HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Southland Times, Issue 1006, 19 August 1868, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

"Wednesday, 22nd July. The Speaker took the chair at five o'clock. The gold mining rules and regulations, and the despatch from the Secretary of State relative to the withdrawal of troops were laid on the table of the House. The hon Mr Stafford stated that he had received communications from the Crown Agent for the Colonies in reference to tha Consolidation of Loans and explained their character ; he also moved leave to bring in a bill to exclude Provincial Government Officers from holding seats in either house of the Legislature (Superintendents excepted) ' intituled an Act for the better securing the freedom and independence of Parliament.' Leave was granted. Mr O'Neil moved—' That keeping in "view the financial position of this colony, this House is of opinion that 'The Civil Service Act, 1866,' ought to be repealed, or so far amended that no vested interests may be created under it, and that no officer be able to retire from public service other than by producing medical evidence satisfactory to the Governor in Council ' that he is incapable, from infirmity of mind or body to discharge the duties of his office.' Mr Stafford opposed the motion. After a short debate the motion was put and lost. Mr Travers moved- — * That, in the opinion of this House, it is desirable that early steps should be taken by the Government for ascertaining under what circumstances the natives detained at the Chatham Islands left those Islands. The motion was agreed to. Mr Travers moved for certain return s relating to the native department. The Government gave no opposition, and the motion was carried. Mr Bolleston moved • that it is desirable that steps should be taken with the least possible delay- for

protecting the city of Christchurch, and the surrounding districts from tike calamitous consequences whi.ch might ensu^ from the continuous overflow of the Waimakariri. That the cost of such works should be raised by meanß of rates on the said city, and districts. That inasmuch as the legislative powers of the Council are insufficient to enable it to make the necessary legislative provisions for the raising of such rates, application should be made to the General Assembly for this purpose." The motion was agreed to. Mr Eolleston asked for papers relative to the importation of cattle into Westland. Mr Macfarlane moved that a memorial be forwarded to Her Most Gracious Majesty, praying that her Majesty will be pleased to make New Zealand the sanitarium of the invalid troops of the British army.' The motion was agreed to. The Usury Bill was read a third time, and passed, as was also the Treason Felony Bill. The Police Offences Bill and the Provincial Audit Amendment Bill were considered in committee. The House then adjourned.