not be deducted in future, but Government saw no reason for refunding the deductions already made. Replying to Mr Taiaroa, The Hon. J. Ham said that provision had been made upon the public works estimates, out of which £SOO could be provided for the road to Otago Hoads. Replying to Mr Barron, The Hon. T. Dice said that he was not aware how many persons admitted into the Civil Service had been vaccinated in terms of Section 63 of Public Health Act, 1876. Copies of the clauses of the Act relating to the case of children attending the public schools had been forwarded for the information of Education Boards when the Act was passed, and Government had otherwise taken precautions for having the vaccination provisions of the Act enforced, NEW BILLS. The New Plymouth Harbor Commission Bill (Hon. J, Hall) was read a first time. Mr Fulton moved that the Education Act, 1877, Amendment Bill be read a first time. The House divided. Ayes, 41 ; noes, 26. The Bill was read a first time, and on the motion that it be read a second time on Thursday week, Mr Babbok moved that day six months. Mr Tubnbull, Sir W. Fox and others spoke in favor of the Bill, and Messrs Speight, Bbvce and Bowbn supported the the amendment, arguing that the Bill could not possibly pass, consequently it would be simply a waste of time to keep it on the Order Paper. The Hon. T. Dice said that he desired to say a word, strictly in bis capacity as a private member, and as not in any way expressing the opinion of the Cabinet. He denied that the community at large were completely satisfied with the educational system as it stood. The fact of a Bill of this kind being introduced was sufficient to show that such was not the case. It was also a well-known fact, that a large section of the cammunity, more especially in Otago, was strongly favorable to the introduction of Bible reading in schools. He had no doubt but that the Bill would be defeated, still he believed that it would come again from time to time until they dealt with it in another way.

Major Habbis moved the adjournment of the debate.

The Hon. John Hall looked upon the question as a most important one, and one which ought to be fullyldiscussed. At the same time, the present period of the session would not admit of that being done. He approved of the Bill, and would vote for the motion.

Mr Olitbb expressed his surprise that the clergymen of the different denominations should be so remiss in their duty in availing themselves of the provision made for imparting religious instruction to children attending school.

The question for adjournment was put and lost on the voices. On the motion for reading a second time on Thursday week, the House divided :—Ayes, 15 ; Noes, 52. Division list:—

Nogs —Messrs Allwright, Andrews, Ballance, Barron, Bowen, Brandon, Brown, Bryce, Bunny, Collins, De Lautour, Finn, J. T. Fisher (Heathoote), George, Gibbs, Gisborne, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Hamlin, Harris, Hirst (Wallace), W. J. Hurst (Auckland West), Hutchison, Johnston, Jones, Kelly, Kenny, Levistam, Levin, MoOaughan, Montgomery, Moss, O'iver, Ormond, Pitt, Reid, Richardson, Ralleston, Russell, Saunders, Seddon, Seymour, Shepherd, Shrimski, Speight, Stevens, Sutton, Swanson, Tole, Trimble, Whitaker, Whyte, Wood. Aybs—Messrs Oolbeok, Dick, Sir W. Fox, Messrs Pulton, Hall, Hursthouse, Lundon, Macandrew, Murray, Shanks, Stewart, Studholme, Tawhai, Thomson, Turnbull. The amendment for the second reading that day six months was then put and carried.

The amendments by the Council in the Oamaru Harbor Board Act Amendment Bill were agreed to, and the House adjourned at 5.30.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7 30. EBPBBBBNTAXION BUB.

The House went into committee on the Representation Bill, Clause 2—House to consist of ninety one members, Mr Speight insisted that the number of members proposed to govern half a million of .population was out of all proportion ; fifty'two or fifty-four, he thought, would be

amply sufficient. It was not calculated to bring about a better state of legislation. A suggestion had been made to hare the num ber of electorates reduced to nine, leaving each district so constituted to elect its own members.

Mr Bastings moved that 91 be struck out and 60 substituted. The Premier’s argu ment that the increase proposed was not greater than the representation had been in by-gone times when the population was not so large, amounted to nothing. He reminded them that the conditions were different. Postal, railway, and telegraphic communication had been promoted greatly since those days, and the same proportion of representation to the population was not needed now. Mr Pitt spoke in favor of the proposal for the reduction of the number proposed. The Hon, J. HAll said that the proposal was one which ought not to have been made in the absence of information as to its probable effect.

Mr Gibbobnb suggested the postponement of the clause until they had dealt with the schedules.

Mr Lbvbstam denied that population was the sole basis for a sound system of representation, and he imited them to decide upon a fixed principle, so that the number of representatives might not outgrow all reasonable proportions.

Mr Tawhai suggested that the Bill should be shelved for six months. Sir G. Gbey said that this increase of members would render the payment of members impossible. At present the cost was £19,000 per annum. Taking Groat Britain as an estimated basis of papulation, they would have about a million and a half of money to pay as honorariums. Mr Skddon spoke for two and a half hours, during which he traced minutely the history of the West Coast and its necessities.

Mr Thomson said he sympathised with the position of the Nelson and West Coast memjers. The proceedings of the evening reminded him of olden times, and especially au occasion on which he found himself ranged on the side of the minority in a similar struggle. He felt in his own mind that the House was large enough. He felt that, although they had been three months in session they bad done nothing. Indeed, he was ashamed to go home, considering the little that had been done. If they increased the number as proposed, the new members would be sure to do their share of talk, and that meant lengthening out the sessions. It also meant additional expense. He felt, however, that the population of the South had increased, while that of the West Coast and Nelson had decreased. In that case they were entitled to increased representation, and therefore be was rather at a loss to make up his mind on the subject. He thought the towns were over represented, and that they might very well be dispensed with by the proposed increase. He thought they might reduce the number of town members by three or four. He blamed the Government for the silence it maintained.

