GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 616, 18 September 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[press agency.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, September 17. In the House, this afternoon, Mr Barff asked the Minister of Justice if he will lay before the House a return showing what ungazetted sittings of the District Court of Westland have been held from June, 1875, to August, 1878, both inclusive, together with adjournments from gazetted and ungazetted sittings. Return of the total travelling expenses paid by Government on vouchers to the Judge of the Court, distinguishing gazetted and ungazetted sittings. Mr Sheehan said the information was being prepared, and would be laid upon the table in a day or two. Several petitions from Catholics re Education Act were presented. Mr Montgomery will move an amendment to the Electoral Bill to prevent electors voting in more than one electoral 'district. ••'.'•' The Government promised to consider during the recess the laying out "of towns by private persons. Mr Fitzroy asked when the return asked for on the 2nd August, respecting the Hinemoa, and those who travelled in her at the expense of the Colony •besides, the Governor and staff and Ministers would be laid on the table. ••;. •■- The Premier said great difficulty was experienced in obtaining the information required, but as soon as it was obtained it would be laid before the - House. • • The remainder of the sitting was spent in committee on the Electoral Bill. An amendment by Mr Sharp to exclude female ratepayers from voting was rejected by 42 to 23. The clause entitling Maori ratepayers to vote, and the clause relating to convicted persons were postponed. In clause 22, relating to persons eligible for election for House of Representatives, women were excluded by 38 against 26. Business was interrupted by 5.3<X September 18. Soon after the House resuming at 7.30 last evening, .. The Native Minister proceeded to deliver a statement relative to native affairs, which occupied .an hour and a-half. It consisted mainly of a history of the' negotiations which had taken place with the

Natives durihgiheTi&aMß, and witty the present condition of'the Maories socially. After that the House went.into, Committee on the 'Electoral Bill,' was advanced from'clause 22 to 37, the amend* ments made .not being of a material character. The House adjourned at 1.45.