GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2065, 28 June 1890, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LUGISLATIVB COUNCIL. The Legislative Council met at 2 30 p.m. on Wednesday. SEW BILL, Leave was given to Dr Grace to introduce without notice a Bill to extend the Roman Catholic Land Act. On Thursday, EIBBT HEADINGS. The following Bills were read a first time: Education Reserves Leasing Act Amendment Bill, Industrial Schools Act Amendment Bill, and Imprest Supply Bill. SECOND HEADINGS. The Oaths Bill and Trustees Bill were read a second time. The latter was referred to a Select Committee,

HOUJE OF aBPEEaENTATIVES. Tne Honse met at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions it was stated that the reason no lands had been reserved for mining purposes within the area open for selection by the Midland Railway Company was that all the reports were not yet in, and that the applications received were far in excess of the 750,000 acres which they were entitled to reserve, but the matter would be attended to as soon as possible ; that Government were very desirous of encouraging rifle clubs, but it was thought desirable that there should be some rule, as to the manner in which clubs should be officered, and that the Minister could not say anything further till the details of the organisation of the volunteers force were brought before the House ; that inquiries were being made into tho reported outbreak "of Cumberland disease xn Tasmania; that Government hoped to bring in a Bill to amend the Employers Liability Act and the Seamen's Act this session; that Government proposed asking for legislative authority to deal with an amendment to the Crown Lands Act, 1887, for the prevention of dummyism, and forbidding the speculative acquisition of Crown lands, which shall pass only into the possession of actual settlers or occupiers; that inquiries would be made into the circumstances which induced the Resident Magistrate of Dunedin to issue a warrant for the seizure of the printing plant of the Otago Workman, LAHGE ESTATES. Mr Mutchisen moved for a return giving the names of several land, loan, and banking companies returned under the last property assessment valuation, as owners or trustees of land in the colony, showing in each instance the area, locality, and value of such lands, together with the amount to which such companies appear to be interested. SECOND HEADINGS. The following Bills were .read a second time:—Land Grant Bill, Sheep Bill, Cattle Bill. Mr Hislop moved the second reading of the Registration of Electors Bill, explaining that it was practically the same Bill as that introduced last session, except that the fee of Is for an elector's right was now dropped. Mr Ballance, Major Steward, and Mr Smith opposed the Bill. Mr Tanner and Mr Fulton supported it.

The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30. THE PBEMIEB BETUENS THANKS.

Sir Harry Atkinson in moving that the Speaker leave the chair, in order that the House might go into Committe of Supply, thanked the House for its indulgence in allowing the Financial Statement to be road by one of his colleagues. Mr Mitchelson then delivered the Financial Statement.

On Thursday, QUESTIONS. Eeplying to questions it was stated that for a considerable time past the Government had had under consideration the desirableness of purchasing, and if they thought it absolutely necessary steps would be taken to acquire the Manawatu railway; that Government were extremely anxious to promote the flax industry, and would be happy to receive any suggestions as to improvements in machinery ; that Government would not introduce a Bill this session to repeal the Defence Act, 1886; that proposals would be made shortly by the Government on the question of the abolition of the export duty upon gold ; that a Bill was now in preparation for the amendment and consolidation of the law relating to mining for gold and other minerals.

ITBST READING. Mr Feddon introduced a Bill for the abolition of the gold duty. The House adjourned at 5.20 p.m, The House re sumed at 7.30 p.m. DOG BEOUSTBATION BILL. Major Steward moved the second reading of the Dog Eegistration Act Amendment Bill, providing that sheep dogs should be registered upon navment of 2s 6d each. J After a good deal of discussion Mr Carroll moved that the Bill be'read that day three months. On a division the motion was negatived by 33 to 26, and the second reading agreed to on the voices. LAW PBACTITIOffERS BILL Sir George Grey moved the second reading of the Law Practioners Bill to regulate the admission of persons in the courts of law Mr Rhodes moved the adjournment OJL the debate. The motion was lost on the voices,

The motion for the second reading was carried by 35 to 22. A lengthy discussion ensued as to the date for the committal of the Bill, and it was finally made the first order of the day for Thurday, the 10th July. The House rose at 11.15 p.m.