GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2554, 12 September 1893, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. on Friday.

TUB ELECTORAL BILL. On the motion for the third reading of the Electoral Bill Mr Boweu moved as an amendment that the Bill bo read a third, time that day six mouths. After a long debute the amendment was negatived by 20 to 18. The motion for the third reading was agreed to on the voices, and the Bill was passed. The following is the division list :- For the amendment—(lß).—L. Walker, Richardson, Baillie, Whitmore, Swanson,, Bonar, Shrimski, Kerr, Rigg, Wahawaha,, W. G. Walker, Feldwick, Bowen, Grace,, McLean, Holmes, Peacock, Mantell. Against the amendment—(2o). —Reynolds, Stewart, Barnicoat, McCuliough, Pharazyn, Williams, Stevens, Jenkinaon, Bolt, Dignan, Whyte, McGregor, Acland,, Oliver, Ormond, Johnston, Pollen, Hart, Montgomery, ißuckley. SECOND READIHG. The Ell Empowering Bill, the Public Health Act Amendment Bill, and th© Christchurch Hospital Act 1887 Amendment Bill were read a second time.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m. on Friday. SUBSIDY TO B. M. SMITH.

The Manufactures and Industrial Oom~ mittee reported that they had no recommendation to make with regard to the application of Mr E. M. Smith, M.H.R.. for a subsidy to assist him in his proposed visit to England in connection with the promotion of the Taranaki ironsand industry. A long debate ensued, several members expressing the opinion that it was a most extraordinary spectacle to see an hon. member standing up in the House to advocate his own personal claims. The Premier acquitted Mr Smith of any personal motives in the matter, and moved the adjournment of the debate iu order to get on with work. The motion was carried.

QUESTIONS. The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to questions. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. and resumed at 730. THE ELECTORAL BILL. After a brief discussion, consideration of the amendments in the Electoral Bill, which had been received from the Legislative Council, was adjourned Until next sittiug day (Monday). Au amendment by Sir Robert Stout, that the amendments be considered forthwith, was rejected by 41 to 22. BILLS PASSED. The Submarine Telegraph Cables Protection Bill and the Counties Vehicle Licensing Bill were read a third time and passed. INTERCEPTING SUPPLY.

On the motion to go into Committee of Supply, Mr Guinne3s moved that members who had sat in the House for two full Parliaments should be granted permanent railway passes. The Premier said that he could not accept the amendment, but as he desired to get into Supply, he thought that the matter had better be referred to the Railway Commissioners. After further discussion the amendment was rejected on the voices, and the House went into Committee.

committee or supply. The estimate of the Agricultural Department was the first to come under discussion, and the vote of £34,445 passed without amendment.

Land and Survey Department, £119,395, was under discussion at the supper adjournment. On resuming, the item passed. In the vote £2533, Miscellaneous Services, Mr Richardson moved to strike out the item establishment of forest branch of the Department, £2IOO. Sir R. Stout supported the item, and thought that too little was spent in forest conservation. Sir John Hall also supported the vote, and said that he would not allow the destruction of any State forest without a special Act.

The item passed as printed. Bates on Crown lands, £12,000 Passed.

Mr Rolleston, Sir S. Stout, and others appealed to the report progress, and after some discussion the Minister agreed to do ao. He said that he would not bring down the Public Works Statement until tho Estimates were disposed of. Mr Rolleston and Sir R. Stout objected. The Premier said that if members would obstruct the business the statement could not be brought down. The House rose at 1 a.m.