PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4169, 31 July 1874, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. — Thursday, July 30. . The Hou. the Speaker took the chair at ' two o'clock. REPORTS. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE brought up the report o£ the select committee on Waste Lands. The Hon. Mr. AIANTELL brought up the report of the select committee on the Canterbury Domains Act Amendment Bill, RESIGNATION. The Hon. the SPEAKER read a message from His Excellency the Governor, announcing ' that the. Hon. James Banner had vacated hia seat by resignation. EXTENSION OP TIME TO REPORT. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE moved,— “ That the time for bringing up tho report of the select committee ou the Real Estate Descent Bill be extended to AVednesday, sth August.” Carried. MOTION FOR PAPERS. The Hon. Mr. ACLAND moved,—“ That ■there be laid upon the table a copy of a petition from certain landowners in the Ashburton district, relating to an embankment raised in connection with the railway works in progress at the River Ashburton; and copies of any correspondence or official reports in connection therewith.” The Hon. Dr. POLLEN' said that there was no objection ou the part of the Government to produce the papers asked for, which were then in the hands of the printers. They should be furnished. CIVIL SERVICE ACT. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN, in moving the second reading of the Civil Service Act Amendment Bill, expressed a hope that he woidd be more fortunate than last session when ho brought forward the measure. Tho debate that then took place was a most exhaustive one, and he need not go over the ground again. By the Amendment Act of 1871 the pensions authorised by the Act of 1866 were repealed. At present no provision exists for retiring allowances. Under these circumstances, the Council would see the necessity of legislating on the subject. The attractions of the service were not very great, and in consequence of that numbers of valuable officers had been lost to the.service, and great difficulty had been experienced in filling their places. The service had been recruited from the cadets. The present Bill had been prepared wish a view to remedying these evils. It proposed to repeal all the clauses of the Civil Service Amendment Act, from 3 to 19 inclusive, and provided for the appointment and promotion of officers. He thought there would be no opposition on the part of the Council to the amendments proy posed, and would therefore move the second 4 reading of the Bill. 5 The Hon. Mr. AVATERHOUSE congratu- ' lated his Iron, friend on the arguments adduced in support of the motion. The Bill had been before the Council last session, when an exhaustive debate ensued. He did not wish to go over the ground travelled on that occasion, but could not content himself with giving a silent vote. In his opinion, the Bill was a most unsatisfactory one, and sure to prove a dead letter. The provisions made in the Civil Service Act for entering the service, and for promotion, were repealed. Promotion depended on superiority and fitness. That Act was against persons outside the service being appointed to superior offices. The existing law gave the Governor power to do so, and in all parts of the British dominion where responsible Government prevailed, such power existed. The Civil Service Act had failed, but why ? Because there had been no loyal attempt to carry it out. In the Customs it had been found to work well, and no discontent existed there. The objection urged against the Act was that the Government were debarred from employing the best men. The circumstances here were not different from what they were elsewhere. They could look back and recall cases where persons had been appointed to office who would never have been in the service but for party feeling. The same remarks applied to the raising of salaries. It was absolutely necessary that they should strengthen the hands of the Ministers by protecting them from these influences. If political considerations were to usurp the place of merit, no one would care to enter the service. Another point was the pension fund. In 1871 they did away with that danse which they were now asked to adopt, and they did so at the suggestion of the hon. gentleman at the head of the Government. The system of deduction proposed in the Bill had been tried in America, and had failed, and in New South AVales, where the deductions were four per cent, and it had failed there. If it failed where the rales were more stringent, where entrance to the service was only by ex-cadetship, and the deductions were four per cent, was it not more likely to fail here, where a man could be taken into the service at the age of fifty or sixty, and where the deductions were only two. and a-half per cent ? The whole system was objectionable in the extreme. If the Bill were passed it would so thoroughly demoralise the service that public opinion would be roused to demand its repeal. The Hon. Mr. MANTELL was sorry that the Hon. Mr. AVaterhouse had not concluded with a motion. He quite concurred with the views and arguments of the hon. gentleman, and should vote against the motion. Clause 3 certainly appealed to their feelings, and it seemed a pity that it should perish with the rest, but it was in such bad company that there was little chance of saving it. He was surprised that the opening speech did not contain a notification that some measure would be introduced. It would be an easy matter to dissect the Bill, hut it was not worth dissecting. He moved that the Bill be read a second time that day six months. The Hon. Colonel BRETT considered the second clause a very urgent one. In 18 71, pensions were granted to civil servants irrespective of deductions. Those who joined the service subsequent to 1871 were debarred from pensions, and now it was proposed to revive pensions under compulsory deductions. ..Those who had joined the service since 1871 had insured their lives, and it seemed very hard that they should, in addition, be mulcted of 2-1 per cent of their salary. He entertained strong objections to the last clause. If Government granted a pension let them do it generously and handsomely. (Hear.) He felt inclined to oppose the Bill. He should like to see a Bill drawn up in a more liberal and equitable spirit. The Hon. Captain ERASER suggested that the Bill be referred to a select committee. The Hon. Mr. PATERSON addressed a few observations to tho Council, which were inaudible in the reporters’ gallery. