PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 352, 31 August 1878, Page 2

PAR LIAMENTARY.

(Per Press Agency.) • « HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON. August 30. After the House resuming last night, Dr Wallis moved the second reading of his Triennial Parliament Bill.—The debate was kept up until the House rose at 12.30.—Mr Sheehan, the Premier, and Mr Stout, who .strongly supported the Bill, said it was not a Government measure, and members of tlie Ministry would vote according to their private views on the question, but Sir George Grey said that as tlie Bill had been brought down, the House should not neglect to seize the golden opportunity.—The following are other members who supported the Bill in speeches of considerable length : MurrayAynslcy, Hodgkinson, Stout, Moss, Rees, and Toie. Those who opposed it were : Bowen, Mamlors, ..Thomson, Wakefield, Moorehouse, Pyke, and Turnbull.—The debate was adjourned for a fortnight, on the motion of Mr Bunny. In the House this afternoon, in replying to questions, Government said they did not intend to introduce a Bill this session for abolishing Grand Juries. Mr Fox pointed out that the intended Laud Tax Bill only put a half-penny per TIOD, instead of a half-penny per ,£. —Mr Ballance said it was an obvious printer s error.

Mr Sheehan will make his statement on native matters on Tuesday. Mr Ballance said that complete census returns would not be ready before next session, but the agricultural returns would bo reaily in a few daj's. Niue more Bills for endowing harbours were read a first time. Mr Ballance informed the House that on Monday next lie would ask for another Imprest Supply. In reply to a question, it was said that the Agenl-Gonoral was informed of tlie proposed reduction in the duty on sugar, and that the bonus offered, regarding beet sugar was not withdrawn. Borne discussion ensued over the Disqualification Bill (No. 2). Mr McLean said the Attorney-General ought to have taken the House into his confidence, and told them the Bill was really for the indemnification of members, exclusive of those who held seats illegally. Mr Barton made a vehement speech against the Bill. The Bill was read a second time (Mr Barif alone protesting) and as a matter of urgenc}’, the House went into Committee, but was interrupted in getting the Bill through by 5.30.

It is understood that the debate on the financial proposals will be taken this even-

ing on the moving of the second ' reading of the Land Tax Bill.