MONDAY.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 113, 1 August 1885, Page 4

MONDAY.

Thk first Monday evening's sitting during the present session was held last night. Mr Grace (Tauranga) was introduced by the Premier and Mr Locke, and took his seat.

Distress Bill. The Distress Bill was finally passed.

Bank Note Security. ' On Mr Dargavtlle moving that the Speaker do leave the chair in order that the Bank Note Security Bill might be considered in Committee, The Colonial Treasurer said that legislation of a most violent character was proposed. He pointed out that the measure' proposed to make bank notes a firstclass security over all other securities, and suggested certain amendments which were desirable. He asked Mr Dargaville to postpone going into committee on this bill, so that the amendment he had made might be carefully considered. Mr W. F. Buckland moved that the bill be read a second time that day six months, Mr Dowsie Stewart thought the bill was unnecessary, and there was no pressing demand for it. Mr Samuel also thought the bill unnecessary—that one's debts ought to be paid equally unless special reasons were shown to the contrary. The Premier was of opinion that some greater security should be given to the paper currency than it now possessed. So far he agreed with the purport of the bill, but thought certain amendments were necessary. Sir George Grey thought a large revenue would be derived by the establishment of a State Bank of Issue. Were the colony to sell out and buy its own notes, they would be relieved very largely from existing taxation. If they reverted to Government note circulation formerly existing in the colony, there would be no necessity for the present measure. Mr Macandrew agreed with the last speaker that it was desirable that the Government should take the Stateßank circulation into its own hands, but he could not consent to revert to the Colonial Bank of Issue that there was formerly here ; notes were then simply sold for gold. He thought some such proposal as that submitted to the Legislative Council by Mr Bathgate was more desirable. Other members having spoken, Mr Dargaville replied saying he was not discouraged by the amount of opposition offered to the bill. He would adopt the Premier's suggestion for going into Committee with one clause of the bill, and then postpone it. The Treasurer explained that he was unfavourable to the bill, and said Mr Dargaville did not understand hia objections to the bill. The first clause having been considered in Committee, the further consideration was postponed for a month.

Gaming and Lotteries. Mr Fitzherbert moved the second reading of the Gaming and Lotteries Act Amendment Bill (No. 2), which was introduced last year and passed its Eecond reading. He mentioned that Mr Hobbs's Bill bad been so amended in the Legislative Council as to allow sweepstakes on racecourses only, but his measure went further, and allowed sweeps on athletic and aquatic contests. In Committee he would add another clause with regard to Friendly Societies, when it was proposed to allow to j raffle land and other gifts. Mr Peacock suggested to the last speaker to test the feeliag of the House on the particular amendments introduced into Mr Hobbs's measure, and to withdraw the present bill. Mr Bryce condemned the vice of gambling, and deprecated any hon. member advocating the State legalising it. It was a disgrace to the House that the totalisator had been legalised, and he wa3 prepared, whenever opportunity offered, to move for the repeal of the clause sanctioning its use. Mr D >\VSIE Stewart ridiculed the suggestion that the House should pass a num ber of gambling bills to relieve the existing depression, and moved that the bill be read a second time that day six months. Colonel Fraser recommended Mr Fitzherbert to withdraw the bill. As an owner of racehorses in the colony for 35 years, he had always set his face against consultations, one- half of which were got up for swindling purposes. He thought, however, that the harmless amusement of five-shilling sweeps should not be considered an evasion of the law. After further discussion, the second reading was lost on division by 24 to 32.

Beetroot Sugar. On the next order, Beetroot Sugar Act Amendment Bill, being reached, Mr Scobie McKeszie said he thought he would be best consulting the convenience of the House by asking leave to postpone its second reading till Thursday fortnight. Agreed to.

What is Fancy Bread? Mr Beetham moved the second reading of the Adulteration Prevention Act Amendment (No. 2) Bill, the object of which is, he explained, to properly define what is fancy bread. The measure was proposed in the interests of the bakers. The second read- j lDg was carried without discussion. j

Friendly Societies Act. Mr O'Connor moved thatthe Housedo now go into Committee to consider the Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bill, a measure which dealt with valuation on lodge contributions levied. Mr Hursthotjse deprecated decreasing the amountof the Sick and Funeral Fund, and adding it on to Management Fund. The latter fund was somewhat expensively administered, and if Societies were managed by competent individuals, there was no necessity to augment it. He alluded to the disabilities Friendly Societies had laboured under, and suggested that the Government auditors for small amount should be allowed to audit their accounts. Mr T. Thompson moved, and Mr Peacock seconded, the adjournment of the debate for a week. Both mentioned that they had submitted the bill to Friendly Societies in the district to which they belonged for an expression of opinion as to the measure, and the time had not sufficed for replies. Mr O'Connor consented to the adjournment of the debate till Thursday week.

Police Offences. On motion for committal of the Police Offences Act Amendment (Fisher) Mr Moat moved that the bill be read that day six months. Dr. Newman and Mr Fisher strongly supported the second reading, the Tatter mentioning that the local Magistrate had held that prostitution was not an illegal occupation. m The numerous bad-houses caused depreciation of property without meanß of relief except through an expensive process by means of the Supreme -Court. The House went into Committee, and after some progress had been made, a motion that the Chairman do leave the chair was carried, and the bill thrown out.

Unclaimed Lands Bill. Mr Wakkfield moved the second reading of the Unclaimed Lands Bill. It is a very short measure with a good deal in it. unclaimed land is defined as land over which no right of ownership shall have been exercised by the real owner for seven years. The Governor is to sell all unclaimed land by public auction after due notice, and the proceeds are to be treated as land revenue. If the former owner should afterwards appear and prove his title at any time within 20 years from the date of sale, he is to receive the nett amount of the purchase money, with simple interest at 4 per cent. This is a sweeping proposition, but it is understood that the Government support the principle of the Crown assuming possession of unclaimed land, for both the present Ministry and the Atkinson Ministry had contemplated legislating in that direction. Sir Julius Vogel adversely criticised the bill, and said it evidently had not been framed by anyone used to drafting measures. Mr Garrick Eaid it was as unrighteous as any measure that could be introduced for the consideration of the House. Already there was power in the Rating Act to sell unclaimed lands for rates. Mr Wakeeield said all he asked the House to do was to affirm the principle that unclaimed lands should be disposed of one way or the other. Air Moss certified that such a bill was needed in Auckland, where there were many vacant sections owned by absentees, on which no rates were paid, and on which thistles grew. . . The Premier agreed with the principle 01 the bill, and that there was some necessity for taking steps to utilise the waste lands lying idle. He thought the debate should be adjourned till the Public Trust Bill (a Government measure) came down, or till Mr Wakefield became acquainted with its provisions. Mr Wakefield, in consenting to the adjournment, thanked the Premier for his courteous remarks. The adjournment of the debate till Thursday vreek wa3 carried on the voices. The House adjourned at 12.15 a.m.