GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2097, 11 September 1890, Page 4

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOU3E OP REPRESENTATIVES. \ On Monday, ; DEATH OF AH M H.E. \ The House adjourned from 230 p.m to 7.30 p.m„ out of respect to th 6 memory of Mr F. Jones, M.H.B. for Heathcote, who died on the previous day after a long illness. FBDEEATION. The debate on Federation was resumed at 7.30 when Mr Mackenzie (Mount Ida) i expressed his rstrong dissatisfaction with the whole of the resolutions, and moved the following amendment: —“ (1) That this Housei whilst expressing much interest in and great sympathy with the aspirations of the inhabitants of the Australian! continent for a Federal constitution! considers it would be unfair td Australia that New Zealand send delegates to take part in the framing of a constitution for a Federaj tion which it has no present intention of joining; (2) that provided it would not be inconsistent with the interests of the Australian colonies, this House would view with.satisfaction such proj vision as would provide for the admission of this or any other colonyj at some future time; (3) That '.the foregoing resolutions be conveyed* td the Premiers of the various colonies.’’ The debate was adjourned. > BILLS PASSED.

The Coal Act Amendment Bill was committed and passed with slight amendments. i

The Post and Telegraphs tion and Regulation Bill was com-j mitted and passed without amendment] Mr Mitchelsos, replying to Mr Walker, said that the Colonial Treasurer had estimated the tota} increases in salaries within the : next five years at £19,000, but the officers of the department informed him thatj the amount would not exceed £15,000 for the same period: On the schedule being reached Mr Ballance moved to reduce the maximum l salary of the ! superintendent from £BOO to £7OO. y This was carried by 26 to 20. A motion by Mr Ballance to reduce the maximum salary of the secretary from £750 to £650 was carried on the voices.

The remainder of the schedule was: passed without alteration. ; The two Bills were then read a third! time and passed. The House rose at 1.45 a.m. On Tuesday, NOTICES OF MOTION. Mr Seddon gave notice to ask the Government whether in view of removing monopoly and putting an end! to the present strikes, they will consider the desirableness of purchasing the Union Company’s fleet of steamers,! Mr Mitchelson gave notice that he should move the ocean mail resolutions on Friday next, MINISTEEIAL STATEMENT. Mr Mitchelson said that he hoped. to be able to inform the House on Friday next that the prorogation would take place on Monday next. SECOND EEADINGB. The Police Offences Act Amendment Bill, Distillation Act Amendment Bill, and Midland Railway Deviation Bill were read a second time. BILLS IN COMMITTEE. The Gisborne Harbor Act Amend-: ment Bill passed through Committee: with a few verbal amendments.

The Westport-Ngakawau Railway: Bill was committed and reported with slight amendments and additions. The Thames Harbor Board Bill and ; the Distillation Act Amendment Bill : passed through unaltered. The School Committees Election l Bill, the Native Schools Sites Bill, the Police Offences Act Amendment Bill, and the Administration Act Amendment Bill, passed the Committee without amendment. The Oaths Bill was considered in Committee, Sir George Grey moved to amend clause 2 in such a way as to provide that every person should make an affirmation in lieu of an oath (to make the taking an affirmation obligatory instead of merely optional). The motion was lost by 28 to 22. The Bill was ultimately reported with slight amendments. THE DISTILLATION BILL. The Distillation Act Amendment Bill was deferred for further consideration. BILLS PASSED. All other Bills put through Committee were then read a third time and passed. The House rose at 12.15 a m.