PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 250, 1 November 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE.

Wellington, Friday night. Mr Jackson, late chief surveyor of Wellington, petitions for an inquiry into the cause of bis dismissal. The Licensed Victuallers' petition against bottle licenses. The locs to the revenue during the last nine months by the reduction of tea and sugar duties was £85,000. A reduction will be shortly make in the railway traffic rates. The Premier announced that the Government concurred in the opinion that the Agent General should not be a director of a Loau Company nor a candidate for the House of Commons, but tbe shareholders thinking that their interest would be prejudiced by Sir J. Yogel leaving the Company, and as some of the late Ministry allowed his connection with the Company, he would be allowed a reasonable time to sever his connection. The Government promised to consider the question of simplifying the Law Courts procedure. The Premier replying to Mr Saundera said that some members of the late Government sent electioneering telegrams as public, and, if not prejudicial to the public service, they would be laid on the table. A Bill to reduce the price of miner's rights was read the first time. The Qualification of Electors Bill came on for second reading. Sir G. Grey complained that the Bill did not give manhood suffrage. In Committee he would do hia best to amend the BiU so as to secure manhood suffrage, and give the natives the same rights they would have under the Constitution Act. Several members having supported the Bill expressing a hope that it would be made more perfect in Committee, Tawhai and Te Wheoro protested strongly against the retention (?) of the Maori vote, the latter predicting trouble and stoppage of roads in the North Island. Mr Tole approved of the dual vote to Maoris who paid rates. Others spoke, mainly in support of the Bill, and the debate was interrupted by 530. Saturday. After a discussion on the Qualification of Electors Bill it was read the second time. Very little discussion ensued on the following Government Bills, which were read the second time :— Registration of Electors Bill ; Maori Representation ; Regulation of Electors Bill ; Corrupt Practices Prevention; Elections Petitions ; Electoral Acts Repeal • and Triennial Parliaments. The House adjourned at 12-25 a.m.