PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 230, 8 September 1884, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Per Press Association.) Legislative Council. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. The Legislative Council met at 2.30. The Government Policy. The Colonial Secretary (the Hon. Mr. Buckley) gave a brief exposition of the policy of the Government, his remarks being substantially the same as those of the Premier’s in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday last. The Financial Statement was in preparation, and he hoped it would be in the hands of members in a very few days. He denied the rumor which was current that the appointment of a committee to consider the North Island Main Trunk Railway would shelve the question. Select Committee. On the motion of Captain Fraser, it was agreed to appoint a Select Committee, to take into consideration the working of the Sheep and Rabbit Acts. B'ar Material. On the motion of Colonel Whitmore, seconded by Captain Fraser, it was resolved that a supply of new field guns was desirable. The Colonial Secretary promised to bring the matter before his colleagues.

House of Representatives. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. The House met at 2.30. Bills. Sir George Grey gave notice of a Bill for the abolition of postage on newspapers. Mr. Wi Pere gave notice of a Native Land Law Amendment Act, in the direction of bringing Native Land Courts nearer to the blocks of land which had to be put through ; to prevent the Chief Judge hearing first claims, and thereby placing him in an awkward position in relation to the second hearing : and to reduce the fees chargeable in Land Courts adjudication. Select Committee. The Minister for Public Works gave notice of appointing a Committee to consider the North Island Main Trunk Railway route. The Committee to consist of Sir George Grey, Mr. Ormond, Major Atkinson, Mr. Bruce, Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Gore, Mr. Johnston, Captain Morris, Mr. Mitchelson, Mr. White, and Mr. Richardson. He would ask that this Committee be appointed on Wednesday. Replies to Questions. In repiy to a question put by Mr. Hursthouse, Mr. Stout explained that immediately on the intelligence of the shipwreck of the Lastingham becoming known, a vessel, with all necessary assistance, including a corps of bushmen to search for the men who had got ashore and disappeared, was despatched to the scene of the wreck. Replying to questions put, it was stated that, An opportunity would be afforded for discussing the Federation and Annexation Bill adopted by the Intercolonial Conference. The Government saw no reason for establishing a mail service via Lake Wanaka to Jackson’s Bay. The construction of the Greymouth harbor works was under the consideration of the Government, and would be mentioned in the Public Works Statement.

The Government saw no necessity for providing pecuniary assistance for an abatement of the kea nuisance. It was not proposed to provide a pecuniary reward for the discovery of a tin mine in New Zealand. The recently imported iron bridge for the Tarin at Huntley would be erected shortly. New Bills. The following bills were introduced and read a first time;— Maori Representation (Taiaroa); Foreign Companies, Local Courts, Bankruptcy Act Amendment, Public Works Amendment (Stout); Restoration of Water-rights (Spencer); Tauranga Harbor (Morris); Seaman's Representation (Bruce). Second Readings, The following Bills were read a second time Married Women’s Property, Electric Lights, Police Offences, Consolidation, Mortgage Release Extension, Pensions. Motions. Mr. Shrimski moved the second reading of the Licensing Act 1881 Amendment Bill. Mr. Hursthouse moved the second reading that day six months. The House divided. For the second reading, 29; against, 39. Motion for second reading lost. Adjournment at 5.30 to 7.30. On reassembling at 7.30, .The Mines Act Amendment Bill was read a second time. Chairman of Committees. A long discussion ensued on Mr. Shepherd’s motion that Mr. J. Steward be appointed Chairman of Committees. Mr. Fulton moved an amendment That Mr. Hamlin’s name be inserted instead of that of Mr. Steward. After several members had spoken on either side, Sir Julius Vogel said he would support Mr. Steward. He would like to have made the question a Government one, had it not been that the interests of the colony demanded consideration. He urged members not to be actuated by personal prejudices, but to rally round the Government, and give their support to|Mr.*Steward’s nomination. A division was taken on the original I motion, which was lost by 40 to 26. The amendment that Mr. Hamlin be appointed Chairman was then carried on the voices. The House adjourned at 10.35 p.m. until Tuesday.