PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 171, 1 August 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, July 30. Last night's sitting was of little importance, the business being chiefly formal. The Beg is tr at ion Bills Amendment Bill was withdrawn, the Government promising to consider the matter during the recess. The Juries Act 1868 Amendment Bill was passed. In the House of Representatives today, Mr Bunny presented a petition in favor of Mr Voxel's amending Licensing Bill with over 1500 signatures. Mr Fox presented a petition from Christchurch in favor of the existing law, signed by the chairman of a public meeting held on the matter. Major Atkinson has got ten days leave of absence on account of illness. In reply to Mr White, Mr Richardson said that the Government did not intend introducing a District Courts Bill this session. Several new clauses were added to the Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Bill, providing for imprisonment for debt in certain cases, and providing that imprisonment does not wipe out the debt. Tbe Bill was passed. Id the adjourned debate on the New Zealand ForestejßUl, all the speakers

so far have complimented the Premier upon the masterly way in which he brought the subject before the House, but the majority thought that the question, though of vast importance, was prematurely opened and would be better deferred to a future session, meanwhile inviting the co-operation of the Superintendents of the provinces, j Several thought it a matter of impossibility to preserve the New Zealand forests if once penetrated by roads, and and sheep aud cattle, and European grass allowed to find its way into them.