PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 171, 17 July 1873, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, July 16. The Premier promised to bring down a report on the Telegraph and Mail Services. The Native Minister promised a report on Native afiairs on the East Coast on an early day. The following Bills were read a first time : — Joint Stock Companies Amendment Bill, Municipal Corporations AmendBill, Water Works Bill. In reply to Mr Murray, Mr Batbgate said the latter Bill would not interfere with the rights of third parties. District Courts Amendment Bill, As saults on Constables Bill, Gold Mining Bill, Prisoas and Insolvency Bill will also be introduced. Mr Seymour was elected Chairman of Committees. Sessional Committees were appointed. In a debate regarding the appointment of a Printing Committee, Mesans Murrjiy and Thomson attacked the composition of the CommitU'e, insinuating th it printers unduly preponderated arid supported Government from selfish objects. The Committee Was agreed to. Mr Gilliea moved for a return of the cost and revenue under the Public Trustees Act. Mr Baihgttte replied that the cost, was £150. Mr Gillies moved for a return of ihe amount of gunpowder authorised by each officer of the Native Department to be supplied or sold to Natives. Agreed to. The Municipal Corporation Water Works Bill was read the first time yesterday. It provides that debentures may be made redeemable within fify years from the issue thereof. Debentures may be

given in exchange for works purchased by the Counci), The Assault on Constables Bill provides that persona assaulting, obstructing, or inciting others to assault or obstruct constables Id the discharge of their duty shall be liable to a penalty of £10, or two months' imprisonment with or without hard labor. Persons offending against the Ac6 may be arrested without warrant. Mr O'Conor moved for a return of the annual importation of coal wil.h its value; also a return of the field work performed by each officer of the Geological Department during the past year. Agreed to. The House adjourned till to-morrow.