GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1116, 3 July 1883, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House on Friday last, In reply to a question, the Hon. Mr Dick said Government had no intention of providing a sum for the purpose o£ subsidising public libraries this year, as funds were scarce.

The Hon. Mr Dick intimated that the facilities provided for the registration of tf ido marks were found to be sufficient, without local registry offices being established.

The Hon. Mr Connolly said Government could not bringin a Bill this session for the abolition of the Grand Jury system, and for better provision for payment of jurors. The Government admitted the whole system required some alteration.

The Hon. Mr Dick said that enquiries should be made in regard to parcels sent by sample post being registered, withou t being charged postal rates as letters. The Hon. Major Atkinson remarked that an amendment of the Rating Act, 1882, would bo made to empower towl districts to levy rates, the same as municipal corporations. The Hon, Mr Connolly stated it was intended to bring in a Bill for increasing salaries payable to Supreme Court Judges. The Colonial Treasurer moved that for the remainder of the session, Government business have precedence on Thursdays, Mr Montgomery approved of the proposal.

Sir G. Grey believed that one central Government of New Zealand could not govern the colony properly, and it was of the utmost importance that no restriction should be put on private members desirous of introducing Bills of a more or less important character. Why not leave members the privilege they had, until at least a latter period in the session. After several members had spoken on the subject, the House divided. Ayes, 40 ; Noes, 28. Mr Steward moved the second reading of the School Committees’ Election Bill. Some discussion having taken place the Bill was read a second time accord-

ingly. Tho second reading of The Evident# Bill was adjourned.

The House then rose,