PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 281, 8 November 1884, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

There was a fair attendance of members at the meeting of the Parliamentary Union last evening. Notices. The following notices of questions were given :— Mr. Rosie—Will this House put a sufficient sum of money on the estimates to provide a market place for the town of Gisborne ? Mr. Hamblett—Will the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer assist the public libraries this session ? Mr. Hamblett—Will the Premier cause the steamers Stella and Hinemoa, to be fitted with freezing apparatus, for the conveying of fish from Picton to Gisborne, so that hon. members may have an opportunity of indulging in that excellent brain fertilizer ? New Notice was given of an intention to ask leave to introduce Bills as follows:— Mr. Ferris—A Bill entitled “ The Laud Act Amendment Act, 1884.” Mr. Sigley—A Bill entitled “ The Abolition of Remedies for Debt Act, 1884.” > Papers. The Hon. the Premier laid on the table the Financial Statement, and moved that the same be printed. Carried. Leave to Introduce Bill. Leave was granted to Mr. Chrisp to inintroduce “ The Extension of Franchise to Females Bill.” The second reading was fixed for next meeting. Questions. Replying to questions it was stated A Bill to extend the franchise to women had already been introduced by an hon. member, and Government would assist the measure by all the means in their power. Government did not intend to amend the Public Works Act this session. It was hoped however, that the Local Courts Act to be introduced, would remove the defects complained of. If any hon. member felt inclined to introduce a Bill, Government would offer facilities for doing so. Government had no reason to believe an infringement of the rules of the House had been permitted by the hon. the Speaker. As the House had done without other things, they thought it possible to do without a mace. Motions. A motion in the name of Mr. Ratcliffe wae> was allowed to stand over. Governor's Assent. The Speaker announced that in his posL tion as Deputy-Governor he had assented to the Parliamentary Draughtmen’s Bill. Committee of Supply. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works then read his budget. The Statement was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Debate Resumed. The hon. member for Taupo (Mr. T. Chrisp) then resumed the debate on the “ Native Lands Resumption Act, 1884 ” (second reading). Mr. Chrisp spoke at considerable length, and was loudly applauded when he sat down. The Minister for Education (Mr. Sigley) supported the Bill. Mr. E. K. Brown opposed the Bill. Mr. Woon spoke very strongly against the Bill. He quoted a number of very interesting facts regarding the origin of the Maori War, and spoke of it as an unholy transaction. Mr. Rosie did not think the Bill would attain the object intended. Mr. Joyce thought the Act very suitable, and that it should be passed. Mr. Sievwright was in favor of the measure. The Hon. the Premier replied, after which a division was taken : Ayes, 29; Noes, 15. The second reading was therefore carried. The Hon. the Premier suggested that the Opposition should agree to the appointment of a Council to carry out the details of the union. Mr. Ferris suggested the matter should be deferred. It was decided that the names be handed to the Speaker during the next few days. Orders for next day. Captain Winter asked the Premier to name the business for next sitting. The Hon the Premier replied that Government would give private members’ business precedence, after which they would put up “The High School Act.” “The Rating Act Amendment Act,” and if time permitted co into Committee of Supply. b The House then adjourned.