PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 9424, 29 June 1882, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Petitions were received from AVest Coast brewers for abolishing the beer duty; from the Dunedin Freethought Association against the reading of the Bible in school. Replying to Mr Duncan Mr Dick said Government watched with interest the establishment of an Agricultural College in Canterbury, and the result would guide them as to the propriety of establishing similar institutions elsewhere. Sir George Grey did not deem the reply satisfactory, and moved the adjournment of the House to urge the necessity of placing a sum on the estimates for that purpose. He also condemned the introduction of pobcates and ferrets, which under certain conditions become dangerous to human life. Mr Atkinson said a Minister of Agncultur might be appointed, and the matter dropped. Mr Dick moved the second reading of the Licensing Act Amendment Bill, which has for its principal object the placing of the appointment of Committees in the hands of local bodies, instead of being elected under the local option as at present. Several members condemned the Licensing Act of last session, and ffter a loug debate the Bill was read a second time. An interim Supply Bill for £250,000 was passed. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply Mr Montgomery asked when the Public Works Statement would be brought down. Major Atkinson said they had the policy of the Government before them if they likod?to discuss it. On Friday he would undertake to explain the order the Government meant to follow. Sir George Grey moved—" That th» Pre-emptive Right Book of Canterburybe printed, so that members might be able to make up their minds about the land question. Several members expressed dissatisfaction at the delay in the Public Works Statement being brought down, amongst whom was Mr Sutter, but after some discussion the m otion for going into Committee of Supply was carried, and the remainder of the evening was spent in discussing the estimates.