GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 647, 24 October 1878, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[press agency,] , LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, October 23. In the Council last night, The Otago and Southland Education Reserves Leasing Bill was read a second time, and then referred to the Waste Lands Committee. The Debtors and Creditors Act, the Law Amendment Act, and the Goldmining Districts Act were passed. HfttrSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, October 23. In. the House last night, Sir George Grey stated with reference to Mr Barton’s charges against,the Judges that .Mr Barton desired to put in the Hansard report of his speech, and as this was not ready, therefore the Government must postpone its reply as to the course it intended to pursue. Mr Macandrew moved the Second reading of the Railways Construction Bill, and that all the works in the schedule, except the line from Amberley to Cook Strait be completed in five or six years. The proposals that the Amberley to Cook Strait line be made next session, he was inclined ■to think, should be one for which the Railway Minister for each isbe responsible. The Government proposed to expend this year £400,000, and £157,000 on immigration. He would .amend the .bill in Committee. By making 1 the ’appropriations annual and striking but the third sub-section, reserves could be made for towns and small farms along the line, some on the deferred payment system. It was proposed that the line 1 through the King country be dependent on the acquisition of land, but that,the link betwee Wanganui and New Plymouth be joined in two or three years. The expenditure proposed for the first year was £180,000; for the second year,£510,000 ; for the third, £685,000; for thb fourth, £902,000 ; for the fifth, £680;000 : and for the sixth, £670,000. Mr Richardson criticised the statement and the estimates ,as unreliable. A bill was necessary, and an annual appropriation preferable. The Tapanui system was dear; involving a large interest. He regretted the loss of Mr Oarruthers, and deprecated the niggardly ma-nnw 0 £ a<j. v ertiaing tenders. Mr Curtis urged the claims of Nelson to extended railway communication. He moved that the bill be read that day six months. Mr Hodgkinson supported the bill. _ Messrs Seymour, Richmond, Baigent, the bul Hnrsthouse opposed The debate was adjourned at 1.25, when the Mouse rose.