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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4473, 21 July 1875, Page 2

Ak unusually large number of new mfiml>evs took the oath and their seats .yesterday in the House of Representatives. These were—Sir George Grey, K.C.8., Hon. Mr. Bowen, Messrs. George McLean, Gustav Von Der Heyde, Ward, and Dignan. Another newlyelected member, Mr. Ballanee, is to arrive ; while a writ for Wallace was directed to issue in the room of Mr. Webster, recently deceased. The vaeaut Chairmanship of Committees will be filled by the election of Mr. O'Rorke, who is to be nominated to-day by Sir Donald McLean, who leads the Lower House. This selection will be gratifying to both sides of the House, who will welcome Mr. O'Korke back to his old chair with sincere pleasure.

Mr. Fitzherbekt has given notice to introduce a Bill authorising the Superintendent of 'Wellington to sell part of the Wellington Harbor reserves to the Corporation of the city of Wellington; and Mr. Bunny has given notice that he will introduce a Bill authorising the Municipal Corporation of Wellington to sell a parcel of land, part of reserve No. 8 on the plan of the city of Wellington. These are local measures affecting this city. Mb. T. L. Shepherd has given notice of a Bill to amend the Gold .Fields Ace, 1866. As the Bill introduced last session by the hon. member was jockeyed out of the House without receiving due consideration, it is to be hoped the important interests involved will preserve it from a similar fate during the present session. The Gold Fields Act requires amendment. The address in reply to his Excellency's opening speech will be moved by Mr. Inglis, and is to be seconded by Mr. Ballance, should he arrive in time. The selection of Mr. Inglis for this duty is evidence of the complete fusion of parties effected by the abolition resolutions of last session. Mr. Ballance is a declared abolitionist. It will be remembered that some time since we commented on the demand of the Thames constituency for increased representation. The following is the text of the petition on the subject adopted by the various public bodies at the Thames : To the Honorable the Members of the House of Representatives of New Zealand, in session assembled. Tho humble petition of the undersigned, on behalf of tho inhabitants of the Thames electoral district, Bhewetb,—That the population of the district by the last census return was twelve thousand two hundred and thirty-nine, and has increased since the opening of the Ohinemuri and Tairua goldflolds to over thirteen thousand. That the extent of the district js eighteen hundred square miles. That the value of the gold which has paid duty up to the 31st March, 1873, exceeds three million two hundred and seventy six thousand pounds sterling. That the annual amount of duty paid on goods consumed within the district amounts by careful calculation to sixty thousand pounds sterling. That within the last three years the valuo of the gum, timber, and flax obtained in the district amounts to two hundred and fifty thousand pounds Bterling. That the district, from its close relation with the native territory, and in consequence of the industries peculiar to it, possesses peculiar and independent interests requiring attention in the General Assembly. That taking the great basis of representation, viz." population, wealth, and extent of territory, the district is entitled to at least four members. That in the view ofitho foregoing facts, wo the undersigned, on behalf of the Inhabitants of the Thames electoral district, ask that your honorable House will take the premises into your honorable consideration, and accord to this district such additional representation as herein suggested, and your petitioners in duty hound will ever pray. Parawai District Board,— Thos. Spencer, D. (J. Mac Donnell, J. Amicicr, Alex. Hogg. Waiotahl District Board.—Alexander Broclie, Chas. Hill, James Coutts, Adam Porter. Thames Borough Council.—W. Davles, M.P.C., L. Ehrenfried, John Brown, M.P.C., James Ronshaw, D. Kacnab, W. Rowe, Jno. Wilson, John Butt, A. Anthony. Kauaoranga District Board.—Win. Carpenter, M. P. 0.. L. Bagnall, M.P.C., Charles Cox, Francis J. Wardell, Fred. i\ Day, Th. Scott.