GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1648, 18 October 1887, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Council mat at 2.35 p.m. on Friday. Sir Frederick Whitaker moved the suspension of the Standing Orders in order to pass money bills expected from the House in one sitting. Mr Oliver moved the Address-in-Reply. He said that the country desired retrenchment, which must be effected if the solvency of ths colony was to be maintained, He advocated economy in education, and the handing over of the railways to non-political boards, Mr Barnicoat seconded the motion. Mr Holmes spoke in favor of retrenchment. He depricated the system of deficiency bills and borrowing from trust funds. He advocated the abolition of the Native Department, and greater economy in defence expenditure, and in the cost of education. Mr Waterhouse drew attention to ths small reserve of bullion in the banks. He said that the Government would be turned out unless it carried out effectual retrenchment. He advocated 7 years as the minimum school age, and the introduction of Kindergartens. He deprecated small holdings as ruinous to settlers un'ess near cities. Mr Richmond expressed a hope ibat the Government would try and bring down a Bill for reform of the Council amongst the schemes for retrenchment. The motion for the adoption of the Address was carried on the voices. The Council adjourned lid 7.30 p.m. when Sir F, Whitaker staled that as there was no chance of the Supply and Revenue Bills coming down that night he would move that the Council at rising adjourn to the following day. The Council then adjourned to next day. On Saturday, The Imprest Supply] Bill and Public Revenues Bill were received from the House, and were passed through all their stages. The Speaker announced that His Excellency would receive the Addtess-in-Reply that day at 3 o’clock. The Council adjourned during pleasure. At 3.16 the Speaker resumed the chair, and informed the Counci' that the Governor had graciously vouchsafed au audience, and had received the Address-in-Reply. At 3.30 the Council adjourned till November Ist. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2,30 p.m. on Thursday. Several notices of motion were given. Replying to questions it was stated that the House would be informed of whether rhe Government proposed to have a New Zealand Court at the Melbourne Exhibition ; that daily return railway tickets could not issued be from and to all stations without further consideration ; that it was intended to reduce the rent for railway sidings; that the Naval and Military Settlers and Volunteers Land Bill would be introduced this session ; that it was intended to put Mines under the control of the Minister of Lands, as it would entail less cost; that the Government would consider the advisability of burning firewood in locomotives on Government lines in bush districts; that the Land Transfer Act would be amended in relation to the power of distress given to mortgagees ; that inquiries were being made whether the future Governor of New Zealand could be elected by the colonists ; that if it were possible to relieve gaol warders of the duty of flogging prisoners it would be done; that the question of letting working men travel on the railway at reduced rates would be considered ; (hat Porwood, the absconding solicitor from Auckland, would be brought back from Melbourne as soon as possible. The Premier moved that the House at its rising adjourn until Friday, 28th inst., at 7.30 p.m. Sir Julius Vogel strongly opposed the adjournment, and said that such a thing had never occurred as to stop all the business of the House because the Treasurer wished to prepare his Financial Statement. He should not, however, divide the House on the question. A lengthy discussion followed, and the motion was eventually carried on the voices. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr Pyke introduced the Otago Central Railway Extension and Construction Bill.

St Geo. Grey introduced the Acqnisi lion of Laods for Settlement Bill.

A resolution reported from the Committee of Supply granting an Imprest Supply Bill for £150,000 was agreed to, and the Imprest Supply Bill was passed through a>l iti stages. The Public Revenues Bill, to author!?© the issue of deficiency bills to the amount of £50,000, was also passed through all its stages.

Several notices of motion were agree' to.

Mr O’Connor moved that there be laid before the House nil papers connected with the Weatport Harbor Board from its inception to date.

Major Atkinson had no objection to the motion, but said this Board was in a very unsatisfactory position, and he intended to ask for a Committee to inquire into the whole matter.

The motion waa agreed to, and the House rose at 8 p.m.