GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1657, 8 November 1887, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Council mot at 2.30 p.m, on Friday. Seventy-two petitions were presented in favor of Rible-reading in State schools. The Attorney-General gave notice to move on Tuesday next that in the event of a reduction in the number of members in tha House of Representatives, the number of members in the Council should be reduced in the same proportion, and thereafter be so maintained, and that the matter be referred to a Select Committee to report as to the boat plan to carry out the reduction.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. on Friday. Replying to questions, it was stated that the question of introducing a Bill for settling old soldiers’ and volunteers’ land claims was under consideration ; that £44,000 had been spent on the road from Nelson to Woel* port during the last seven years, and in the present circumstances of the country it was impossible that such enormous sums of money could continue to bo expended ; that the question of legislation for allowing mining on private property would bo considered dining the recess j that the police should receive instructions to put down rowdyism during election time ; that Government had no control over the time for deciding the Waitotara election petition. Mr Mitchelson explained that ho had not stated a few days ago, as reported, that railway employees would be granted an allowance in case of sickness. What he had said was exactly the opposite. The House went into Committee of Supply, when the Imprest Supply Bill for £250,000—£175,000 Consolidated Fund, and £75,000 Public Woiks Fund, was carried through all its stages.

The House rose at 5.5 p.m,, and resumed at 7.30,

The Premier moved his resolutions re the Midland Railway contract, in his speech briefly detailing the history of the railway. Government were clear that the railway would not be built without further legislation, and that was the reason why they bad brought down fresh proposals. Personally he was in favor of the work, though ho thought it might have been delayed for a few years. In order to give the company a stable basis at Home they asked that the value of the land should be guaranteed, This might fairly be conceded. The other important point was that of mining. The goldfields must be protected, and Government proposed to take power to proclaim 760,000 acres, which ho thought would be a sufficient safeguard. It nad been imended to insist on the company being registered in New Zealand, but it was found that this would break it up altogether, na it would prevent funds being raised. Government proposed instead that the colony should have a representative in the colony, who coaid sue and be sued,

Sir Julius Vogol also entered into a history ot the undertaking, dwelling at some length upon (he difficulty which had cropped up of preventing the mining industry from being interfered with. He considered that the 750,000 acres which it was proposed to set apart would be ample for the purpose* He pointed out that the company did not ask that the value cf land should be guaranteed at an average of 10s.an acre before the railway was completed. What they wanted was that by the time the work was finished the land should have brought that amount. This was an important point, and minimised the risk, if there was any. The modifications proposed by the company were of f reasonable nature, and he did not imagine the House would refuae to agree to them. Messrs Downie Stewart, K. Richardson, Hutchieson, Menteath, Perceval, Taylor, Turnbull, Grimmond, Sir Georg# Grey, and Dr Ilodgkinson continued the debate. Mr Pulton moved that a Committee be appointed by Government to consider the question, and bring down a report on ai early a date as possible. Messrs Turnbull, Valentine, and Seddou followed, and Major Atkinson, seeing there was no chance of finishing that night, thought it better to adjourn. If Government on consideration approved of a Committee, they would be prepared to move it.

Agreed to, and the House rose at 11.30 p.m.