PARLIAMENTARY.

Kumara Times, Issue 3030, 20 July 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY AND AURIFEROUS LANDS. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. THE LOAN BILLS. DISTRICT RAILWAYS SCANDAL. IMPREST SUPPLY BILL. GOLD DUTY REDUCTION BILL. [FROM OtTR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, July 19. On Saturday the whole of the West Coast members met the hen. Premier the Minister of Mines, and the Sur-veyor-General relative to re-survey certain well-proved auriferous land in each of the electorates from being selected under the Midland Railway Act. Maps were ordered to be prepared and each member requested to maik out on the map the various gold workings. Practical results soon ensue from the amendment made in the Act on the motion of the member for Kuraara, for there is not now the slightest doubt, but, as the law previously stood, the syndicate had the power of selection over all the lands in fiom Nelson to the Waiho River. July 20. The Premier has made a ministerial statement. Heeaid Govern nientproposed to take the loan bills to-moirow, and the Representation Bill on Wednesday. Government hoped, if hon. members would assist, to be able to bring the session to a close in a fortuighi'B°titne. The House would be asked to sit next Saturday morning. Sir Geo. Grey asked a question whether the Premier intended to taku further action relative to the District Riilways scandal. The Premier replied : No; the matter was now befote the crimina l courts, and he could not, without consulting his colleagues, give a de6nite reply. " Sir George Grey then moved ' the a.lj iirnment of the House, and made a very severe attack upon the Government; especially he directed his remarks to the Colonial Treasurer. The House was, however, very decided, and no one would second the amendment. The House then proceeded with the Orders of the Day. An Imprest Supply Bill for £200,000 was passed. The amendment ou the Local Bodies Loan Bill was agreed to. The First Offenders Bill was passed. The Gold Duties Reduction Bill was read a second time. The Minister of Mines, in a very temperate speech, introduced the bill. The Hon. Mr Rolleston opposed the bill, and he thought the House would shew bad taste if it sent a second bill to tiie Council in the one session. Mr Seddon replied to Mr Rolleston, and, on the point of order, proved that in 1882 two Gold Duty Abolition Bills were brought into the House, and two second readings taken. The second reading of the bill was agreed to on the voices. The Mines Bill passed through Com. m it tee. The Beer Duty Bill was read a second time. The House adjourned at 1.30 a.m.