GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 3029, 19 July 1886, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[united press association.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, July 14. The Hon. Mr Richardson moved the second reading of the Workmen's Wages Act (1884) Extension Bill, the object of which is to destroy the system and enforce payment in coin or bank notes to artisans or labourers engaged on wort to be paid for by day or piece. Mr Buckland thought the bill wou'd not do unmitigated good, and said he would propose some amendments in committee. Mr Co wen thought that in view of the construction of the Midland Railway some such restriction was necessary. Mr Fergus had never heard any outcry for such a bill. Money could not be taken into wild districts in largo, sums without danger. Mr Peacock upheld the latter view. Sir R. Stout said that if they had not had facts brought before them showing the necessity of the bill, it would not have been framed. He urged members to press the measure. Mr Bruce thought that some of the provisions were ambiguous. Mr Hirst disapproved of the bill, and moved that it be read that day six months. After a few other speakers had expressed their opinions, Mr Fergus rose again, and in reference to a remark of the Premier's respeeding himself, said it was false. The Speaker insisted that the word must be withdrawn. Sirß. Stout said he had made no accusation against Mr Fergus. The latter asked if an untrue statement was made, was he not at liberty to deny it. The Speaker said that such language murtt not be used. It was offensive to the House and himself, and insisted on Mr Fergus withdrawing the expression, which he did. Mr Trimble said that a coach and six could be driven through the proposed bil'. Sir G. G.ey said that complaints had been mswle to him of the evils of the truck .system, but t!,« l.ij] wou ld not relieve them. I£ e thought ifc

might be amended in committee.—-[He proceeded to refer to something said in a former debate this session, and was called to order.] He said he was referring to a fact. The Speaker again laid down his ruling on the subject. Sir G. Grey insisting upon going on, The Speaker said he would not be trifled with, upon which Sir G. Grey said he would have to sit down and do so. The amendment whs then negatived, and the bill read a second time, without further opposition.