PABLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 174, 24 July 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, July 23. In the House of Representatives last night, Mr Murray moved for a return in detail showing the prices, discounts, and commissions upon all material imported under tbe Public Works and Immigration Act. Mr Richardson said it was impossible to make such a return, but he would give all tbe information possible on tbe matter. 'The motion was withdrawn. The Premier, in reply to Mr C. Brown, said that tbe General Government alone were responsible for tbe disallowance of the Otago Gold Repayment Ordinance, but they would prodace any correspondence on the matter. At the request of Mr Luckie, the Government promised to furnish all particulars regarding tbe leasing of a large block of land to Mr Alfred Cox in Hawke's Bay. Mr T, L. Shepherd introduced a Gold Mining Bill, which, though shorter than the one of last year, contains 194 clauses. It was read the second time without opposition, and referred to the Goldfields Committee. The Wellington Special Settlements, and Hospital Reserves Bills, Otago Waste Lands Act Amendment Bill, and Oamartr Hospital Reserves Bill were read the second time. The Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage BjjU was moved by Mr Steward for the third lime in that House. He argued that the Bill led to no breach of social life, for, at present, the people of this colony availed themselves of the law in other countries, and came back here withont any notice being taken. Clearly then the people were not averse te the measure. Mr M'Gillivray opposed the Bill on scriptural grounds, and moved the second reading for that day six months. Mr O'Rorke strongly opposed the Bill as repugnant to the law of England, and .utterly abhorrent to the feelings and traditions of tbe people where he came from, as well as the people generally of Great Britain. Mr M'Glasban supported the Bill. Mr Johnston opposed it on the ground that it would subvert one of their dearest domestic relations. Mr J. Shephard could not see tbat the Bill had any immoral tendency. Mr Steward reminded tbe House that the British Parliament bad for several cessions passed a similar Bill, which, therefore, was evidently not repugnant to tha law of England.

A division was called for, and the Bill ordered to be read the second time by 20 to 9. The Civil Service Acts Amendment Bill j Justice of tbe Peace Act Amendment Bill; and Offences against the Persons Bill were read the second time, also tbe Presbyterian Church of Otago Land Bill. The House adjourned at 10 45 p.m. Mr Parker to-day asked tbe Minister of Public Works whether, the representation regarding tbe Ashburton bridge from the inhabitants of Ashburton had reached him, and whether tbe suggestions were likely to be complied with. Mr Richardson said the representation had been made and the Chief Engineer had visited the spot, hut saiJ that to carry out the recommendation would entail too heavy a coat. The embankment waa quite high enough to protect tbe town. In reply to Mr Parker, Mr Richardson said that the Pest and Telegraph offies at Geraldioe had been delayed in consequence of tbe department not having been able to obtain a site, but now the erection would be gone on with at once. The Lyttelton Gas, Coal, and Coke Company Bill was read tbe first time. i After some question only locally interesting Mr O'Neil moved for a return of the duties collected upon Australian wine during the past year. He considered tbat the return would be useful in deciding upon future legislation regarding the importation of Australian wine. Mr Reynolds regretted tbat as no difference was made in keeping the accounts regarding Australian wine and any other, the return could not be furnished as was desired. Mr Reynolds moved thst a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the proposed change in the excise duties which was agreed to In reply to Mr Mervyn, regarding tbe deepening of tbe sludge channel at Naseby, Mr Richardson eaid tbat the Government were reconsidering the matter and were likely to meet the wishes of the people of tha district. Upon tbe motion of Mr Harrison the Government agreed to furnish a return of the cost upon the consolidated revenue of each Resident Magistrate's Court and District Court in the colony, and of the revenue derived from each. Tbo object of the mover was to sbow thai while the Provincial Government met the coat of many of these Courts, the General Government obtained a large revenue from tbem in the shape of fees and other charges. A number of local bills were read the second time. A long discussion oi9ued upon the second reading of the Plans of Towns Regulation Bill moved by Mr O'Neill for the third time in the House. Mr Swanaon seconded it as being a Bill tbat would eventually save untold gold to ihe Treasury, and prevent untold misery to the people. Mr Richardson had faced tbe subject but found it to be hemmed round with so many difficulties that nothing less tban a Bill of 1200 clauses would be of any uso. Mr Buckland considered that the Bill was utterly impracticable, and more of a hindrance than a benefit to traffic. Messrs Murray and Thompson supported it. Mr Yogel said that the Bill was good theoretically, but practically would retsrd the present progress of New Zealand, especially in rising communities. Upon the third reading of the Deceased Wife's Sister Bill, a long discussion was started by the Premier, who strongly discountenanced the measure from his private position, and thought it would be time enough to introduce such a measure when the Home Parliament sanctioned it. Mr Fox warmly supported the Bill. Mr O'Neill moved tbat it be read that day six months. A division was called for, the result being 24 for the Bill, and 17 against it. | [Tbe Bill then passed. July 24. Last night, the Government, at the request of Mr Sheehan, agreed to furnish a return showing tho receipts and expenditure upon the Onehunga branch railway. Mr Curtis moved tbe second reading of the Goldflelds Act 1866 Amendment Bill. Mr. Buckland said that if this Act waa beneficial to Nelson, and was a good measure, it ought to be made applicable to the whole colony, which could be done by the alteration of a £ew words. The Bill was read the second lime and referred to the Goldfields Committee. The Nelson Waterworks Loan Bill was read the second time. Sir CracroiD Wilson moved the second reading of the Provincial Fencing Law Empowering Biii, which was read accordingly. j A very long discussion ensued upon the Regulation of Mines Bill whiie in Committee, but it was chiefly confined to the Goldfields members, who urged the Bill. It was ultimately reported with a slight amendment. A division ensued on an amendment in clause 40, proposed by Mr Heid, to the effect tbat the expenses in carrying out the provisions of the Act be appropriated by the General Assembly instead of being defrayed by the provinces in which it was in operation. The result was a tie of 20 each. The

chairman gave the casting vote in favor of the original clause. The Conveyancing Ordinance Bill and Offences Against the Persons Act were read the third time and passed. In the Municipal Corporations Gasworks Bill, Mr Co > hbertspn obtained leave to introduce a new clause authorising the Bill to npply to Invercergili on proclamation by the Governor. At the request of the Superintendent of Otago, the Premier introduced a new clause in the Telegraph Bill with the object of indemnifying any witness against penalties for any evidence he might give regarding a person who has improperly divulged the contents of a telegram. It was agreed to, and the Bill reported with amendments. The House adjourned at ten o'clock.