PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 365, 16 October 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Per Press Agency.) «

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, October 15. In-the House last night, the Premier said that the work of the session was so far advanced that Government hoped to prorogue next Tuesday. • The Fine Arts Copyright Amendment Bill was introduced by Mr Sheehan, and read a first time; also the Native Land Purchases Act 1877, Amendment Bill. Sir R. Douglas obtained leave to introduce the Mangonui and Bay of Islands Electoral Bill, which purposes to impose upon the Registration Officer the duty of renewing objection to certain Maori names being on the electoral roll.

The principal part of the evening sitting was spent in Committee of Supply, when the Native, Military, Volunteers, Constabulary and Police, and Railway Estimates were passed. Mr Ormond moved that, the sum proposed as a vote for school buildings is inadequate, and this House is of opinion that a sufficient sum should be provided to ensure due provision for school buildings throughout the colony. After a short discussion, Mr Ormond withdrew his-motion, on the understanding that the Colonial Treasurer would carry out his promise to find the money which the Education Boards said was requisite for school buildings. The House rose at 2 a.m.

In the House this afternoon, Mr Macandrcw, in reply to Mr Bowen, said that about 15 miles of railway to connect with Amberley, would be ready for tenders in about a month. Replying to Mr Barton, Sir G. Grey said he had no reason to believe that the recent change in hours of the Customs Department, would have any effect on. the eight hours system, but if it tended that way, would return to the old system.

The District Railways Act Amendment Bill passed through committee, and was read a third lime, the only important alteration being the insertion of a new clan :e. providing that debentures should not be sold at a price to give higher rate of interest than 7 percent.

The Debtors' and Creditor.-; Act Amendment Bill, and (he Juries Act Amendment Bill were read a third lime, and passed.-

The Law Amendment Dill, a technical measure healin'? with the rules of procedure in the Supreme Court, was being debated when the House adjourned.