LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3404, 19 November 1879, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Welltnoton, Last night, In the Council today Ihere was a discussion of an hour on the Railway. Tariff, and another hour's debate on the Triennial Parliaments Bill—all the other business being unimportant. *

Among the Notices of Motion vms one by the Hon. Sir F. D. Bell to ask Govern, ment for Sir Julius Vogel's authority for stating in the Times on the 26th Septemher that Government had approved of three members of the late Government to belong to Larnach's Lands Company. Colonel Brett gave notice to ask if the 682 A.O's. on the West Coast are engaged in clearing lands, making roads, etc.; and whether the result of their work is commensurate with the increased cost.

• The debate on Col. Whitmore's motion re Harbor Defence was again adjourned. The Imprest Bill pussed all its stages. The Oamaru Waterworks Act Amendment Bill was read a third time; the Building Societies Act Amendment Bill a second time; and the Qualification of Electors Bill a first time. The Hon. Mr Buckley's motion h re the Bailway Tariff, asked the: Government to increase the rates so as to make the railways more profitable, and contribute to the revenue of the colony. The mover had believed the time would soon como when control of railways would have to be taken out of the hands of the Government, as it was a dangerous power for any Ministry to hold. •

Many members spoke on the motion, but while all advocated a revision of the system, all spoke against raising the tariff. . , ; The Hon. Mr Whitaker moved the sf^ond leading of the Triennial Bill, speaking briefly in its favor. The Hon. W. Beynolds opposed this Bill, mainly on the score of expense. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse spoke in its favor, and Sir F. D. Bell and Dr Grace spoke against it, though both said, seeing the Lower House had passed ifc, the Council should not reject it.

The Hon. Mr Menzios spoke in support of the Bill, and at 5 o'clock the debate was adjourned till 7.30.

Evening Sitting.

At the evening silting of the Council th« Triennial Parliaments Bill was passed ft.-r second reading on the voices,' after several members had spoken for and against. Some minor business was cleared off, and the Council rose at 10 o'clock.

A number of the clauses .were passed with'amendment, after which progress was reported, and leave granted to sit