LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 238, 21 July 1877, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[i' Ell PRESS AGENCY.] # P A R L I A M F N T A R Y. o WELLINGTON, • July 19. The second session of the sixth Parliament was opened by the Governor to-day. The speech read by the Governor congratulated members upon the progress which lias been made during the past year in the development of the resources of the colony, hpon the prosperous condition of its chief industries—agricultural, pastoral, and mining; and upon continually improving relations with the native people. Reference was made to the Governor’s visit to the South-Island, and also to the lamented death of Sir Donald McLean, who, for seven years filled the position of Native Minister. The Abolition of Provinces Act was referred to as having been brought into operation without disturbance of ordinary administrative routine throughout the colony. It was mentioned that Captain Campbell Walker had finished his report on state forests. Members of the House of Representatives were informed that the Estimates had been prepared, and would be laid before them. The benefits to revenue and otherwise of Public Works policy was

mentioned, as also measures which had been taken for the inscription of Colonial stock by the Bank of England. The members of both Houses were informed that some defects had been discovered in the Counties Act, which it was proposed to remedy. A Land Bill, to consolidate existing law and to facilitate settlement, would be introduced ; also, a Native Lauds Bill, and a Mining Bill." LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. After the Governor’s speech in the Legislative Council, the Hon. Ur, Pollen gave notice for introducing the following Bills ;—To provide for the establishment and maintenance of the Armed Constabulary force ; to consolidate and amend the laws relating to friendly and other societies. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The following new members were sworn in :—The lion IV. Fox, Messrs Gisborne, Sutton, Beetham, and Wallis. Mr Fox was introduced by the Premier and Mr Richardson. A number of petitions were presented, and papers laid on the table. The following notices of motion were given : Mr Beetham gave notice to move the Address in Reply. Mr Gisborne gave notice to move for correspondence relating to the sale of the Luna. Mr Reid gave notice to move for introducing Bills to amend goldfields legislation, education, scab in sheep, and to regulate the management of public pounds. Mr Bowen will introduce a Bill relating to education. The Premier will, next sitting day, introduce a Bill dealing with crossed cheques. Both Houses adjourned till following day at 2.30. There .are a few slight alterations in the Chamber since last session. The Ministerial Benches are moved more into the centre of the Chamber, and several hollow pillars (apparently Tobin’s ventilators) are scattered through the Chambers. There was a very large attendance of members in the House of Representatives. July 20. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The sitting was chielly taken up in discussing the Address in Reply, which was moved by Mr Beetham, and seconded by Mr Sutton, both speaking briefly. Each considered there were omissions in the speech, such as all want of reference to commerce, manufactures, &c. Mr De Latour took exception to the reference to the late Sir Donald McLean as unconstitutional, Mr Wallis and Mr Thomson also condemned die speech on various grounds. Several Bills were introduced and read a first time. Mr Whitaker replying to Air Burns said certain proposals regarding Native claims in the Middle Island, would be submitted during flic Session. All the principal Sessional Committees were appointed. The first division tonic place upon an amendment by Mr Murray, who moved “ That the committee apppointed to provide for the comfort and convenience of both Houses be instructed to arrange so that any expenditure incurred should not fall upon tiie revenue of the colony.” Lost by 31 against. 2G. The Premier will ask for Imprest Supply on Tuesday, and on Friday or Thursday will make the Financial Statement.

Sir George Grey wanted everyone excluded from Bellamy's but members. The House adjourned till 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.