PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 247, 18 October 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, Wednesday. The House met at 2-30 this afternoon. The following new Bills were introducedMining Companies Act Amendment Bill (Mr Button), Kakanui Harbor Endowment Bill (Mr Shrimski), South Dunediu Reserves Bill (Mr Seaton), Ponsonby Highway District Bill (Mr Sheehan), Taranaki Roads and Bridges Ordinance Amendment Bill (Mr Kelly.) v A motion by Mr Morris asking for an enquiry into the improvements made at ICatieati, with the view of issuing Crown grants immediately to those who have cultivated the required portion of land was agreed to. ° . Mr W. Wood moved, That the House tomorrow go into Committee for considering an address to the Governor to reserve Crown lands to the value of £600,000 for the construction of a branch railway from Edendale to Forfc Rose on the east bank of the Mataura and cause survey and plans of the lino to be made during fche recess. Mr Sheehan said thafc several such motions were before the House. The Government could not encourage a scramble for railways. They would during the recess consider the whole question of Branch railways, and would simply regard these resolutions as recommendations of lives mentioned when a general system was decided on. Mr Macandrew added thafc the land along the line would in the meantime bo reserved. Mr Reid objected to such nservations as preventing settlement. The land revenue could not be used for making railways. After a short discussion the motion was agreed to. Mr Fox, as Chairman of the Privileges Committee moved a resolution declaring that Mr Lusk's conduct in receiving fees for drafting and committing Bills was contrary to Parliamentary usage, and derogatory to the dignity of the House, aud requiring him to pay £50 to the Speaker in order that it might be refunded fco fche City Council, of Auckland. Mr Rolleston moved that the latter part be amended so as to read, " that a fine of £50 be inflicted on Mr Lusk." He did not think the money should be paid to the Auckland City Council, as those who gave a bribe were as culpable aa he who received it. Messrs O'Rorke and Swanson objected to the amendment. A long debate took place. Mr Macfarlane proposed to add to the motion. « That Mr Lusk's seat in the House be declared vacant. The debate was adjourned till 7-30 this evening. mv -i , . Thursday, lhe debate on Mr Lusk's case was continued. Mr Macfarlane asked leave to withdraw his amendment. The Speaker ruled that the House could only expel a member, and not declare hi 3 seat vacant. Mr. Delatour wished to move a further amendment declaring that although ifc appeared that Mr Lusk had committed a breach ?* P" vile S e > nothing showiug corrupt conduct had been proved, aud therefore there was no need for taking any further action. After considerable discussion Mr Rolleston's amendment on Mr. Fox's motion ad- i

judging Mr Lusk guilty of contempt, and inflicting a fine of £50 was carried on a division by 34 to 30. Mr Stout declared that this decision was arrived at from party spite and nofc in a judicial spirit. Mr Rollestoo, Mr Fox, and others, denied the truth of this charge. Mr Rees aud Mr Hodgkinson agreed wifch Mr Stout After some warm discussion the motion as amended was carried on a division by 33 to 29. J The Patea Harbor Board Bill, Havelock Commouage Bill, Christchurch District Drainage Act Amendment Bill, Roxburgh Recreation Reserve Bill, Waiwere School Glebe Exchauge Bill, Mataura Reserves Bill, leumsula County Libraries Bill, and Auckland Harbor Bill were all read the second and third fcime and passed. The Riverton Harbor Board Land Bill and Riverton Grammar School Bill were read the second time and referred to the Waste Lands Committee. The Wanganui Harbor Endowment and Borrowing Bill was reported with amendments, and fche Housa rose at 1235 a.m.