PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 286, 13 December 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE. Wellington, Friday In the House last night, the Government Stated that they had not settled their banking arrangements yet. Mr Pitt asked if the Government will provide free passes upon the Government railways for members of Volunteer Fire Brigades proceeding to or returning from public Fire Brigades demonstrations.— Mr Oliver said that firemen stood on a somewhat different footing from Volunteers, still, recognising the usefulness of the Fire Brigades, the Government would favorably consider the matter. Mr DeLautour asked the Minister for Public Works if, in order to enable the House to arrive at a derision upon the proposal made in the Public Works Statement that in certain cases where Companies formed under the provisions of the District Railways Act have begun work, and were unable to complete their lines he will cause the followiog information and papers to be laid before the House prior to the second reading of the Public Works Bill, viz, (1), What projected railways are proposed to be treated, and what Companies represent such railways ; (2) Who were the original promoters of such railways ; (3) What amounts were expended by the several Companies upon works other than surveys, and what are the respective lengths of the lines projected ; (4) to produce copies of the prospectuses published in each case by the original promoters; (5) maps showing as n. arly as possible the ownera and how much laod is owned by such owners ten miles on each side of the lines prospected ; (6) what area of Crown lands contiguous to such projected lines would he rendered available for agricultural settlement by the completion of the said lines; (7) all correspondence of whatever kind between companies who applied for assistance aud the Government. Mr Rolleston stated that he was not in possession of all the information asked for. They proposed to ask Parliament for power to treat with these companies. Itecognising the necessity for these railways, and the manner of their construction, the Government did not think there could be much risk in dealing with such companies. After due inquiries which would extend over some time, the Government pro* osed to deal with each railway on its own merits. Papers on the subject wonld be laid on the table at an early date. This afternoon the Accounts Committee reported upon the payment of £300 to Mr Rees for services to be rendered re the West Coast Natives, stating that full powers were given to enable Such payments to be made. When the House was iv Committee on the Working Men's Club Sites Bill Dr Wallia asked why these Clubs should receive sucb consideration, there being many other institutions equally deserving.— Mr Kelly said that according to the present definition any body could join together and call themselves A working Men's Club and claim land under the Act.— Mr Andrews considered these Clubs were grambling hells and a means of licensing places which would not otherwise obtain a license.— Mr Hutchison thought a Working Man'B Club had as much right to a license as a Rich Man's Club.— Sir George considered these Clubs identical with Mechanics Institutes.— Mr Gisborne thought it a libel to say that working men could not dub together without drinking and gambling. The Bill was amended in certain details and reported. Saturday After the House resuming last night, considerable opposition was manifested against the second reading of the Customs Bill. Ultimately a division was taken with the following result: — Ayeß 42 — Adams, Allwright, Atkinson, Bain, Barron, Beetbam, Bowen, Bryce, Colbeck, Dick, Finn, Fulton, Gibbs, Hirst^Hurst, HallHursthouse.KeHy.Levin.Mason.Masters M'Caughan, Ai 'Donald, M'Lean, Montgomery, Oliver, Pitt. Reid, Richmond, Richmond] Saunders, Seymour, Stevens, Studholme, Trimble, Wakefield, Whitaker, Whyte Wood, and Wright. ■ ' Noes 21 — Ballance, DeLautour, J. B Fisher, J T. Fisher, George, Grey, Harris, Hulop, Macandrew, Moss, Reeves, Seddon, SJbephard, Shrimski, Tainui, Tawhai, Te Wheoro, Thompaon, Tole, Turnbuli, and Walhs. The following is a copy of a telegram read in the House by the Premier :— " Premier New Zealand— Loan subscribed more than twice over. List closed. We congratulate you. Until we found it imperatively necessary we delayed giving guarantee not to bring any loans on market for three years.— Loan Agents. London, 10th December " The Civil List Bill was brought down in a message from the Governor. In answer to a question Mr Hall said the object of the Bill was to distribute the money now voted for seven Ministers amongst eight The Bill was read the first and second tim The House went into Committle on it, and afterwards reported it. The Customs Duties Bill was committed and passed without material alteration. The Property Assessment Bill was recommitted for the purpose of making some amendments. Mr Macandrew raised his protest against the third reading of the Bill, and Messrs Gisborne and Shephard also protested. Major Atkinsou said the remarks of Messrs Macandrew and Gisborne would have had a much greater moral effect If they bad net come from two of the members of the late Ministry (who had been ejected from the

Government benches for their reckless I expenditure. Why that Government had expended money to the extent of several millions in two years, besides leaving a legncy of two millions debt and £400,000 , deficiency bills, nnd now they came ' down and said there was no need for fresh burdens on the people Could they believe then either in their smity or sincerity? He had no hesitation in saying that these burdens were necessitated by the ex ravagance to wh eh he referred. Look at their deeds and not their words, and the couutry would know how to judge them. The Government looked upon this Bill as a stern necessity, as they were compelled to put on sufficient taxation to cover their expenditure. Kir G. Grey desired to say a few words. He becrged to state that when his Government came into office tbey found an empty chest with a number of important works in progress whose completion was necessary. He had been pained at the remarks of the Treasurer. They were having money taken out of their pockets, stopped on the highway and robbed of their money with the cry of "stand and deliver." the Hon. member then proceeded to speak against the member for Waipa. (Mr F. Whitaker), saying that if certain things eventuated, his father would put his foot down on a certain Bill. Mr \. hitaker said it was absolutely untrue. A divisiou was called for by Sir G. Geey, but the Bill passed on the voices. ] After midnight, the House went Jnto Committee upon the Public Works estimates, all the items of which were passed unaltered with the exception of one case, where an increase of £50 had been putcu a salary, which was struck off. The House sat till 3 30, and meets again at 2.30 this afternoon.