PARLIAMENT

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 528, 3 June 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

j (Special from our Correspondent.) Wellington, Wednesday Night, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The following notices were given on Tuesday: Colonel Whitmore to ask for all papers connected with the dismissal of Major Kemp; and to move that it is desirable there should be a searching investigation into the disorders at the late Volunteer Review. Dr Grace to move the Address in Reply. Mr Scotland to ask a question with reference to a failure of justice at Taranaki, through the neglect of the Crown Prosecutor. Captain Fraser to ask whether the Otago Harbor Board had incurred pecuniary obligations which the Government have to fulfil. Mr Wilson to move that a committee be appointed to enquire into the state of the bankruptcy laws, and to enquire into every phase of the subject, and report within a month.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. The House met on Tuesday. The following notices were given : Sir Geo. Grey to move for the repeal of the Property Assessment Act. Mr Pykc to ask the Government whether they would introduce a Bill to stop religious processions. Mr Ballance, for a return of all correspondence relating to the dismissal of Major Kemp. Sir George Grey to ask a question as to selling the Hinemoa. The Premier expressed a hope that members would give two days’ notice of their questions.

Colonel Trimble then moved the usual Address in Reply, which was of course a re-echo of the Governor’s Speech. Captain Russell seconded the Address. Mr Macaudrcw strongly urged the Government to repeal the Property Tax Act, which gave dissatisfaction from one end of the colony to the other. The host part of the address, he said, was that which hinted at a short session. Sir G. Grey criticised the history and policy of the Government at some length, attributing the present depression to their having stopped public works. With regard to the Property Tax, he condemned it in strong terms, inasmuch as, although paid by only a certain number of the community, It really increased the price of all goods, including the poor man’s loaf.

The Premier controverted the remarks of the last speaker, and considered his theory as to the property tax to bo utterly fallacious. Mr Pyko having spoken at some length, chiefly with regard to the Royal Commissions, whose flying visits he humorously criticised, The motion for the second reading of the Address was unanimously agreed to, and the House adjourned.

WEDNESDAY. Dr Wallis gave notice of a string of resolutions providing for certain clauses to bo inserted in the Corrupt Practices Bill. Mr Gisborne gave notice of motion that all correspondence with the AgentGeneral as to his candidature for the Home Parliament be laid on the table. The House then temporarily adjourned, to allow the Address in Reply to bo presented to the Governor. Sir George Grey gave notice of motion. in favor of a reduction of the salaries of the Ministers of the Crown in New Zealand.