GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 593, 22 August 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[press agency.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, August 20. Curtis’ Bill, and Wallis’ Bill for triennial elections were read a first time. The remainder of the sitting of the House was in committee on the Civil Service Act Amendment Bill.

August 21. In reply to Mr Barton, the Premier said the rumor that the Ministry had in contemplation the formation of two Provinces, with the seat of Government for the South at Christchurch, and for the : North at Auckland, was purely a p-litical canard, without the slightest foundation. 'Replying to Mr Fox, Mr Ballance said the Government telegraphed to Australia respecting the Japanese Commissioners, and the objects of their visit to Australia, but no reply had yet been received.

Mr Sheehan promised Mr Richmond that a clause would be introduced in the Licensing Bill to equalise licensing fees throughout the Colony. Mr Bastings moved that the House at its rising on Thursday, stfi September, at 5.30, adjourn till Tuesday, 9th, at 7.30, to enable members to visit the opening of the Dunedin and '.Christ, church railway. The motion was agreed to without discussion. . -

Mr Saunders' withdrew bis motion for repealing the Counties Act.. ji

Mr,Fox moved—“ That his Excellency be requested to lay on, the table all correspondence between himself and the Socrefai-y of State which has taken place since last session.” Mr Sheehan promised the Governor would be asked to lay on the table all such correspondence as Ministers might advise his Excellency to lay on the table. The Premier pointed out it was not always advisable to produce all the*e despatches. Mr Fox . differed entirely with the Premier, and said it had been the practice' ever since constitutional Government was granted to the Colony. Mr Manders brought under the notice of the House how railway officials were deprived of their holidays, and argued that the matter should be arranged more-satisfactorily by managers of railway depots. After some discussion the motion was negatived. In reply to Mr Delatour, Mr Fisher said that the employment of women in the telegraph department had not been satisfactory on the whole ; though adopted for certain clerical work, they seldom become good operators. Mr Beethan moved for a committee to inquire into the system of surveys, which was negatived. The motion of Mr Manders for a committee to inquire into the Mines Act, 1877, with a view to amendments, was talked out.