PARLIAMENTARY

Kumara Times, Issue 2793, 3 September 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

BILLS PASSED

WESTLAND EDUCATION BILL,

THREAT BY THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

BUSINESS AND DURATION OF THE SESSION.

THE EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY. CAUCUS OF CANTERBURY, NELSON AND WESTLAND MEMBERS.

(from our own correspondent.] Wellington, September 2. The House has at last assumed its normal condition. Yesterday a large amount of solid work was performed. The Auckland Public Works Bill was read a second time ; the Mortgage Debentures Bill was passed through its trial stages; the Criminal Code Bill was read a secend time; the Employment of Females Bill, as amended by the Council, was rejected ; the Presbyterian Church Property Bill was passed, as amended by the Council; the Westland Education Bill, as amended by the Council, had further to be amended by the Governor in Council, who made the Act permissive until the year 1888, and ou three nominated and three elective members. By this absurdity being discovered, the Government so amended the Bill that the present members on the Westland Board remain in office till 1887, and the Oommissioneis for the Grey district, retain office until a further amendment can be made next session. The Rating Act Amendment Bill was passed; as also the Land Transfer Bill,

Major Atkinson asked Government what was their intended order of business. The Premier replied that he hoped (o bring the session to a close next week. The House would be asked to sit on Saturday. Major Atkinson replied that Government might consider itself lucky if the business was completed by the end of October. This was received with cheers by the Opposition. The Premier replied that time would tell: they would do their best to prevent a minority from ruling the country. The debate on the Property Assessment Act then proceeded, and at 1 a.m. the second reading of the bill was carried on the voices. There has been a caucus of Canterbury, Nelson, and Westland members, this morning, re the East and West Coast Railway, but no definite proposals were carried. They meet again tomorrow. [From the Wellington correspondent of the Argus.] Wellington, September 1. In answer to Mr White, the Government said they would be able to supply ammunition to Volunteers for practice at cost price. September 2. Whatever position the Ministry may now choose to take up, there is no doubt whatever that the Nelson, Canterbury, and West Coast members were given to understand that the Government would stand or fall by the vote promised, but it would seem as if they are going to show the same want of backbone on this question that they have on many others during the session.