HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 171, 17 August 1878, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Friday. In the House of Representatives, Mr Pyke presented a petition from the Catholics in Otago and Southland, praying that their schools may he placed in the same position as other schools. The Hon. William Fox gave notice to move for the production of all correspondence between the Governor and the Colonial office since last session. Mr Reeves gave notice to move for legislation to restrict the influx of Chinese. Mr Pyke gave notice to move for a return of the number of free railway passes issued. Replying to a question by Mr M'Lean, the Premier said, the agents appointed under the Inscription of Stock Act were Mr Larnach, Sir P. Julyan, and Messrs Sargeant and Ommany. About that time Sir Julius Yogel bad intimated that he would probably resign the Agent-Generalship, and as the Government knew he was contemplating engaging in something, the agency was not offered him. Replying to Mr Feldwick, the Hon. J. Macandrew said that in the Fisheries Bill the Government would introduce, there would be a clause for the protection of seal fisheries. The Hon. ,T. Ballance informed Mr Feldwick that the Government were taking steps to re-organise the Volunteer force. All correspondence and instructions between the Government, the Crown Agents, the Loan Agents, and the Agent-General were laid on the table. In replying to Mr Bowen, a return was promised of the number of electors registered in the several electoral districts. The Government Bills giving effect to the Financial Arrangements were read a first time. _ The Martin Annuity Bill was read a first time. Its effect is to increase the pension of Sir Wbi, Martin from £333 to £500 annually. A deal of opposition was manifested against the Bill, and the House divided. Members for the Bill 42, against 7. A second Imprest Supply Bill for another two hundred and fifty thousand pounds was read a second time. Mr Ballance explained the urgency of the measure in consequence of the emptiness of the Treasury. The Ilonse will go into Committee oE Supply on the Estimates at 7.30.

Saturday. The House sat till one o.'clock this mornlng- f the Whole time hi Comniittee oil the 55stiniatC8. Afler passing the imprest feujb-p-ly Bill for £250,000, an attempt was made to strike off the Sergeant-at-Arms salary, and to reduce certain additions to the Legislature vote which had been put on the Estimates on the recommendation of the Speaker. Other items were objected to, but all were passed without alteration