PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 217, 13 September 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, Wednesday. Tbe House met at 2*30 this afternoon. Leave of absence for 14 day3 has been granted to Mr Button. In reply to questions Ministers said: — (1.) It was not iutended to amend the Saving's Bank Act. (2.) The Government would ascertain the cost of connecting the Brothers lighthouse with the mainland by telegraph. The following new Bills were introduced: —Dunedin Reserves Bill, Dunediu Gas and Waterworks Bill, Lawrence Municipal Reserves Landing Bill. Mr Burns moved the following motion:— " That tenders be called for in the coiony for all railway rolling stock, and also for iron and timber piles, and iron and woodwork required for wharves, bridges, and other Government works, or works under contract to the Government. And for wooden and

iron ships, dredgers, and lighters, and that sufficient time be given for supplying the same." He contended that the Stella and Hinemoa could have heen built cheaper iv the colony than at home. He believed that all kinds of work; could be done equally ac well in the colony. Mr Sheehan moved aa an amendment, "That New Zealand coal should be used on railways and in the Government Buildinp." Mr Orraond accepted both the motion and amendment. The Government would endeavor to carry out both as far as practicable. Tenders would be called for all plant which could be manufactured in the colony, and a list of what he required for tha next two or three years was being prepared. He believed New Zealand timber waa equally as good as any of the imported wood. It was intended to use local eoale wherever they could do so. Mr Macandrew thought the Government should not depend on its engineers' report, and should immediately telegraph countermanding all orders on their way home for plant, and call for tenders here. He moved an addition to this effect. - Mr Ormond objected to thia. All the rolling stock ordered was urgently required, and was now being made at home. He had within a month refused to sign an order for home for £9000 worth of plant, tenders for which would be invited in the colony. Mr Montgomery thought that locally made articles should be preferred if not costing above ten per cent more. Mr Macfarlane, speaking from experience, said that locally made engines were superior to those imported, but the wheels, springs, and axles had to be imported. Mr Seaton quoted the inducements offered to mechanics to emigrate, and urged that 16 was the duty of the Government to find them work. Messrs Pyke, Travers, Richardson> Aynstey, Bastings, Gibbs, and Gisborne having spoken, a division took place on Mr Macandrew's addition. Ayes, 20; noes, S3. < Mr Stout moved as another addition, " That specifications should provide that all articles which could be manufactured in the colony should be so." After ft discussion this was lost by 25 to 27, The debate on the original motion wm interrupted by 5*30 Thursday. Mr Hodgkinson moved the second reading of the Deceased Wife's lister Marriage Bill. He urged that snch marriages were not objectionable, either religiously or socially, and in many cases were highly desirable. Mr Wallis opposed the Bill as rendering legal here what was illegal and considerd immoral in England. It would destroy family peace aud comfort, and load to impurity in thought and deed. Mr BarfE also opposed the Bill, which on a division was read a second time, by 41 to 23. The Auokland Harbor Foreshore Sale Bill was read the second time. The Port Chalmers Mechanics' Institute Reserves Bill, and Papanji Agricultural and Pastoral Association Bill were read the third time and passed. The Canterbury Reserves Act Amendment Bill, and Christchurch City Reserves Bill were further considered in Committee. The Local Option Bill was considered in Committee. The word " majority," in clause 12 was struck out on a division by 22 to 21, and " two-thirds " inserted. The further consideration was adjourned for a week, and the House rose at 12-30 a m.