Some Bills.

Manawatu Herald, 11 July 1896, Page 3

Some Bills.

The Inebriates Institution Bill which has just been read a second time describes "Inebriate " to mean " any person who, not being amenable to any jurisdiction in lunacy, is

notwithstanding, by reason of the

habitual use in excess of intoxicating . liquor or drugs, at times dangerous to himself or to. others, or incapable of managing himself and his affairs." The Bill gives power to the Governor in Council to proclaim an institu* tion for inebriates. Applications

can be made for admission voluntarily but upon certain steps being taken before a Judge or Stipendiary Magistrate a person can be committed to the institution for curative treatment for a terra. Inebriates leaving during continuance of order can be apprehended and taken backs Any person attempting to escape or misconducts himself while in the institution is liable to a fine .or further detention.

The Deceased Husband's Brother Marriage Bill enacts that eVef? marriage between any woman and her deceased husband's brother which has heretofore been or which shall hereafter be contracted shall be deemed to be valid and binding. Provided thai; it shall not render valid any marriage in the case where either of tha parties to such marriage shall thereafter before the passing of this Bill have lawfully intermarried with any other person.

The Female Law Practitioners Bill amends all acts so that any woman of the age of twenty-one years and upwards may practice as & barrister or solicitor ; provided that every qualification,, test, examination, certificate, diploma, condition, or limitation applied or required in the case of any man practising as a barrister or solicitor shall be applied or required in the case of any woman,

The Divorce Bill proposes to give to any married person after a year's residence in New Zealand power to seek divorce on the following : grounds :-— That the respondent ha?, Bince the* celebration of the marriage, and after coming into operation of this Bill, been guilty of Adultery.

'■ That the respondent has without just cause wilfully deserted the petitioner, and without any such cause left; him, or her, continuously so deserted during four years or upwards.

That the respondent has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for attempting to take life of the petitioner. If in the opinion of the Court the petitioners own habits or conduct induced or contributed to the wrong complained of, such petition may be dismissed ; but in all other cases under this section, if the Court is satisfied that the case of the petitioner is established; the Court shall pronounce a decree dissolving the marriage.

The Bill contains a clause that the Court may forbid the publication of any report or account of the evidence or other proceedings therein, either as to the whole or ' any portion thereof.