PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 184, 4 August 1881, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, Wednesday. The Legislative Council spent to-day in O, mmittee on the Licenping Bill. The only important alteration made was striking out the words "to the knowledge of such person " in Clause 187, which was carried by 14 to 13, the effect being to render publicans liable for adulteration whether they know of it or not. AH but the postponed clauses were psseed. The House met at 2,30. ?ir "W. Fox presented a petition from certain members of the Law Practitioners' Society, Wellington, protesting against the Law Practitioners' Bill before Parliament. Mr linn gave notice tbat he would move an address to the Governor, praying that a further sum be placed on the Estimates for Volunteer purposes. Mr Hsll announced hia intention of moving that in future the House sit on Monday evenings, and that one private member's day in the week be given up. In replying to questions it was stated that the Government was , now aware that pharles Rynald Tylden*, recently appointed a Justice of the Peace, had been bound over to keep the peace. The affray was a trifling one, and one which did not sffeet his character in relation to hia recent appointment as a Justice of the Peace, and tbe Government did not intend taking any farther action under tbe circumstance?. Tbe Government could disclose its intentions as to relinquishing negotiations in respect to the purchase of Native Lands on the East Coast. The law directed how these announcements should be made, and its provisions would be strictly adhered to. The 10 per cent reduction was made for July in accordance with a resolution of tbe House. If the Estimates as framed were passed by the House, then the amounts deducted would be refunded from the 30th June. Directions bad been given to pay tbe costs awarded t© successful objectors to Government valnations. Mr Maeandrew moved that a Committee be appointed to consider and report on tbe best means of establishing a direct stesm service between N6w Zealand and the mother country ; the Committee to consist of Sir G-. Grey, Messrs Bain, Hutchison, Johnston, . Montgomery, Oliver, Pitt, Richardson, Beeves, and tbe mover. Mr Johnßton said tbe Government had no objection, and were quite alive to the importance of direct steam communication being established. The motion was adopted. I>r Wallis moved that the time bas come when members of tbe Legislative Council should be elected. Mr Hall regretted that the question had not come up in a fuller House. Tbe motion having come on unexpectedly, it would be it-judicious to abolish the Second Chamber, as it operated as a wholesome check upon hasty and incomplete legislation. He did not think tbat the nomination for life was a gocd course to pursue, as its tendency was to create members out of harmony with tbe times ; and the vacancies were too seldom open to enable that state of things to be counteracted Moreover, tbe nomination system was liable to be abused, although he did not mean to say such bad been the case in Kew 'Zealand. There were many men who bad all tbe requisite abilities for good legislation, and yet they could not make themselves popular enough to secure the popular vote. What be wonld suggest was that they should be elected by that House, and the ballot, or a proceEß of that kind, would secure the services of the class referred to by him. He did not suppose tbat it whb intended to press the question to a final issue after haviDg ventilated the subject. He would suggest to the mover tbat the motion might in the meantime be withdrawn. Sir G. Grey contended tbat in the success -which had attended Provincial Council legislation they had a guarantee that tbe bnsiness could be carried on efficiently by one Chamber. The two Chamber system was responsible for the haßty and indiscriminate legislation complained of, inasmuch that they felt sure tbat their work was Bure to be put right in another place. He denounced tbe practice of members being allowed to resign their seats at their pleasure, while the Crown was bound to retain these gentlemen for life if they chocse to remain. He understood that tbe Premier gave his constituency to understand that be meant to bring in a Bill to reform this Chamber, and be called upon him to do so, assuring him that he would bave the support of his side of tbe House. Tbe debate was interrupted by tbe 5.30 p.m. adjournment.