PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 167, 16 July 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, July 16. In the Hoaae of Representatives yesterday afternoon tbe principal b_-i__-8 was (ha discussion of a motion by Mr J. Gillies, tbat a Committee be appointed to enquire into ihe questions arising out of the -barges contained in tbe telegrams and correspondence^ between Judge Ward and the Premier, and tbe complaints made, <pr to "be made, in regard to tbeir publication in the Otago Daily Times. Mr Yogel opposed the motion on the ground tbat enquiry was not necessary. He -contended tbat (ha telegrams, though addressed to him in his official capacity as Premier, did not come from «?ndge Ward in bis official capacity as District Judge. He merely complained as a private person tbat in his opinion &idge Chapman was acting unfairly in a case, and gave certain reasons for thinking so, but these the Cabinet did not think warranted tbem in taking any action in the matter, and the pnblic would never have heard of tbe case bnt for the spurious telegrams in the Otago Times. Mr Luckie (?; opposed the molioo, first on the legal ground, and second, as a press man. Major Atkinson supported the motion solely on the ground tbat either ©ne or. the other of the Judges was unfit to sit on tbe Bench. He hoped the- House would appoint a Royal Commission to enquire into tbe accusation. Mr T. B. Gillies also hoped the House would not be led astray from the merits of tbe real question, which was to purge the Bench from such gross imputations by identifying the wrongdoer, whoever he was. Mr Gibbs supported tbe motion. Mr Fox opposed ir, aod pointed out how false the Times' telegrams were. He intimated tbat the delinquent was in the telegraph office, and asked tbe Speaker whether the House bad the power to make an enquiry and quoted " Todd " to show tbat it had not. Mr J. Gillies replied, Biaiing that it was due to Judge Chapman that h. should not be placed in a false position. The motion was carried ou the voices. Mr May, of Akaroa, took his seat. The tohotr'wg JBills were^ read the second time:— -Gold-_4iDi_g Bill; Tara-

naki Waste Lauds Act Amendment Bill ; Canterbury Public Domain Act Amendment Bill; Municipal Corporations Ges Bill; Conveyancing Ordinance Amendment Bill. Mr Reynolds moved the eecond reading of the Qualification of Electors Bill, and explained its provisions, the principal orject being to place upon the roll a largo and important class of young men who had no property qualification. He did not think the Bill at all too liberal. It was an invariable rule that those who paid taxes should enjoy some share in the representatioo. The first clause provided for additional qualifications by allowing every mala 21 years of age, six months a resident, aod a naturalized subject, to be entitled to vote after registration. The qualification created by the Act was not in substitution of any other, and was in accordance with other enactments. Upon coming into force in J 875, the Miners' Representation Act would be repealed, but until that time the bolder of a miner's right might vote, but he must not exercise the power coferred upon miners if he is otherwise qualified in the same district, The Bill did not apply io Maoris during the continuation of the Maori Representation Acts. The debate was adjourned until Friday. 3-10 p.m, Ie the House of Representatives, Mr Curtis asked when it was probable that the railway from Ngukawahao to Westport would be opened for traffic. Mr Richardson replied that the contract for the first section and heaviest part of the work are open to tender, and tbat arrangements for the other are progressing vigorously, but he could not say when the line would be opened INTERPROVINCIAL. Wellington, July 16. Arrived— H.M.S. Blanche. In reference to an application made to the Governors of Wellington College to allow a piece of land promised them by the Provincial Council for an approach to ihe College to be used as a site for a proposed new Anglican Church, the Governors state that they have co objection if the land is only to be used as a site for a church and parsonage, and if a right-of-way be reserved for the use of the College. In re the Waikato immigrants, the case was adjourned till Monday to allow tho doctor, wbo is tho principal witness, but is laid up with rheumatism, to attend. Two men were discharged, the case not being pressed. At a meeting of the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company held yesterday, tho balance-sheet was presented and adopted. A discussion ensued respecting the proposed sale of tbe steamers, but no definite result was arrived at. Ultimately the discussion was adjourned. Ne*w Plymouth, July 15. The Paterson, which on entering the Waitara on Monday got on tbe North Spit, drifted Jast night about 200 yards further towards the bar, and, but for two anchors, wool] have foundered. The Eliza Mary last night was driven on the south spit while attempting to cross' the bar. A fearful thunderstorm passed over the town last night. Wanganui, July 13. A Stud Company is being formed, with a capital of £15,000. The shares are likely to be subscribed for at once. The ohject is the breeding of a high class of horses and stock. Negotiations are pending for the purchase of Mr. Walker's thoroughbred mares. Auckland, July 16. Arrived, yesterday, Countess of Kintore, 92 days from London. AU well. Buyers: Fiji Bank, 555; Caledonian, £9 10.; Crown Prince, 17s; Queen of the May, lis 6d. Sel!er3 : Bank of New Zealand, £17 15s; National Bank, 765; South British, 51s; Alburuia,3ss; Whau, 60s.