THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Southland Times, Issue 1617, 9 August 1872, Page 3

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

6PECIAIL XEJLEWRA.M.S. o Wellington-, August 6. In the Legislative Council to-day, in reply to Captain Eraser, the Government said that no steps had been taken to establish gaols on the Central Reformatory system, as recommended last session. The Council agreed to ask for returns of the number and salaries of officers appointed since the last returns were furnished, the amount of the loans raised and expended, and the balance, with charges thereon . Mr Sewell mored for returns of railways authorised to be constructed, and the amounts expended thereon, which was agreed to. In the Hojise of Representatives, Mr Reynolds gave notice of a motion for the abolition of the present provincial system, and the constitution of two new provinces — one comprising the North and the other the South Island, with an equitable division of the liabilities. Mr Curtis gave notice of motion in favor of appointing the Superintendents agents under the Public Works scheme. The Southland Waste Lands Act Amendment Bill was read a first time. The Permanent Officers Salaries Bill, tbe Dunedin Gas and Waterworks Bill, and the Otago Dock Trust Purchase Bill, were read a second time. The Licensing (Permissive) Bill ha 3 been virtually thrown out. Divisions took place on the first, second, and prohibitory clauses, which were negatived. August 8. The Legislative Council yesterday considered the San Francisco mail service ; and adopted a resolution in favor of limiting the number and functions of Ministers. The House of Representatives read the North Dunedin Cemetery Bill a first time. Mr Curtis's motion, deprecating interference with Provincial boundaries, except on a general and permanent basis, was resisted by the Government, but carried on division by 37 to 29. Tbe Independent to-day says that the division may be regarded as a trial of strength, and shows that the Ministry will experience great difficulty in holding their seats. The debate on Mr Reynolds'B motion in favor of insular separation has been adjourned. Mr Collina's motion for the reduction

of the gold duty to 2a an ounce was carried on a division by 34 to 11. The Government promised to introduce a bill to give effect to the resolution. The Southland Waste Lands Act Amendment Bill, introduced by Mr Macandrew, repeals the 20th section of the Act of 1865, and substitutes a clause providing that lands may be sold in sections of a size and at an upset price which may be determined by the Superintendent and Provincial Council of Otago from time to time. In reply to Mr Eeid, Mr Orraond promised to lay on the table the specifications of the Dunedin and Clutha, and Invercargill and Mataura railways ; also, copies of the tenders. Mr O'Neill's motion for additional members of the House for the Thames has been negatived. Mr Andrew gave notice of motion that it is desirable that the G-overnment should negotiate with Mr Brogden on the subject of the proposals made by that gentleman for the construction of railways. The Southland "Waste Lands Act Amendment Bill has been read a second time.