HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Southland Times, Issue 1007, 21 August 1868, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, 23bd July. The speaker took the chair at three o'clock. Mr Pox asked the government several questions as to the claims of Parakaiu and others to land in the Manawatu block. Mr Eichmond said that claims had been made, and a deputation of natives had an interview with the governor, who answered them in general terms'. Several questions were put by Messrs Curtis, Ormond, and Stevens, as to the West Coast Survey, the Educational Trusts, and Surplus Eevenue accounts. Mr Eichmond obtained leave to bring in a bill entitled, *' Merchant Shipping Act." Mr Dillon Bell moved, that a return be granted showing the amount raised within each hundred of the Province of Otago for assessment on cattle under " the Ofcago Waste Lands Act 1866," the number of licenses in each hundred, with the acreage in each in respect whereof each licensee applied for his license, also, showing how the money raised under such assessment has been dealt "vith. The motion was agreed to. Mr Stafford moved for leave to bring in a Eoad Districts Bill. In a lengthy speech he stated the nature of the bill, pointing out that it was framed with a desire to give a more defined and extensive system of self-government to all districts in the colony that desired to obtain such institutions. On the motion of Mr Fox, the debate was adjourned until the following Wednesday. The Interpret.-!' ion Bill was read a third time and passed, the Pawnbrokers Bill was read a third time and passed. The Police (Jilbnce Bill was considered in committei'. The House then adjourned.