PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1140, 10 December 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, December 9. In the Legislative Council to-day, The Bating Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Otago Roads Ordinance Amendment Bill was read a second time.

The Mininc: Companies Act Amendment J}ill was practically shelved. The whole of the evening sitting of the Council was in Committee on the Lands Act Amendment Bill. Many amendments were made in the measure-, the most imnoitant being that the clause allowing optional residence by deferred payment selectors was struck out, after an hour's debate, by 1G to 5. In the House of Representatives today, A large number of questions were asked, including the following : Replying to Mr. J. B. Fisher, Mr. Oliver said the Government had had its attention called to the subject, 'and further inquiry would be made into

the working of the Stamp Fees Act ; and if the inconvenience to the public arising therefrom is found to be greater than the advantage to the revenue, they will revert to the ordinary circulating medium in payment of the fees of court. Mr. Bain asked if the Government will recognise the deputation of Lincolfishire farmers who are now on their way to New Zealand for the purpose of inspecting land; i ; by affording them : facilities for '.visiting the various parts of thj Colqiiy. I Rollestoii stated that i the Government' had already-. given- orders. to. the Crown Landsr Commissioners and other officers, to possible facility. R£plyinsi tcf Sir George Grey,

Mr. Ilollestou said it was not true that the Tepuki block had been disposed of to any person. Mr. Fulton asked the Government 'whether.tEfey will"during'''the recess devise some method for tire more speedy apprehension and punishment of those who deserting their wives and children, leave 'them a burden upon the charity of the public ; and whether they will endeavor to seeu e united action with the neighboring Australian Colonies,in this matter. Mr. Hall promised that the proposition would be favorably considered by the Government.

At the evening sitting the Minister for Public Works delivered his statement.

Mr. Macandrew complimented Mr. Oliver on the succinct and business-like statement he had made, and expressed his pleasure that the policy which ho (Mr. Macandrew) had put forward in 1878 was practically adopted and would be carried out by the present Ministry. He declared that had no party feeling interposed obstacles to the passage of the loan in July last, the whole sum would have been floated before thi3 time—,l statement which was loudly cheered.

December 10.

The remaining clauses of the Property Assessment Bill • were passed through committee, without substantial alteration. . The House rose at 2.10 a.m.