PARLIAMENTARY.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 758, 24 July 1894, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY.

In Council motion by Shrimski to appoint Committee to inquire into and report on shipment of damp wool was agreed to. Indictable Offences Summary Jurisdiction Bill committed. Bonar moved that clause 41, dealing sumarily with sorcery and witchcraft, be struck out. Clause was retained. In connection with abduction of girls under 18, age of consent was fixed at 15. Clause was inserted providing months’ imprisonment for practising palmistry. Bill reported as amended. Offensive Publications Act Amendment Bill framed to punish, by imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, dissemination of impure literature, read second time.

Criminal Code Bill reported with amendments.

Auctioneers, Tainui branch railway, and Light and Air Prescription Bills read second time. Married Woman’s Property Bill read third time, and passed. Second reading of Lunatics Amendment Bill, appointing women official visitors to female side of lunatic asylums, was carried, and Council adjourned. In House new Standing Orders adopted on motion of Premier. Kaitangata Relief Fund Transfer Bill read first time. Minister of Lands moved second reading of Lands for Settlement Bill. He said Chevoit experiment was a great success, and that Govt could cut up and deal with estates better than individuals. House had three times affirmed principle of Bill, and Govt were determined it should become law this year. Russell opposed it, considering that while the Bill was better than that introduced last year it would do more harm than good, and would not accomplish what Minister hoped. He understood rentals of Cheviot Estate were so high that in 1 year large number of settlers were unable to meet their engagements. Duncan, Meredith, Mackintosh, and McLauchlan supported, Massey opposed. Debate adjourned, and House rose at 11 • 25.