TELEGRAMS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 312, 2 October 1875, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

ABOLITION BILL. WELLINGTON. . .l il ’i I ■ September 23. On Major Atkins®n’s suggestion, a slight ■■Verbal amendment was made in clause ■M ) Mr. Reid wanted to know if theGovsrnment intended to abandon the Local Government Bill. Major Atkinson: No; it rests with the House. • To further questions of the same kind, he said the Government intended topass the Bill, but so much time had been wasted on the Abolition Bill, that they thought it might not be possible. The clause was passed. Clauses 26 and 27 were struck out. The first new clause proposed to repeal Section 17 of the Constitution Act. Mr. Macandrew was utterly aghast at the proposal. He looked upon it as an act of tyrannyMr. Bolleston supported that idea. Sir George Grey thought if Provincial Councils were to be dispersed like a mob, the Riot Act should be read in their presence. What harm had Provincial Councils done that they should not be allowed to meet during the recess. He hoped the clause would be withdrawn, and with it the insult that was offered to every Provincial Council in the Colony. Messrs. Brandon and Carrington supported the amendment. Sir F. D. Bell supported the clause, ■ and would deprecate Provincial Councils entering into strong political discussions. Mr. Fitzherbert said why gag Provincial Councils. Persons committed to death were allowed a few moments for prayer, yet that scant privilege was denied by that Mouse. Nothing but great fear could actuate those who made the proposal. What would be the pains and penalties supposing Provincial Councils to meet, despite the passing of the clause. The Government did not go far enough. They might have a lot of irregular meetings tliroughout the country, backed up by precedent, and perhaps with the sanction of the people, and the Government would be placed in a very ridiculous position. He would suggest a way out of the difficulty, namely, by substituting, for the present wording, this, “That notwithstanding the provisions of section 17 of the Constitution Act, it shall not be incumbent on Superintendents to convene Provincial Council* unless they see a necessity to do so.

Mr. Brown replied that the Government’W.ere perfectly well satisfied they were doing the right thing, and were treating Provincial Councils with far more respect thiinif they told the Councils they might meet as usual, but that their deliberations would be of no effect because, for all practical purposes, they would be abolished. He thought,- moreover, that it would be impolitic to permit them to meet and appear in the eyes of the people to have power which in reality they did not possess. r . After sbnie further discussion, a division was taken, and the new clause .carried by 34 against 16. The remaining clauses passed, and the Bill was reported with amendment. September 25. of entire horses yesterday was a great success ; 59 horses were present, including several recent importations;. one, a Lincolnshire lidrSe, “ Black Champion,” cost 980 guineas in Melbourne.

Edwards won his match against time yesterday, finishing the .105 mil.es at 7.53 last night? He accomplished the distance in 7min. 3see. under 24 hours, and walked his last mile in 9min. 57sec., amid enthusiastic cheering. Over 600 people were present. The course was measured, and the laps were counted by members of a local committee.. A good sum was collected for Edwards at the finish. Edwards did not appear very distressed. He walked, in the Oddfellows’ Hall. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thursday Evening. In the House on Tuesday the Qualification of Electors Bill, on an amendment of Mr. Sheehan’s, was ordered to be read that day six months. On Wednesday Sir George Grey moved for permission to introduce a Bill to abolish the duties on tea, sugar and flour. ... i r.! •'i - : Sir Donald McLean said the Government would oppose the Bill. The A boli tiou.Bill was read a third time on A division of 40 to 21. It has been definitely decided that Provincial Councils will not meet again. AUCKLAND. September 25. Captain Johnson, late of the Magellan Cloud, died in the-Hospital to-day from Injuries received, through falling down stairs.