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN hoped the Council would allow the Bill to bo read a second time. He thought ho had adduced sufficient reasons why it should. He was quite sure they would agree with him that pensions were much better tlxan insurance. He was quite content if the Council would pass the second reading, to refer it to a select committee, in order that the Council might give effect to their opinion [Tho hon, gentleman’s concluding sentences were inaudible,] The Hon. Mr. AVATERHOUSE was understood to ask, if the Council passed the second reading, would the Government give effect to the report of such committee. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN said ho was not in a position to give a definite answer to the question, which he thought should not have been asked of him. Tho Council divided, when the amendment was lost by 16 to 13. The original motion was then put and carried. IN COMMITTEE. The consideration of the Conveyancing Ordinance Amendment Bill was resumed. The Hon. Mr. HART moved the adoption of a new clause to enable mairied women to make valid deeds made and acknowledged by married women in the usual form ; every Resident Magistrate to be a perpetual Commissioner for taking such acknowledgments from married women. Tho Hon. Dr, POLLEN said tins amendment was a step in tho right direction, and no opposition would be offered by the Government. Tho clause was agreed to.

The Hon. Mr. HART moved another new clause providing that every deed hitherto executed by a married woman, affecting lauds in New Zealand, certified under the hand of a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Colony, should be deemed as having been duly executed. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN objected to the clause because it was retrospective. . The Hon. Mr. HART replied, but was inaudible in the gallery. The Hon. Mr. AVATERHOUSE suggested that the Council, before assenting to a claim like that, which was quite beyond the comprehension of non-professional members, should liavo the authoritative opinion of the AttorneyGeneral. On the motion of the Hon. Dr Pollen, progress was reported, and the Council resumed. RETURNING OFFICERS BILL. The Hon. Mr. HART moved the second reading of this Bill. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN thought a measure of that kind would he more properly initiated in another place. After some observations from the Hou. Mr. Stokes in opposition to the measure, The motion was withdrawn. WELLINGTON HOSPITAL LOAN BILL. The Hon. Mr. AVATERHOUSE, in moving the second reading of this Bill, stated its objects. The measure was passed through all its stages. The Council adjourned till the usual hour next day. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, July 30. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’clock. COLONIAL BANK BILL. On the third reading of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand Bill being moved, Mr. VOGEL urged tho desirability of a limitation of bank charters. One point he wished to call attention to had received consideration elsewhere. The fourth clause of the Bill was drawn up not in accordance with the example of similar clauses in the Acts of banks of limited liability, but after the fashion of banks of unlimited liability. There was a difference in the form of the clause as compared with that as to banks trading in the Colony ; but perhaps in respect of some of these points of difference no exception should be taken. The most noticeable point was the discrepancy there seemed to be created by the introduction of two or three words which allowed advances to be made not only upon monies that are due, but are to become due, and securities to be taken not only for advances absolutely made, but for advances that might be agreed to he made, which was a power beyond that given to other banking institutions in the Colony. He only drew attention to the matter, because the discrepancy was one which should he looked into, if it had not already received consideration. Seeing that this institution was entirely of local origin, and had met with such warm support throughout the Colony, it was entitled to cordial consideration from hon members. It was a matter for pride and gratification that the Colony should have advanced so much as to be able to inaugurate an institution of the Idnd, and he hoped the remarks he had made would not be supposed to have been made in an unfriendly spirit. Mr. FOX observed that the remarks of the Premier were practically a repetition of those made by him last session when the National Bank Bill was before the House, and he (Mr. Fox) could only repeat what he then said, that the result of his study of the subject of banking had been that the less the Government interfered with the matter the better it would be for the State. If there was to he any legislation on the subject it should be on some broad general basis, which woidd include all the banks in the Colony. ’ The third reading was agreed to, and the Bill passed. THE AKAROA ELECTION. The select committee to whom was, last evening, referred the question of determining whether or not Mr. AV. Montgomery had vacated