GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1263, 8 November 1884, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. In the Legislative on Wednesday, a discussion took place on the subject of the cock-fighting case atMarsden, but the matter dropped on the understanding that Government would institute inquiries. A debate took place on the Federation proposals, which were adopted. The Hon. the Colonal Secretary moved the second reading of the Consolidated Stock Bill, which was carried, and _ was afterwards committed, read a third time, and passed. The Life Assurance Policies Bill was read a third time and passed, as were also the Municipal Corporations Bill, the Beetroot Sugar Bill, the New Zealand Loan Bill, and the Property Tax Bill. In the Legislative Council on Thursday, the Land Bill was read a third time and passed. Wahanui was heard at the Bar of the Chamber. His address was in groat part a repetition of his utterances at the bar of the House of Representatives. He wished to have control over his own lands which had not yet been touched by the hands of Europeans. He found that the Government had made improvements in the Native Lands Bill since he addressed the other Chamber. They had drawn out all its teeth except one, which was contained in clause 7 of the Bill as it now stood, and he beseached the Council not to give effect to that clause. He thanked the Council for hearing him, and then withdrew.

The Westland Education District Subdivision Bill was read a third time and passed, as was also the West Coast Reserves Settlement Bill. On the motion of Mr Wilson, the Council resolved to insist on the amendment made by the Council in the Wanganui Harbor Board Empowering Bill, and a Committee was appointed to draw up measures The Council then adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. In the House on Wednesday, Replying to questions, the Government stated ; That Government were making inquiries into the case of a man named Benjaman West, who was sentenced to imprisonment at Auckland as a vagrant and died two days afterwards; that Government saw no reason why ammunition should not be sold until 6 p.m, instead of 4 p.m. as at present, and would giro instructions to that effect; that every consideration would be given to the subject of using coke on the railways through tunnels where the traffic warranted it ; that the Government would comply with the request of the Waimato County Couneil, and allow gravel reserve (Waimate County), no longer required, to be put up at auction in March next; that in ‘calling for sleepers in the South Island, btoadleaf would be included in the description of timber for which tenders would be received ; that Government would make concessions to Friendly Society Delegates travelling on the railways if the numbers were sufficiently large ; that Government would afford every facility to M. de Harven and his Belgium immigrants to see the country on their arrival in the colony ; that Government did not consider it their duty at this stage of the session to appoint a Commission to inquire into and report upon the circumstances under which the late Minister of Lands authorised the sale of the township of Wallsend to the Westport Coal Company ; that the system of collecting parcels at Christchurch and Rangiora by the railway department had proved to be profitable, and steps would be taken to extend the system to other towns ; that both the late and present Governments had written to Te Kooti, warning him not to visit Wairoa, on the East Coast (N-L) The Government had written to him on the 25th October warning him not to visit district where, in consequence,of his own acts, the Natives and Europeans were hostile to him, but to remain quietly on the land provided for him. The Native Lands Settlement Bill was read a third time and passed, The Civil List Amendment Bill, providing for th® appointment of an e*tra Minister, was lost on the Voices, The House then wont into Committee to consider the terms and conditions of a proposed contract between the Post-master-General of New Zealand and the New Zealand Shipping Company for the coveyanoe of mails between Plymouth and New Zealand by the Company’s direct steamers, In a, brief speech Sir Julius Yogel moved that the contract bo approved, aud after a abort discussion this was agreed to. On the motion to go into Committee of Supply, Mr Macandrew moved—“ That the Government bo requested to prepare a measure during the recess to enable loans through the public Trustee or otherwise to he made at low rates to local bodies for drainage works and to actual cultivators of the soil, for matetial improvements." —The motion was agreed to. On the motion to go into Committee of Supply for the consideration qf the supplementary estitpafea, J4f Boßeston gone AP wi'h at such a late hour, the Estimates having only been in Members’ hands for an hour or two. —Mr Holmes was astonished at the Member for Geraldine raising any such objection.—The motion, after some discussion, wsa agreed to.

The went into Committee of Supply for the consideration of the Supplementary Estimates. The House met »t 2.3 Q on Thursday, Thq Hon. Mr S r o.ut moved that the questiqna he postponed till to-morrow. He said the House did not rise till four o’clock that morning, in consequence of which the government had not sufficient

time to prepare to the replies to the questions.—The motion was agreed to. Mr Fitzherbert pressed for a reply to a question in reference to the railway employees and the Prince of Wales’ birthday, but the Hon. Mr Stout said that the Government would not reply ro one question and leave the others unanswered. The Railways Authorisation Bill passed through its remaining stages and carried with amendments. The Hon, Sir Juiius Vogel said b" had keen in communication with Sir James Ferguson, a former Governor of New Zealand, enquiring whether there was any prospect of New Zealand frozen mutton, and fine woollen fabrics manufactured in New Zealand, finding a market in India. His Excellency had replied as follows Mutten experienced feastible, but more hopeful Calcutta. If desired, would suggest the appointment of local agent to arrange. The European daily consumption of mutton in Bombay is 200 sheep. Natives, except Parsees, eat only fresh killed. (Signed) Governor, Bombay.” Sir Julius Vogel said the Government would favorably consider the appointment of an agent. The Hod. Mr Stout said the Government had received a telegram to the effect that as Te Kooti’s proposed visit to the East Coast would probably lead to some trouble, ho (Te Kooti) did not intend visiting that part of the country. The House went into Committee on the Special Powers and Contract Bill, which was reported with ameniments, read a third time;and passed. The House then went into Committee of Supply. Major-Atkinson made a few remarks on the Public Works Statement, and was followed by the Hons. Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Richardson, and Messrs Bryce, Rolleston and Hursthouse. The Hon. Mr Stout said he hoped the House would be in & position to prorogue on Saturday. The House adjourned at 12.30 a.m.