PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 145, 30 August 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[PEIi X J HESS AGENCY.] HOUSE OF EEPEESENTATIVES. ' Wellington, August 2G. The whole of lust evening’s sitting was occupied in discussing the postponed and new clauses of the Eating Bill. A number of divisions were taken on amendments proposed, but few of them were carried. The recommittal of the Bill was obtained in order to strike out from the exemption clauses the dwellings of officiating ministers of religion. An attempt was also made to exempt libraries, athenamms, institutes, Masonic, Odd Fellows, and Good Templars Halls, but it was defeated on the motion of Mr Stout. Colleges and Universities were exempted from rating. After the adjournment of the House at one o’clock this morning, the Premier announced that he would, on Tuesday, announce to the House the course the Government proposed with regard to the appointment of an Agent-General. August 29. The House met at 2.30. Mr Macandrew gave notice to move on Friday next, when the House goes into Committee of Supply to the effect “That the Abolition Act is repugnant to the wishes and detrimental to the interests of the people of Otago, and as it is subversive of the principles of good government to deprive any seciion of her Majesty’s subjects against their will, and without their consent, of political institutions conferred by the Imperial Parliament.”

It was resolved that the Governor bo requested to take the earliest opportunity to dissolve the Provincial Legislature of Otago, and cause fresh elections for the Council and Superintendent, so as to afford the people an opportunity of determining what sort of local self-government is most suitable for them ; and that in the meantime the provisions of the Abolition Act be held in abeyance as respects Otago, and that the affairs of that province bo administered under terms of the Constitution Act. The Premier in reply to the question, said that the Government intended next session to introduce a measure to amend the Regulation of Elections Act. The Eating Bill and Building Societies’ Bills were passed. Several bills were advanced a stage in Committee. Other business of little interest.