PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 741, 24 August 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, August 23. In the Legislative Council to-day, Colonel Whitmore moved for leave to introduce a Bill for the destruction of rabbits. The Bill was read a first time, and the second reading fixed for Tuosday next, A motion for a return of the price per acre received for all Government lands (excepting town and suburban lands) sold in Canterbury and Otasjo during the year ending 30th June, 1577, was agreed to ; also, "Mr. Hall's motion for a return of those Counties in which the whole of the Counties Act has been brought into force, and of those in which the whole of the Act is not in force. The Fraudulent Debtors Bill and Friendly Societies' Bill were read a second time and ordered to be committed next Tuesday. The Council adopted an address to the Queen, the concluding portion of which is as follows "In the success which has crowned your Majesty's exertions in tho cause of humanity, justice, and honor at the Berlin Conference, we recognise elements which, by consolidating the Empiiv and by erecting barriers against future aggression, give promise of an honorable and durable peace." The Southland Boys' and Girls' High School Act. 1877, Amendment Bill was considered in Committee, reported, and read a third time.

August 24. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. Replying to Mr. Shrimski, Mr. Stoutsaid there was no provision for dealing with auctioneers' licenses. Mr. Fox asked the Minister for Public Works whether at a public banquet in Dunedin, in March last, he made the following statement, as reported by a shorthand reporter for the local press present on the occasion :—" There is now a public opinion being engendered throughout New Zealand which may yet compel Parliament to restore to the people those privileges of which they had boon deprived, not probably exactly as they were, but institutions greatly improved, and more adapted to the altered circumstances of the Colony a'id if it is true, if he did use those expressions. Mr. Macandrew said he probably \taed those words, or something like them, but he could not be expected to remember exactly what words he used after such a lapse of time, but if housed that language, it was scarcely to be wondered at in his case, looking back on his past career. But he pointed out that in constructing his language the words referred to should be read with what went before and after, in fact the tenor of- the whole speech should be considered.

Mr. Stevens asked whether the Government would bring in a measure to provide for the management of charitable institutions. Mr. Stout understood that the Government did not so intend, but merely to legislate for the disposal of the funds. Mr. Johnston . asked the Premier whether, at a ptibblic meeting in Dunedin in March last year, he made, as reported by the Press to have made, the following statement, or statements to similar effect : —"For years- they enjoyed a free and liberal constitution ; no disasters occurred in consequence, but development of the resources of the Colony, atifj a growth of happinessand contentment insured, unprecedented in the history of British colonies. These institutions were swept away, lie asked whether the new ones were such as became free men, and wore they likely to conduce to pure happiness ]" If so, whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce such institutions as in their opinion became free men ? The Premier said he was unable to state from memory whether he used those words at Dunedin, though he knew he used them in many other places, as they correctly expressed his opinions and views, and he had nothing to retract. As to thu other part of the question, the introduction of the institutions, &c., lie intended to address himself, to that, as it was his duty." On the House resuming last evening, the debate on the Electoral Bill was continued, Dr. Wallis speaking at considerable length in advocacy of female suffrage. Mr. Barton warmly approvod of the Bill.

Sir R. Douirlas was the only member, besides Mr. Seaton, who opposed the Bill thoroughly, and he divided the House on Mr. Seaton's amendment that the Bill be read that day six months, which was lost by 61 to 2, Mr. Turnbull acting aa teller for Sir R. Douglas in order to enable him to record his vote. The Bill was read a second time after Mr. Stout had replied. The Martin Annuity Bill was passed. There was a long discussion in Committee on the Savings' Banks Profit Bill on clause 3, which would empower the trustees to pay over any excess of profits over a certain sum to some institution. After a great deal of talk the clause amended to read "Ten per cent." of profits instead of "One thousand pounds." A new clause was then addeof making, it apply to Otago qnly.- The Bill was then passed, and the House adjourned at 1.25 a.m.