Essence of Parliament.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2953, 2 August 1878, Page 2

Essence of Parliament.

WELLINGTON,

"Wednesday. In the Legislative Council—.

The usual sessional committees were appointed, and some unimportant questions were put to the Colonial Secretary.

Mr Buckley formally moved the Address in Reply, and spoke at length. A debate followed, in which several hon. councillors took part. Sir F. Dillon Bell ascribed a large share of credit to Sir Donald McLean and the Hon. Dr. Pollen for settlement of native question; and said the action of Eewi was due in great measure to good intentions he had formed owing to the wise management of the late Native Ministers. Colonel Whitmore took credit to the Government for the stand they had taken in prosecuting surveys of native lands.

in reply to Colonel Brett, the Colonial Secretary said be had paid attention to the rolunteer question, and could speak highly of the efficiency of the corps, especially the artillery. Armament to cost £44,000 had been ordered from England. Colonel Whitmore introduced a Bill to provide means for the eradication of scab in sheep. - , ' -*■

On the subject of the New Zealand University, Colonel Whitmore said there was room for enquiry, and believed the result of such would be satisfactory.

Thursday. In the Housb of Eepsbsentativbs— The Government promised to lay on the table correspondence relative to the construction of Dunedin Ocean Beach and Peninsula Bailway. In reply to a question the Premier said that after the Financial Statement had been made the Government would intimate the course they intended to pursue regarding the management of hospitalsand ot'ier charitable institutions.

In reply to a question, whether any fee was charged for inspection of public maps in any land office, and whether the Government would put a stop to such practice, Mr Stout said a small fee was charged under authority from the Minister of Lands, and if such were not done the maps would soon be destroyed. •■ In reply to a question, the Hon. the Minister for Public Works hoped to place on the table in a few days the result of what had been done in regard to the flying survey of a railway line between. Nelson and Motueka. > . The Government intimated that they did not intend introducing a Land Drainage Bill or a Bill for the regulation of coal mines. A motion was agreed to fo-' a return of officers whose services had been dispensed with since Ist December, 1877, with their salaries attached and compensation paid, and return of officers appointed since that date with amount of salaries. Several Bills were introduced, including Licensing Bill, Electoral Bills, &c. On ihe motion of Mr Hurethouse it

wag agreed to lay on the table a copy of the Police Report and all correspondence relating thereto in connection with the attempt to destroy the triumphal arch at New Plymouth on the occasion of the Premier's visit in February last. A number of hon. members spoke on the question.

Mr Barton moved for a return showing number of officers employed in all the gaols of the Colony, and particulars as to length of sdyice, salaries, &c, which was agreed to.

On the motion ef Mr Bowen, it was agreed to appoint a Select Committee (o inquire into the present state of the gaols in the Colony, with a view to ensure proper classification and discipline. On the motion of Mr Murray, it whs agreed to appoint a committee to report on the claims of Joseph Goodfellow upon the Government re a railway contract. fi he House went into Committee upon the'Mereantile Law Further Amendment Act, which was read a third time and passed.

The Trades Union Bill went through Committee without any material alteration.

A resolution authorising'the granting of supply was then passed, and its consideration postponed till to-morrow.