Parliament.

Manawatu Herald, 21 September 1893, Page 2

Parliament.

HOUSE OP REPBESENTATIVESMonday, September 18. The Speaker took the chair at 2 80 p m. The debate on the Government Railways Act Amendment Bill was resumed, and continued till the House adjourned at 2 o'clock. ' Tuesday, September 19. The Speaker took the chair at 2.80 p.m. The Premier announced that at noon that day the Governor had assented to the Electoral Bill. It was the wish of everyone, now that the new franchise had become law, that every facility should be given to women to record their votes. The Government had made provision by which electoral forms for enrolment were now obtainable in all parts of the Colony at the post offices and from the registrars. He thought he would be justified in asking the House to take an unusual departure and that police officers should be instructed to obtaiu the claims of women to vote and send them to the Registrars. Considering that the time between the end of the session and the general election would be very short, some extra effort would have to ha made if the women's votes were to be valid at the election. The Government would be glad to receive from members the names of localities where additional polling booths would be required • Sir John Hall expressed gratifica - tions at the announcement made by the Premier, and promised that that side ot the House would assist to give every possible facility for the exercise of the franchise. The Premier submitted reasons for disagreeing with the amendments made by the Legislative Council in altering clauses 12 aud 24, and in striking out clauses 23 and 26. : he reasons were agreed to. The debate on the Government Railways Act Amendment Bill was resumed and eventually the second reading was carried by 20 votes to 12. The House adjourned at 2.10 a.m.