GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 595, 24 August 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[press agency.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington. August 23. The House, met at 2.30 p.m. Mr Macandrew, in reply to Mr Fox i as to certain words made use r>f by Mr j Macandrew at a banquet in Dunedin, j in Mai ch last, regarding the probable |. restoration of Provincialism, said if he used the words, which most probably he did, it was not unatural for him to do so on such an occasion, considering his long experience as a Provincial officer. The remainder of the sitting was occupied over the adjourned debate on the Electoial Bill. Several members spoke, all agreeing to support the second reading, but. taking vaiions objections to many of the details which they intended to'try and i alter in committee. : The debate will be resumed at. 7.30. ! August 2k The Home resum-d la-<t night, when i the Electoral debate was proceeded ! with. J Mr Wallis spoke at considerable j length advocating female suffrage. i Mr Barton warmly aproved of the Bill.

Mi*Douglas was the only member who, besides Mr Seaton, opposed the Bill thoroughly, and lie divided the House on Mr Se.iton's amendment—" That the Bill be read that day six months" ; which was lost l»y 61 to 2, Mr Turnbull acting as teller for Douglas, in order to enable him to record his vote. The Bill was read a third time, and carried on the voices, after Mr Stout had replied.

The Ma-tin Annuity Bill was pasesd, after a Nng discussion. In Committer) on th-.« havings Bank Profit Bill on clause 3, which would empower trustees to pay over any excess of profits over a certain sum to some institution : after a ureat deal of talk, the clause was amended to read " ten per cent" of profits instead of "one thousand pounds." A n<iw clause was then added, making the bdl apply to Otago only. The bill was then passed. The House adjourned at 1.35.