House of Representatives.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 233, 11 September 1884, Page 2

House of Representatives.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBEB 10. The House met at 2.30. Notices of Motion. Mr, Joyce gave notice that he would move for a return showing the contracts entered into by the Atkinson Government after a vote of want of confidence had been recorded. Replying to questions put, It was stated that under the existing law Government was not allowed to grant timber royalties to County Councils. As they intended dealing with the whole question of local Government, they would not make any interim provision in this respect. Government intended to make provision for public libraries. Tenders had been called for a daily mail service between Hokitika and the Blue Spur, Upper Arahiua, and Humphrey’s Gully; but he was not sanguine that an offer low enough would be got to induce them to accept. An amended Bankruptcy Bill would be introduced providing for the preferential claim of servant employed by a bankrupt. An amended Impounding Act would be considered.

In connection with the Defence Policy, the connecting of Collingwood with the Spit lighthouse by telephone would be undertrken as soon as the funds of the colony would admit of the cost being incurred. Government would not undertake at present to connect Tologa Bay with Gisborne by telephone, as the cost was too great, but they would connect Clyde and Frasertown by telephone. The report of the late Civil Service Commission had disappeared, together with a Bill prepared in conformity therewith by the late Government. Probably the members of that Government could throw some light on the subject.. With that view an adjournment was moved, but no member of the late Government responded to the invitation. Replying to other questions It was stated if on enquiry it was found the business at Hyde, Hamilton, and tho serpentine warranted it, a sitting of the local courts would be established there. An amended Rivers’ Bill would be introduced. Government would not this session deal with the subject of hospitals and charitable aids. The fees charged by the R.M. Courts would be reduced during the recess. New Bills. The following new bills were introduced and read a first time Harbors of Westport and Greymouth. District Railways leasing. The Members’ Honorarium and Privilege Bill. Insurance Department Incorporation, (Vogel). Bank Notes Security, (Dargaville). To place Manukau Harbor under the control of, and to vest certain lands in the Auckland Harbor Board. To reconstitute tho Auckland Harbor Board, (Tole).

To amend the Native Lands Act, and “ The Native Lands Frauds Prevention Act, 1882,” (Locke). Ohinemuri Gold Revenue Adjustment, (Morris). Thames recreation reserves sale or exchange, (Fraser). To repeal “ The Sharebroker’s Act 1871,” (Hirst). Motions. Mr. Samuel moved, That in the opinion of this House it is the duty of the Government to provide for the prosecution of persons guilty of fraudulent misappropriation of trust monies and of fraudulent bankruptcy. Mr. Stout contended that the law as it

stood made ample provision for all the requirements of the case. The House divided; Ayos 41« noea Motion carried. Mr. Tairoa moved, That it is a matter of extreme regret that the small-pox hap been brought to New Zealand by passengers from o'her colonies; that the Maoris are in great dread of this epidemic, because very few of them have been vaccinated ; that it is advisable Government should take immediate steps and send medical rnen at once to the various Native districts to vaccinate tho Maoris.

Mr. Ballance promised that every precaution would be taken, and a medioalj man told off to visit the remoter districts. He also counselled more attention to the sanitary condition of the pahs. Mr. Dodson objected to vaccination, and cited authorities to show that impure lymph was attended with most disastrous consoquencea. Tne motion was carried on the voices. The House ruse at 5.30. EVENING SITTING. Mr. Barron moved the second reading of the Hours of Polling Bill, which provided for the poll being extended until 8 p.m. Mr. Hursthouse moved as an amendment, “ That the bill be read that day six months.” After discussion the amendment was car* tied by 45 to 35. Sir George Grey moved the second reading of the Law Practitioner’s Bill, and in doing so said this was the way to bring talent into the colony, and they would be thus affording an opportunity for ability to distinguish itself. Colonial TrimbleTmovedf“ a That«the bill be read that day sixjmonths.” The]Premier characterised the bill as an illegal one, tending to discourage higher education. He asked the house to reject the bill.

The measure created a]long|discusBion. At 1.30 this?morning a division Twas taken, the amendment being carried by 25 to 24. The bill therefore, was]thrown out.