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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2921, 5 August 1882, Page 2

HOUSEjOF IREPRESENTATIVES. The House met to-day at 2.80 p.m. PASXOEAL LANDS BILL. The Chairman of the Waste Lands Committee reported re the Disposal of the Pastoral Lands Bill, as follows : “ Having taken evidence upon the subject and duly considered the Bill, the Committee report as follows : (1) From the evidence before the Committee it appears that with the exception of tho pastoral leases in Otago, which fall in February 1883, the provisions of this Bill would bo practically imperative for tho next eight years. (2) That, with the exception of the provision which limits the tenure of pastoral laud to ten years, the runs falling in next year can

bo advantageously dealt with under the ' law now in force. (3) That the Committee will recommend an amendment in the Government Land Bill, having for its object the extension of tenure in respect of purely pastoral lands.” Sir George Grey took exception to the report, stating that it was founded upon error. It stated that the Bill could only affect the pastoral leases falling in in February in Otago ; otherwise, the Bill would be inoperative for a , period of eight years. Mr McKenzie expressed similar views and offered to move that the report be not agreed to. He was proceeding to reflect upon the personnel of the Committee when he was called to order by the speaker. Messrs Die L&ntour and Duncan expressed similar opinions, condemning the report. Mr Pyko said that, as a matter of fact, during 1882-3 somothing like two million acres would fall in in Otago alone. Ho moved that the report be referred back to the,Committee. Mr Swanson desired to see the evidence before coming to the conclusion that the report was either partial or imperfect. Mr Sheehan said that from his own knowledge he could say that the utmost care was taken in regard to the sale of the Otago runs by the •Minister of Lands. He agreed however, in the opinion that the report was not complete.. .. . Mr Bathgate was much disappointed with the report submitted. The House divided on the question that the report do lie on the table— Ayes, 43 ; Noes, 35. BILLS BEAD.

The Special Powers and Contracts Bill (introduced by the Hon, Mr Eolleaton) was read a firs* time. The following Bills were read a second time :—Prisons Bill, and Justices of the Peace Bill. The Aliens Act Amendment Bill . was reported, read a third time, and passed. The Supreine. Court and Court of Appeal Bills were considered in Com* mittee, and reported with amendments. The House adjourned at 5.20 p.m. IKCOMMITTBB. ' Oh rosnming.at 7.30 p.m. the House went into Committee on _ the Law Amendment, Criminal Imbecile Passen* gers, Fisheries, Inspection of Machinery, Companies, and other .Consolidation Bills. PUBLIC WORKS BILL. In Committee on the Public Works Bill, : Captain Mackenzie moved that clause 316 be amended so as to read, except for the purpose of a railway or other work to be made under the authority of a special act,nothing in this Act shall authorise the commencement of any work, or the removal of any fencing upon any lands until fences have been first made, so that all lands adjacent to the land taken, or works executed, under this Act shall be as effectually protected against damage by trespass as before the commencement of such works.” This was carried, and the Bill was eventually reported with amendments. FISHERIES BILL. The Fisheries Bill was reported with amendments. [Left sitting at 1.45 a.m.]

THIS DAY. [By Teleqbaph.j ■ The House sat till 3.30 a.m. in Committee on the various Consolidation Bill, and the Auckland University College Bill. Ultimately progress was reported on the latter, and on the Lunatics Bill The others were reported with amendments.