THE. GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Southland Times, Issue 1779, 12 August 1873, Page 2

THE. GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(BY ELECTRIC TELE&BJ.PIT.) "Wellington, August 8. In the Legislative Council yesterday, Colonel Kenny's motion — " That the Council take no action with regard to its constrnction until the Legislative Temporary Appointments Bill, introduced by the G-overnment, had been disposed of " —was carried. Dr Pollen introduced the Government measure, the second reading of which was negatived without discussion. Mr Wnterhouse s.iid it would not look well outside that a Bill of such importance should be thrown out without discussion. Colonel Whitmore said no Btrong feeling existed outside the Council regarding the reconstruction of that chamber. He blamed Mr Waterhouse for raieiug the question by tabling his motion last year. In the House of Representatives last night, a Bill to empower the Superintendent of Taranaki to sit ii the Provincial Council was read a second time. Mr Thomson supported the Bill. ; The Highway Boards Declaratory Bill, empowering Taranaki to elect between an acreage or valuation rate, was thrown out. Mr M'Grkshan supported the Bill. The Bill disqualifying : holders of publicans' licenses from becoming Justices of ;the Peace was thrown out. Mr Macandrew presented a petition from the licensed victuallers of Dunediu against the Bill. Last night the Premier read a telegram received from the Agent- General, London, that half a million's worth of five per cent, debentures had been offered for sale at a disclosed minimum price of 102^, and that three times the amount offered j had been applied for. In reply to Mr O'Neiil, Mr Yogel said he could not Bay whether a Minister of Mines would be appointed. The Ministry did not see their way at present. In reply to Mr Beeves, as to whether he would introduce a Bill to amend the Joint Stock Companies Act, Mr Bathgate said he recognised the importance of the subject. It was under consideration, but he could not promise one yet. AugUßt 9.

In the House of Representatives yeßterday, the Provincial Councils Powers Bill passed through committee after the insertion of a clause that the powers then supposed to belong to the Councils remained untouched by the Bill. The adjourned debate on the Native Eeserves Act Amendment Bill was resumed, when the Bill waß read a second time, the Native Minister promising to introduce amendments in Committee.

. A petition from the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, against the alteration iof the. ta,rifl£, was, received. ' 1. ..:. , On the motion to go into committee; of supply, Mr: Bunny condemned the pro-

posal to 'allow tha provinces to borrow for public works as a reversal of the policy of 1870, and also condemned the new tariff. Mr Yogel replied brijfly, wjien the debate was adjourned. ; Mr Yogel gave notice that next sitting day he would introduce a Rill to constitute the county of Westland a province.