GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Kumara Times, Issue 3007, 23 June 1886, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESWellington, June 21. MINING BILL. The Hon. Mr Larnach moved the second reading of the Mining Bill, explaining that it was a consolidation measure, and intended to assimilate the present varying law on the subject. It proposed to reduce miners’ rights from twenty shillings to five, and to grant mining leases for three years at ten shillings per acre. Power was also given under certain restrictions to private land.

Mr Seddon took exception to the bill as practically a reversion to the Gold Mining District Act of 1883, with which miners were little acquainted, whereas the vast majority were thoroughly versed in the Act of 1877, under which the majority worked. It also interfered with goldfields revenue in various ways, and was, he pointed out, mnch narrower in operation than the previous Act. He gave credit to the Minister for his liberal views on the subject, but thought he had not grasped the necessities of the case, and he asked him to allow it to be amended in Committee.

Colonel Eraser heartily approved of the bill.

Mr Sevan considered the bill was calculated to assist the mining industry, and no objection had been urged which could not be remedied in Committee.

Mr Menteath said it was entirely a new measure, so far as the South Island was concerned, and the result of its operation would be very dubious. The bill would tequire careful consideration, at the hands of the Goldfields Committee. Mr Guinness was satisfied that the bill tended to lessen the burdens of the miners, but it would require some alterations. The second reading was carried on the voices. MINING COMPANIES BILL. The Mining Companies Bill was passed through Committee without amendment, but considerable discussion took place on a new clause, moved by Mr Larnach, providing that no one engaged in the business of buying, selling, or dealing in any shares in any Mining Company, Bank, or Insurance Company, shall be appointed manager of any Company under the Act. On n division the clause was lost by 28 to 20. The Bill was reported with amendments. GOLD DUTY AND MINING COMPANIES BILLS. The Gold Duty Abolition Act and Mining Companies Bill were passed. MIDLAND RAILWAY BILL. The debate concerning the Midland Railway Bill was resumed by Mr Fisher, who said he would oppose the payment of interest during the construction, if the colony took over the line, otherwise he would offer no factious opposition.

Mr Wakefield spoke strongly in favor of the bill, and quoted from a former speech to show that he had always supported the work. He firmly believed it would he very profitable when once completed.

Mr Moss said that the Canterbury districts should nob receive greater concessions in laud grants than other districts. If the Act passed they would be compelled to set aside six or seven millions of acres of land for the contractors.

Mr Ivess had never known Mr Moss to take a hopeful view of anything. He was glad to see Messrs Holies ton and Wakefield supporting the bill, as it showed there was perfect unanimity in Canterbury on the railway. Mr J. W. Thompson would not oppose the billj because the colony was

novr committed to the construction of the railway. Mr Pyke heped that similar concessions would he given to other districts as to Canterbury. He pointed out there was nothing in the bill or contract to compel the company to. complete the railway. This should be ..rectified in committee.

Mr Seddon supported..the hill, but said it was expedient to prevent the company taking auriferous land on the West Coast for the purpose of the railway. He entered into the subject at length, quoting from various Acts to uphold his contentions.

The debate was interrupted at 5.30 p.m.