his seat for Akaroa by reason of his being connected with a contract with the Government for the supply of railway sleepers, reported that they were of opinion that Mr Montgomery was' at the date of his election incapable of being elected as a member of the House, on account of his being concerned in the contract referred to, and that, therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Disqualification Act, his election was null and void. The committee further expressed their unanimous opinion that it was entirely through inadvertence that Mr. Montgomery had been placed in this position. Mr, MURRAY inquired if the defeated candidate at the Akaroa election would now be declared elected. (Cries of “ No.”) . The report of the committee was adopted, and on Mr. Vogel's motion a writ for a new election ordered. PAPERS. Mr. VOGEL laid on the table the correspondence relating to the disallowance of the Otago Gold Duty Repayment Ordinance, and Mr. McLean the reports of officers respecting Native schools. BRIDGE ACROSS THE WAIMATA. Mr. AV. KELLY asked, —“ If it is the intention of the Government to construct a bridge across the AVaimata river, near the township of Gisborne.” Mr. RICHARDSON replied that the necessity for this bridge had been pointed out to the Government some time since, and they had decided to construct one. A portion, if not the entire cost of construction, would he charged against the receipts of the confiscated lands. SUNDAY MAILS AT GISBORNE. Mr AV. KELLY asked the PostmasterGeneral, —“ If he will authorise that the Post Office at Gisborne (Poverty Bay), be opened on Sundays for a few hours, on the arrival and departure of steamers.” Mr. VOGEL replied that he had already had this matter brought under his notice. It appeared that the steamer arrived at Gisborne on Sundays, and went away the same day. He was endeavoring to arrange that the steamers should not call there on Sundays ; but if it was necessary they should arrive and leave on that day, the Post Office woidd he kept open for two hours on Sundays. Mr. KELLY : Supposing the steamer arrived on Saturday afternoon after Post Office hours, what will be done in that case ? Mr. VOGEL : That would come under the same category. (Hear.) TELEGRAPH TO THE NUGGETS. Mr. THOMSON asked, —“ AVhether, in view of the establishment of a system of weather reports, the Government have considered the desirability of extending telegraphic communication to the Nugget lighthouse.” Mr. VOGEL was not able to give any other reply than that given by him last year, viz., that there were more pressing works requiring attention. THE TRUCK SYSTEM, ETC. Mr. AVHITE asked tho Minister for Public Works, —“(I.) AVhether any complaints have reached him to tho effect that the truck system is in operation on the public works now in progress in Westland. (2.) If such complaints have been made, has the Government reason to believe them to be well founded ; and if so, what stejis, ifany, have been taken to remedy the evil. (3.) AVhether tho reserve for the AVaimea water race, as at present declared, is intended to be permanent. (4.) Whether the deviation in the course of the said race, by which tunnelling is substituted for open cuttings, Was sanctioned by the Engiueer-in-Chief. (5.) AVhether the Government propose calling for tenders at an early date to construct the dam and lay the pipes of the said race." Mr. RICHARDSON would reply to the first two questions jointly. No complaint from tho workmen themselves had reached tho Government, but several complaints had been made to him personally by other persons, and particularly by two members of tho Legislature. The district engineer had reported to tho Government that ho was convinced the truck system was in force and carried on to a very considerable extent, 'and On several occasions bail put himself in communication with the workmen and contractors, but had never succeeded in being able to get sufficient practical iafor- 1

mation to take decided steps in the matter. The Government bad instructed the district engineer to insert in the local papers- an advertisement containing the clause which was put into every contract for public works under the department. In addition to that advertisement, a considerable number of hand-bills printed in large type had been circulated and posted up in different directions where the Government had works going on, on the AVest Coast, and it only remained for those interested to take action in the matter. Of course, if the Government could get any tangible proof they would take action in the matter. (Hear.) AVitli regard to the third question, a wrong definition had been used by the.member for Hokitika. There was no such thing as a reserve. The land had been proclaimed along the course of the watercourse, with certain deviations on either side of the centre line of deviation. The proclamation was permanent, hut the Government would only occupy for the purpose of the race a very narrow slip of land, just what was necessary to protect the works. AVith regard to the fourth question, no deviation of any consequence had been either made or suggested. AVitbin the last few days some slight deviations had been suggested by telegraph, but the Engiueer-in-Chief was not at present in a position to know wliat they really were. And with regard to the fifth question, it was the intention of the Government very shortly to call for tenders for the completion of these works, and the contracts would lie, one for the dam, the other for laying the pipes. WAIMATF. BRANCH RAILWAY. Mr. STUDHOLME asked,—“When the construction of. the AVaimate Branch Railway will be commenced.” Mr. RICHARDSON replied that the work would be undertaken as soon as the main line was tolerably well advanced. RAILWAY BRIDGES BETWEEN YOUNG'S CREEK AND TEMUKA. Mr. STAFFORD asked,—" AVlien the constniction of the railway, bridges between