GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 645, 22 October 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[press agency.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, October 21. The Legislative Council to-day passed the Disqualification and Public Reserves Sales Bill, and the second reading of the Public Revenues Bill was agreed to. ° The Council then went into Committee on the Electoral Bill, when the Hon. Colonel Whitmore moved an amendment on clause 147, in the dilution of the-representation of minorities, which was carried by 18 to 13. The remaining clauses passed without amendment. The postponed clauses were under discussion at the dinner hour adjournment. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, October 21. In the. House to-day ."Mr Woolcock gave notice to ask the Minister of Public Works whether he had suspended for the time, being the harbor works at. Greyraouth, and on what grounds. Mr Henry gave notiee he would draw the.attention of the Government to the condition of the road between Reef ton and Westport. Mr Barton- gave notice of a motion in favor of running special workingmen's trains. Sir R. Douglas gave notice to ask Mr Barton whether in the event-.of his charges being disproved he ought not to be disbarred. In reply to Mr Reeves-, the Premier promised the Government would consider during the recess the necessity of placing a signal light at the entrance of Tpry Channel. In reply to Mr Wakefield, Mr Mac. andrew said the Government had received no estimate of the cost of the ; damage done by re'-ent floods at Rangititi Bridge ; that tho Counties concerned would be lesponsible for expenses of repairing the Clutha and Bruce Bridges. When the extent of damage was ascertained JliD Government would make a proposal to the House that local bodies may be aided with loans to repair damages. -In leply to Mr Birton, Mr Sheehan said six sui vey parties were at work on the Waimate Plains, and a large area would be sold early next, year, part on deferred payment, at both' Waimate and Waitotara. Mr Sheehan denied the report that two natives had been killed' On the ICast Coast. Only a small disturbance had |>een raised to induce, him to go down and spend money, but he would j wait until their powder was all ex- ' hausted. | The Rating Acts Amendments Bill was read a second time. I A long discussion ensued on the mohtion to go into Committee on the ! Waksitane Grants Valuation Bill. Mr | Rolleston regretted the Government ; had not adopted the system of auction. | in .selling thvse lands instead of dispos--1 ing of the lands by orders in. Council, ! w (ich was likely 'to produce abuses.. The time was near when they must .revert to. the exclusive pre-emptive right of pin-chase by the Crown, or make it absolute free trade' in native lands, and reserve no portions for the natives. The Premier expressed, his concurrence in these views, but said that Go--vern merit reforms were resisted by powerful private interests, and the Goyernmen t would consider Mr Rolleston's suggestions, and endeavor to give effect to them next, session. . Mr Douglas said Colonel Whitmore had an interest in stock running on the land of Captain Swindley, at Wbakatane. Mr Rolleston said Colonel Whitmore bad admitted in evidence he had advanced money to Mr Swindley. Mr M'Lean accused the Government ■of illegally issuing Crown grants, and moved the Bill be postponed. • Mr Sheelian said the transactions for which these grants were issued were negotiated in 1866. The Government would undertake that the leases should not exceed 21 years. The Premier challenged Mr M'Lean to move for a committee of inquiry. Mr Sheehan consented to the adjournment of the debate till Tuesday. The Cemetery Management Amendment Bill, tho Onnond Military Grants Bill, and tlte Rating Act Amendment Bill were under discussion when the House adjourned for dinner.