GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 167, 6 August 1879, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(From the Press.) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMonday, August 4. The House met at 2.30 p.m. A number of petition s were presented, including one by Captain Kenny, praying that the import duty on timber be reimposed, the abrogation of the same last scsssion having crippled the timber trade of the colony. Several petitions praying for Bible reading in schools were presented. Sir G. Grey gave notice to move on Friday next, that the Committee of Supply should, in future, sit as soon after the adoption of the Address in Reply as possible each session. Mr Macandrew laid on the tabic the reports on the proposed railway to the northern part of the Middle Island. M r Moray gave notice to ask the leader of the Opposition !if ho in favour of the pressing of the Drainage Act introduced bv the questioner. *Mr Brandon asked the Minister for Public Works when Government proposed to bring the railway from Wellington to Foxton or Palmerston, by way of Porirun 1 Mr Macandrew said the survey had been made of certain sections of the line, but it Tested with the Opposition when the contract snould be let. The line would cost about £15,000. Mr Stewart asked the Government whether they have entered into any agreement with Mr Bullei in reference the defence of the Moari prisoners, and if so, the nature thereof. The reply was in the negative. Mr Stewart asked the Government what proportion of the purchase money of the Supreme Court site has been paid ; whether the rime for the payment of the balance of the parch asc money or any part thereof has expired, : and whether the whole of such balance is bearing interest, and the rate thereof ! . Mr Sheehan said the reply was given m “Hansard,” page 47, but if not satisfactory he would make further inquiries if the hon gentleman desired it. Mr Rolleston asked the Premier whether a telegram, dated “ Kihikihi, July 30th 1870,” and purporting to be from Rowi to (George Grey and Mr Sheehan, and the reply thereto, which appeared in the ft New Zealander” of July 31st, arc trennine. and whether they were published hv his direction or with _ his consent. (These telegrams were published throughout (he colony.) The Premier stated that he had written a reply to one from Rewi, and was not ashamed of any sentiment in the reply. He pitied the state, of mind of any gentleman who could call in qu stion anything contained in thal reply. Leave was given to Mr Tole to introduce a Bill the Slaughterhouse Act, 1879. . , Mr Macfarlane gave notice of a Bill to purge the Bay of Islands Roll the Bill to bo brought up ‘next sitting day. . Mr Feld wick asked leave _ to introduce the High School Reserve Bill. Mr Maclean objected to the numbering of the order paper and printing off Bills at the present time as a waste of money. Mr Feld wick said his Bilßwasrin type, so that the objection would not hold'good regarding it. Leave was refused an the voices.

Mr Roes said that in the Taranaki papers Major Atkinson was reported to have sent tele grains to Hawers, to too effect that ho (Mr Rees) said the people of Hawcra approved of]'the policy of the Government, whieh he denied having put in such a light to the House. He had said they approved of the action of the Government.

Major Atkinson said he took down the words at the time, and he did not think he was mistaken.

The Committee of Supply then brought up their report recommending that a supply ho granted to her Majesty, The Premier said that the Government proposed to ask the House to go into Supply at 7.30, -when the Loan Bill would be introduced for tiic second reading, and if that was granted, they proposed to introduce an Appropriation Act on Wednesday. Mr Maclean hoped they would give Mr Barton an opportunity to introduce his grievance, as he was prepared to keep them some hours or some days. The Premier said ho had no wish to interfere with Mr Barton’s privilege to introduce any question.]!Himself he would ni&t stand in the way 6f the Loan Bill coming on that evening, i \ fj)

Mr Sheehan said before '-the motion for adjournment was puijjf l|o would ask the House to consehth^(x^r6cei vo the Loan, Pid)lic ‘Works, and 1 --Appropriation Bills at 7.30.

Tire Opposition expressed dissatisfaction, and the adjournment w. : .s then put a d cs. Tied.