GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1576, 3 May 1887, Page 4

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

In the Legislative Council on Friday, Colonel Brett moved the Address-in Eeply, dwelling at length on the fact of tijis being Her Majesty's Jubilee year, and the necessity for its adequate celebration. He also bore testimony, as an officer of 62 years' standing, to the efficiency of the volunteers and the defences. The Address was adopted and the Council adjourned. HOUSE OF KEPKESENTATIVE3. The,House met at 2.30 p.m. , The Premier gave notice to introduce the Legislative Council Constitution Bill. Replying to a question by Mrßolleston, it was stated that the sum of £1942 bad been paid during the recess to Mrs Fraser, wife of Colonel Fraser, member for the Thames, being cost of survey of a block of land about to be purchased by Government. This sum had been recommended by the Commission appointed, Messrs Cooper and McDonald. Several Bills were introduced.

I The Premier moved the second reading of the Employment of Females and Others Act Amendment Bill. He said I the Bill was the same as that passed by ' the House las*- session, but thrown out in the Council.—Messrs Levestam and Turnbull .in.speaking expressed the hope that the half-holiday might be taken on some other day than Saturday.—The Premier had no objection to this and the motion was agreed to. The Premier moved the second reading of the High Schools Reserves Ant Amendment, which was to aliow : those schools to alter their reserves for the purpose of building.—Agreed to. The Premier.moved the second reading of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which waa brought in to remedy certain defects in tbe existing electoral laws. Polling, under, the Bill, is to be kept opeu till 7 p.m.—The motion was agreed to. Mr Ballance moyed the second reading of the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act Amendment Bill.—The Bill was postponed till Tuesday. The Premier moved the second reading of the Representation Bill. He said that the Bill was intended to aid Parliament in a great difficulty. He was not in favor ot a reduction of members beyond a few. He thought they might keep the number to 86 Europeans and four native members, which would be five less than at present.

He was strongly of opinion that city oon» stituencies Bhould bo amalgamated, but be thought that this should apply to country districts as well. He awaited with great anxiety to bear any other principle of representation than that of population. A division was called for, but was not pressed, and the motion was agreed to. The Banks and Bankers Act Amendment Bill passed through Committee, and was read a third time, and passed. The House rose at 4.45 p.m.