PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1250, 1 August 1872, Page 2

PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, July 31. Last night Shepherd's motion expressing regret at Ornibnd's circular as to the introduction of Chinese was negatived after .a brief debate. Mr Ormond explained that the circular was only issued to obtain information on a point suggested by Mr Brogden; Parata's motion in favor of the return of confiscated lands to the natives w&s negatived. . ; The Public Health, Assurance Companies, and Public Trust Office Bills were considered in committee to-day. ! In reply to a question by Mr Reader Wood, Mr Ormond stated that Mr Brogden had submitted proposals to form !a company in London for the construction of New Zealand railways, and that thje papers on the subject would be printed. ! Mr Sheehan moved a resolution in favojr of the office of Attorney-General being made Ministerial, to be held by a member of the House of Representatives. ' Shepherd (Otago) opposed. Fox and Gisborne explained the position of the present Attorney-General as holding the Patent Office, and that he was only removeable on an address from both Houses. They would support the proposal if the resojlution were allowed, affirming that the office should be held by' a responsible Minister sitting in either House, and requesting the Government to endeavor t6 give effect to the arrangement as soon as. possible. They would then endeavor to ascertain if the Attorney-General was, disposed to retire, and, if so, on what terms. Reynolds and Fitzherbertj strongly opposed any alteration of the present system. The debate is unfinished.] Bathgate introduced a National Banking and Currency Bill. '