PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1258, 10 August 1872, Page 2

PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, Aug. 8.

Mr O'Neill, Gold Fields Representative, moved a resolution in favor of giving the Thames an additional representative.

Mr Wakefield admitted the justice of the claim, making a long speech on the inequalities of the representation, and moving an addition to the resolution to the effect that the Thames was only one of several cases, proving the necessity for redistribution.

Mr Gzsborne was strongly opposed to increasing the number of the members of the House, and stated that the question of distribution having been settled in 1870 the Government were not prepared to ask the House to reconsider it this session. Mr Macandrew opposed the resolutions, although he admitted that ihe mover had made out a- good case. He thought it quite sufficient to readjust the representation in the last session of each Pariia- ' ment. Mr Murray urged a reduction in the number of members of the House, and moved an amendment that it was inexpedient to interfere with the representation of the Colony, unless the whole question were reconsidered and readjusted. Mr Sheehan supported the resolution, pointing out the inequality between representation of the Provinces of Auckland and Taranaki, and urging the taking of a member from Taranaki to give a seat for the Thames. Messrs Kelly and Carrington defended Taranaki. On a division, Mr Murray's amendment was carried by 41 to 21. ; warden's salaries. Mr Harrison's motion in favor of Gold Fields Wardens' Salaries being voted by the Assembly was withdrawn after some debate. Messrs Gisbdrne, Creighton^ Curtis, and others opposed it. • SEPARATION OP THE AMURI PROM NELSON. Mr Ingles introduced a Bill to annex portions of Marlborough and Nelson to Canterbury. < Mr Curtis intimated his intention of opposing the Bill to the utmost. RATE OF INTEREST. Mr Bathgate introduced a Bill to limit the legal rate of interest to 6 per cent. TNSULAR SEPARATION. Aug. 9. Last night the debate on Reynolds's resolutions was resumed, Mr Steward supported the principle of making each island a Province. Mr Kelly (Taranaki) opposed the proposal, but admitted the necessity for some constitutional change. He moved the adjournment of the debate till Mr Curtis's resolution had been discussed* Mr M'Gillivray argued in favor of the total separation of the two islands, and would support the resolution as a step in that direction. / ; Mr Stafford asked the. Ministry to statue their views. ] Mr Fox refused to commit the Ministry to any opinion until the supporters of the resolution more fully explained their meaning. ! Mr Johnston opposed the resolution, as the effect would be to sweep away local administration. Messrs Stafford, Wood, and Gillies, severely censured the Ministry for not boldly attempting to lead the House on a great Constitutional question, and accused them of waiting to see how the majority were likely to go before making up their own minds. Some very strong language was used on both sides, and was afterwards withdrawn. ' ...--. The debate adjourned to Wednesday. 7.50 p.m. To-day, Messrs Hallenstein and Cracroft Wilson took their seats. The latter wa3 loudly cheered. Mr Gisborne moved the second reading of the Gold Mining Bill. Mr O'Neill seconded. A brief debate ensued. . N early all the speakers referred in com • plimonta;/ terms to the measure generally, and to Mr Haughton's report on the Gold Fields. ...... Mr Reid regretted that the Bill would still exclude tho Gold Fields from the operation of the ordinary Waste Land Laws.

Messrs Buckland and Murray protested against any power being given to mine on private property.

Messrs Mervyn and Shepherd (Otago) thought the Government should have power to resume title to private land found to be auriferous. :

Sheehan did not think it should in any way violate the title to freehold.

Bradfthaw and Kelly supported the motion providing the right to mine on private property. -

Several omissions were pointed out by various speakers, and the Bill, after being read, was referred to the Gold Fields Committee.

The Legislative Council yesterday went into Committee to consider the San Francisco mail contvact. Messrs Holmes and Sewell very strongly condemned the contract, and the manner in which it had been performed. Tho dobato is Unfinished.