PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 162, 9 July 1881, Page 2

P ARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, Fiiday night. The House met at 2 30 p m. Tbe Native; Petitions Committee reported on petitions of Eita Harmeta and others, of Hokianga. Tbe petition set forth that if petitioner's claims to certain lands were not considered they wocld take up arms, and probably the other Natives compUined of would be killed. The report stated that the petition was cobched in language wbich precluded its beiog considered at all, and the attention of members was Called to the impropriety of presenting petitions co worded. After a lengthened discussion the petition Was» on tbe faotion of Mrttolleßton, by whoto it had been presented, withdrawn. Tbe Redistribution of Seats Bill, it was stated, was not completed. Tha delay was occasioned, by the delay in the completion of the last census, the same being for exabling the boundaries of the electorates to be fixed. The Entail Bill was printed, and would be introduced into the Legislative Couscil forthwith. The sbpfcly p| sefaooi hhiidlngs wai now pretty eq»al throngh the co'ony, and the Government did hat tbiak there would be any necessity for a special scheme for th* distribution of the rote. However, as ther* still might be soma inequality, the Government would not bind itself to a hard and fast rule in the matter of distribution. The probabilities wejre .that the distribution would be thade princip-alljr on a population basis. An Imprest Supply Bill for £250,000 was introduced by a memga from the Governor , end passed through all its stages. _ The Licensing Bill was further considered in Committee, when a new clause was moved providing machinery for the election of the Licensing Committee, The House adjourned at 5 30, andre-as-seuibled at 7 30. In Committee: Clause 12 of the Licensing Bill was amended, providing that the ordir nary Licensing Committee consist of five persons to be elected ih tbe manner provided by tha regulations qf the Lo&l Election* Act. Progress was reported and leave granted to sit again. The Drainage Bill was considered in Committee, some new clauses were added and the Bill was reported as amended. In Con mittee on the Licensing Bill Mr De Lautour moved a new clause, prohibiting any one supplying intoxicating liquor to any; Maori within any Native licensing distiict] Agreed to. ' _ further clauses re the satne subject were also passed. "' " Sir W. Fox moved a new clause te prohibit the Licensing Committee granting a certificate for any sort of license if a majority of the ratepayers signed a memorial against it, Be, jscted on a division by 27 to 15. -••'■■ Mr Harstkauee moved a new clause tbat no contract by any licensee bio-iing him tct take intoxicating liquor from! any particular person shall be binding. Rejected by 26 toi 23. * "• - '- - - - • * Several members then said ihey had new 1 clauses to propose, but none were passed; and, the schedules having been. passed, progress was reported and tbe House rose at 1.45 am. .-■"■•''•■ v- i