Mr London said that he thought Wellington might forego at least two of the members proposed for it. It had advantages no other place could lay claim to. It was well represented nightly in the galleries, and in the periodical balls given in the place and over represented in the Counoil. Mr Pitt spoke at considerable length, and Mr Collins more briefly. Mr Shbbhabd after speaking abont on honr, and avowing his readiness to fulfil his duty to his constituencies, and to continue until to-morrow evening, moved that progress be reported. This was negatived on a division of 26 to 11. Mr Lbtibxau then rose and is now (2 a.m.) speaking. During the night attention has frequently been called to the absence of a quorum, but the ring of the division bell always quickly made up the number. Many members have evidently disposed themselves for a night’s sleep on the benches, well wrapped np. PAELIAMENTABT NEWS. [By Tblbgbaph.] [FBOM THB OWN OOBBBBBONDKHT OB THE “PBBBa.”J WELLINGTON, August 23. The committee of the Legislative Council reported to-day on the case of the Hon. Oapt. Baillie—“ That the receipt of a forage allowance, as a commanding officer of volunteers, by the Hon. Captain Baillie, does not disqualify him from sitting and voting in the Legislative Council.” In the Legislative Council to-day, a memorandum from the Inspector of Prisons to the Attorney-General, in reference to the censure passed on his department by a committee of the Council, for failing to supply information called for, was laid on the table, after a warm discussion, on a division by thirteen votes to twelve. Captain Hume warmly disclaims all intention of treating the Council with disrespect. He states that he received no notification of information having been called for until he saw it in the newspapers, on which he took immediate steps to proonre it, which has now been done, and the information furnished. Under these circumstances Capt. Hume expresses his hope that he has clearly shown sufficient grounds to remove the censure passed on his department, a censure he ventures to remark which was recorded without his being called upon to give evidence before the committee, and permitted to explain the apparent neglect, and he trusts the same publicity may be given to this statement as was given to the report of the enquiry committee. Several Councillors strongly resented the tone of this memorandum, as uncalled for and disrespectful, but it was ultimately received. The goldfields committee, to whom was referred the Goldfields Duties Act Amendment Bill, have reported that, having carefully considered the Bill, they recommend that it be passed as amended. The amendments ore as follows: —(1) Act ‘to come into force on Ist January, 1882; (2) Purchaser of gold to make a monthly declaration, instead of a quarterly, and to state the boroughs (as well as counties) in which gold is produced ; (3) Commissioner of Customs (instead of chairman or clerk of county) to provide declaration forms, and shippers of gold to present declarations to that office.

The public petitions committee reported today on the petition of E. B. Lloyd and 00., Christchurch, for an extension of their railway siding, which has been refused by the railway department. The committee report that it appears from the evidence before them that the department is willing to grant an extension of the siding if the petitioners provide a guarantee that not more than 120 trucks per month are required, and that no compensation be granted in the event of the extension being closed by the department. Under these circumstances the committee consider that the aj plication should be granted, subject to the conditions abovenamed.

A Canterbury deputation, consisting of Messrs Bluett, Gardner, and Coe, waited on the acting Minister for Public Works to-day, to urge the necessity of a goods shed and station being erected on the railway at Elies* mere. The Hon. J. Hall promised that the matter should be duly considered, and if found advisable, the request would be acceded to. It is rumoured that the Hon. E. Richardson, M.H.R., Mr J. Macandrew, M.H.8., and Mr 0. Napier Bell, M 1.0. E., may probably form the commission on the New Plymouth harbor works. This is not yet definitely decided, but from what I can hear it is tolerably certain to be thus settled, provided the gentlemen named are willing to act. Very slight hopes are now entertained of the session finishing before the end of next month, as there are still eighty five bills on the order paper in different stages to be disposed of. I know that some members are making arrangements under conviction that they will not got away before the beginning of October. Others, however, declare that they will not stay after the middle of September.

I hear that the somewhat precipitate admission of the steamer Wakatipu and passengers to pratique, about which there was so much talk in Parliament, was due to misconception as to the meaning of the regulations, and that in view of the alarming spread of small-pox in Sydney it has been ordered that in the case of all vessels arriving from Sydney in future that no person shall be allowed to land until “ successfully ” vaccinated. This apparently will imply a detention of three or four days until the eficaoy of the operation begins to manifest itself, A very general opinion exists that the Railway Bill will pass, but that it will need several important alterations in committee to make it a workable measure, such as would tempt home capitalists to invest their money. A deputation of Auckland members waited on the Premier, backed up by telegrams from the local bodies, and strenuously urged that

the vote be placed on the estimates for the Auckland railway reclamation. The Premier replied that this work was, as hitherto, included in the vote for the Auckland- Waikato Railway, and that as much ao could be fairly spent on that portion of the work would bo spent, but opening the country districts must be the first consideration. He reminded them that Auckland already had a very large share of the proposed expenditure, and other places grumbled. He positively refused to place any larger sum on the estimates for Auckland, saying that the province was already down for quite as much as it was entitled to, if not more, and he could not in fairness to the other parts of the colony increase its share. He refused to commit injustice to the rest of the colony for the sake of Auckland popularity. The whole night was spent in stonewalling the Redistribution Bill. The Nelson members appear resolved to hold out as long as possible, and make no secret of their intention. Mr Shephard has been speaking for the last hour, and is going on with voluminous quotations as I send this message at half-past 1 a.m.