GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1137, 21 August 1883, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

In the Legislative Council on Friday, The Bankruptcy Bill was recommitted and further amended. In the House on Friday. Mr Turnbull asked the Government whether they would allow either the Hinemoa or Stella to call at Tinuru for those unemployed persons and their families who are desirous of leaving there for the North Island, but who are unable to provide means of transit. He said he held in his hand a paper signed by 84 men, representing 112 souls, who desired to move, as they could not find work in Timaru, as all roads, bridges and other public works there wore completed. 18 of these were laborers, 4 were carpenters, 1 a mason and the rest artisans and tradesmen. Many he knew personally were steady industrious men. The Hon Mr Rolleston said this was the first he had heard on the subject. He would make immediate inquiry to ascertain if it was necessary to take any action. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mr Bathgate moved as an amendment—* That as it is desirable the place for the meeting of Parliament be in a situation more generally convenient for members, and more easily protected than the present, and that any change be effected at the least possible cost, the Government be authorised during the recess to enter into provisional negotiations for the purchase of

2000 teres or thereabouts, situated on the main trunk line of railway in the Middle Islau-l, say whliin smne cectre of population,for the purpose of founding a Legislative capital with suitable public parks and other appropriate accessories.’ He made a long speech in support of the amendment, arguing that neither Wellington or any other place had any. pretext for saying it hud a sealed right in the matter. Parliament had affirmed on two separate occasions that Wellington was not the most convenient place, and a removal to the South Island would be a convenience to the greatest number. The Hon Mr Rollestca eould hardly think the proposal a serious one, He asked them to dispose of it at once and get to business. On a division being taken 33 voted for going into Committee of Supply, and 29 for the arameudraent, The House then went into Committee of Supply when all the Government proposals passed, despite the endeavors of Mr Turnbull and others to reduce some of the items.