GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1868, 31 July 1874, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[ANGLO-AT7STRALL4N- PRESS TELEGRAPH AGENCY.] WELLINGTON, duly 30. Mr Richardson, in replying to a question by Mr White, said there was no reserve for the Waimea Water-race. The Government would only keep a narrow strip of . land necessary to protect the works, and that there was no deviation ia the line of any consequence. Mr Harrison withdrew his Bill to constitute a Harbor Board at Greymouth. In the House of Representatives, on the motion for the reading of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand Bill the third time, the_ Premier said the clauses appeared not be drawn up in the usual way with limited liability companies, but as if the Bank's liabilities were unlimited. He thought there ought to be some limit to the charter. , Mr^oxjsaid ,the less the Government interfered with the banking of the country the better for thrpeople. :

The Bill was read a third time. The Select Committee appointed to inquire into the election at Akaroa report that owing to Montgomery being interested in a contract with the Government at the time of his election, it became null and void, but add their opinion that he entered into the contract inadvertently. ' The Speaker informed Mr Murray that the candidate could not be declared elected, and he would take steps for getting a new election as soon as possible. The Premier, in reply to Mr Thompson, said he did not intend to extend the telegraphic communication to the Nugget Lighthouse in connection with the proposed system of storm signals, as he had other more urgent public works to attend to. In replying to Mr W. Kelly, the Government promised to construct a bridge over the Waimate River, near Gisborne, and keep Gisborne Post Office open two \ hours on Sunday if a steamer called there on Saturday night or Sunday. . Mr Richardson, replying to a question by Mr White, said he had been informed by several members of both Houses that the truck system extensively prevailed in Westland on public works. He had; no complaint 3 from the men or, contractors. He had inquired into the matter, and taken precautions to advertise: publicly its illegality, but had not obtained such evidence as to justify them proceeding against anyone. Mr Bradshaw moved that, considering the rapid extension of manufacturing industries of the Colony, the Government should next session bring in a Factory Bill, based on Home Acts, to regulate the hours for employing youths of both sexes, to preserve their health and safety, and to secure their education. He gives voluminous details of factory abuses which prevailed in England before legislation. The same evils were certain to be developed here if preventive measure were not passed. Mr Richardson said the member deserved thanks for moving in the matter. The Inspection of Machinery Bill went some way in the direction desired, but the Government intended to bring in a Bill next sessiou which would be acceptable to employers and employees. The motion was agreed to.