PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 170, 31 July 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, July 30. The adjourned debate last night on the question of unfulfilled promises lo the Middle Island natives created considerable discussion^, _-- Mr Macandrew cV^fcJere.l that tbe Provincial Government looked upon all the claims which were now put forward for 2000 acres as having been settled, and more than settled, as they had paid ■--■, £2000 as liquidation in full, to prevent .be question being put into the hands of the lawyers. Ultimately the question was referred to the public petitions committee. .On the motion of the Premier tbe Hawke's Bay Waste Lands, and Wellington Waterworks Loan Bills were read the second time. Tbe Wellington Reclamation Bill for £150,000 was referred to a Select Committee. On the motion of the Premier for a bill for electing*S>Mayor of Wellington, Mr Sheehan moved that the Bill be made to apply to the whole colony. This was opposed by tbe Government and several members. The Bill was read tbe Becond time as originally introduced. The Southland Waste Lands Act Amendment Bill was read the second time and referred to the Waste Lands Committee. The Nelßon Waterworks Loan Bill was postponed for a week at the wish of the Premier. Tbe third reading of the Fencing Lands Bill is fixed ior Friday. Tbe plans of Towns Regulation Bill was opposed by Mr Richardson, and, after a discussion, wa3 Bhelved on a division that tbe chairman leave the chair by 20 to 21. The Wellington Education Reserves Bill wbb read the second time. The Juries Act 1866 Ao.end.neut Bill was moved by Mr Macandrew, and created considerable discussion, but' was read the second time. The Marlborough Waste Lands Bill was passed. The Merchant Shipping Act Adoption Bill met with opposition on the ground that the people would always require a ia wyer at their elbow, or the English

acts to consult, as the Act was very meagre. The Bill was read the second time. The Presbyterian Church of Otago Land Bill was passed. On the Houso meeting this a fternooD, the Colonial Bank of New Zealand Bill was read the third time. The Select Committee upon the Akaroa election reported tbat tho election of Mr Montgomery was null and void, in consequence of his having been concerned ia a Goveanment contract at the time of the election. The Committee added tbeinopinion tbat he ac.ed through in-adver fence. The Speaker said that a Dew election would be required as the defeated candidate could not be declared elected. He would takes steps for the election at as early date as possible. The Premier, in reply to Mr Thompson, said tbat the Government did not inleod to extend telegraphic communication to the Nugget Lighthouse n connection with tbe proposed system of storm 6igDals, as there were other more urgent woorks to attend to. In rephint- to Mr W. Kelly, the Go- ! vernment promise J to constructa bridgo over the Waimate river near (-J ishorne , aud to keep the Gisborne Post Office open for two hours on Sundays. Mr Richardson, in replying to a queetion by Mr White said that he had been informed by several members of both Houses tbat the truck system extensively prevailed in Westland on public work*, but had received no complaints from tbo men or ihe contractors. He bod inquired into the matter, and taken precautions to advertise the public of its illegality, but had not obtained such evidence as to justify him in proceeding against anyone. Mr Bradehaw moved that, considering the rapid extension of tbe manufacturing industries of the colony, the Government should next session bring in a factory bill based on Ihe home Acts to regulate the hours for employing the youth of both sexes, to preserve their health and safety, and to secure their education. He gave voluminous details of the factory abuses which prevailed in England before legislation. Tbe same evils were certain to be developed here if a preventive measure were oot passed. J Mr Richardson said the hon. member j deserved thanks for moving in the j matter. The Inspection of Machinery Bill went some way in the direction j desired, but tbe Government intended j to bring in a Bill next session which I would be acceptable to the employers and employees. The motion was agreed to. Mr Wakefield, in a long speech, moved, that data be collected regarding the establishment of an alternative line for the Wellington and Masterton railway. The motion was negatived by thirty to cix. j