Young's Creek and Temuka will be commenced.” Mr. RICHARDSON replied that Mr. AVright, the contractor, said the bridges would be completed within the contract time, viz., the oth of May next. LEAVE TO INTRODUCE BILLS. Leave to introduce Bills was given as follows ;—Air. Ormond —A Bill to reserve Land for the Endowment of a Harbor Board to he constituted for the Harbor of Napier ; Mr. McLean —Manawatu Land Orders Bill ; Air. Richardson —Christchurch Drainage Debenture Bill ; and Air. Carrington —The New Plymouth Harbor Endowment Bill. REGULATING HOURS OF LABOR IN FACTORIES. Air. BRADSHAAV moved, —“That, considering the rise and rapid extension of manufacturing industries of ~the Colony during, the last few years, and the probability of an equal development iu*the immediate future, it is expedient that the Government, at an early period of tlie next session, should bring in a Bill, based on the principles of the Factory Acts, Factory Extension Act, and the AVorkshop Regulations Act of the Imperial Parliament, which, while giving every encouragement to these industries, provide such regulations as are necessary to preserve the health and safety of the young of both sexes, and to secure for them the advantages of elementary education.” This matter was of considerable importance as affecting those who were now engaged in any new industries or manufactories, and to those who would be employed in them. Last session he brought in a Bill which became law, regulating the hours of female labor throughout the Colony. During the time it was passing through he promised certain members to introduce clauses by which boys woidd be excluded from working overtime as they were now obliged to do in several manufactories to his knowledge, but sooner than risk the Bill he afterwards deemed it wise not to alter the measure in the slightest degree. The reason why the Factories Acts of England should bo introduced into this country at the present time was that our industries were in their infancy, and in order that there should be sufficient warning given to those interested, and that they might not come to the House for compensation for interference with their rights, as had been done with respect to the Distillation Act. It was also necessary to introduce these Acts, to prevent young persons and children being over worked. Knowing how beneficial these Acta would be, ha asked the Government to take the matter into consideration, and he had every confidence they would do so, from the manner in which “ The Employment of Females in Factory Act” of last year was received, and because this year they had recognised in theregulationof Mines Bill the principle of regulating the hours during which women, children, and men should work, and the greater principle of elementary education. He could not conceive that any argument could be used against applying the great principles of the Factories Acts to this Colony. He hoped the Government would take the matter into consideration, and living down next session a Bill dealing with the whole question. (Hear, and applause.) Mr. RICHARDSON observed that there could be no doubt of the great importance of the subject; and the member for'AVaikaia deserved thanks and great praise for having brought it forward. Tiiere could also be no doubt tbat the evils referred to by that hon. member did exist in the Colony to a very considerable extent, and there was a likelihood of them increasing. There was no reason for any hesitation on his part in saying that the Government would . seriously consider the question, and if they could bring in next session a Bill based on the English Acts they would be prepared to do so. The hou. member for Waikaia had not alluded to another Bill brought in this session the Inspection of Machinery Bill —which was a small advance in the direction the hon. member wished. From what he had seen of the Factories Bills, there ought to he no difficulty iu bringing in a Bill whicli would not only ineet the views of hon. members, but also those of both employers and employes. Mr. THOMSON was very glad to hear that the Government were to bring in a Bill next session to deal with the question. The motion was agreed to. . RAILWAY ACROSS THE RIMUTAKA. Mr. AVAKEFIELD moved his annual motion on this subject, and in a long speech of an hour and a quarter—iu the course of which he quoted largely from tho life of Robert Stephenson—argued in favor of level lines of railway as opposed to heavy gradients. His object was to show that if a more level road from the harbor of AVellington to the AVairarapa country could be discovered, the country would gain greatly. For that purpose he desired that it should be an instruction to the Public Works and Immigration Committee to obtain evidence as to the best mode of reaching tho country referred to. On a division six voted with tho “ayes” and thirty with the “noea.” MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES. The Hokitika Election of Mayor Bill (second reading) was not proceeded with ; th e Registration of Births Amendment Bill was withdrawn, on the understanding that the subject Would he considered by the Government during the recess ; the AV eliington A r olunteer Land Scrip Act Amendment Bill was read a - second time, and ordered to he committed on AVednesday next; the'Cromwell AVaterworks Loan Bill, the AVellington Land Payments Bill, and the New Plymouth Exchanges Validation Bill were road a second time, and ordered to be committed on Wednesday next ; the Wellington Mayor Bill was road a third time and passed ; and the House went into committee on tho Otago Waste Lauda Bill (over which there was the usual discussion), the Invercargill Gas Loan Bill, and theTaranaki Waste Lauds Act Amendment Bill, whicli were passed through commit tee and reported. The other minor Orders of tho Day were disposed of. Tho House then adjourned till next day.