PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 176, 23 July 1873, Page 2

P A RLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, July 22. In the Upper House to- day the Interest Bill was defeated by a large nrmjoriiy. The Bill proposed to Gx ft statutory rate of interest, except uuder contract, to six per cent. The Bank Holiday Bill was introduced to make the following close holidays : — New Year's Day, Easter Monday*, twentyfourth May, if week-day; twenty sixth December, if week-day. Bills of Exchange due on any of these days to be due on the following day. In the Lower Hou3e to-day, Mr Fitzherbert gave notice of a motion for the introduction of a Bill for a loan of £210.000 for the Province of Wellington. Mr Votrel said in rpference to the mail arrangements with M'Meckan and Blackwood, that they repudiated the six months' contract entered into with their agent. here.. Government had been in negotinlion with M'Meckan and Blackwood in reference to a three years' agreement, but reserved the contract for the approval of the House. Meantime arrangements had been made for the carriage of the next mail per Rangi'oto. In reply to Mr Swanson, Mr Vogel said he was uot aware of any correspondence between Mr Waterhouse and the Bank of New Zealand in references to the public accounts. Ths following bills wero rean a first time ; —Law of Arresfc Amendmeut; Leasea and Sales of Settled Estates Act Amendment; Notary Bill; Act to constitute Local Councils in Native Districts, and define their Functions and Duties; Emulation of Elections Bill; Electoral Bill; Provincial ditto; Bill for enabling Governors of Welliogt -n College to borrow money for College; Bill to Amend Municipal Corporations Act, 1867. The following bills were passed : — Municipal Corporations Waterwoiks Amendment Bill; Assaults on Constables Act. T e Telegr-ph Cubl* B II introdnfied by m^Bsciye from ihe Governor, was read u first, nine Li the L'>wer Hous ■, Mr V<>i»el moved ■vht-ffUiiiii i t-a. = > ii u of ilie Auiuuls luiuoi taaiou Fr'dii 'lion Bill. Mepßt's Bluet', Gillies, and Roll ston O} }«osi d i'. Mil C. »'. Wilson moved the second n adjug \Um. il.i> six moii'iis. O> «*d>vi(*i->ii die Br.l vvwi throwu out fey tweaty-eigh6 to twenty-five.

The Miner's Franchise Extension Bill entitles every holder of a miner's right or business license) to vote for members of the House of Representatives or Provincial Council. The holder may also vote at the election of Superintendent of a province in which such miner's right of business license was issued. The qualifications to commence from passing of the Act. Wellington, July 23. In the Lower House last night a discuFsion Uxk place on the second reading of the District Courts Bill, which proposes extended jurisdiction to £300, in order to decrease the cost of litiyation, and to promote f quitable jurisdiction. Mr Luckie supported and Mr Shephard opposed the Bill. The latter said that the Bill would cause delays, and that therfi was n ason to fear that cheap equitable jurisdiction to the extent of £100 would gradually disappear. Mi" Bfiihsjato having replied, the second reading wns carried on tlie voicca. The Goldmiuinf; Bill, and Canterbury W-iS'e Lands Biil passed the second ten tin". S ;iect Committees were appointed to consider the Hmendnieut of the Civil Service Act, aad the Peinianent Officers Salaries Bill. A petition from Christopher FraDk, of Nelsorj, a German, was presented to both Hous<-B, praying that he might, be appointed instructor to the vine-dtt esers on their arrival from Europe, as he lias discovered a mode of cultivation specially adapted to New Z-aland. In the Lower House a petition from Thomas Brunner, surveyor, was presented asking for a pension or employment under the Colonial Government for services rendered, Mr Richmond also presented a petition from James (Smith Cross, showing that he had been in the service for thirty-twoyeare, «nci prajinp; for a retiring pension.