HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Last night. KANIEBI COUNTY.

Mr Seddbu asked what is the cause of the delay in not issuing under section 14 of "Counties Act, 1876," the proclama tion declaring the new Kanieri County, as petitioned for by certain ratepayers at Kanieri road district, Westland provincial district.

Mr Hall replied that the area was less than that provided" for by the "Ac I," and likewise the number of signatures to petition; moreover the Government was opposed to the policy of cutting up tlieso counties. TITANIC STEEL COMPANY. Mr Ballsince asked, whether they will lay before the House any opinion of the law officers of the Crown respecting the, fulfilment of the conditions by which the Titanic Steel Company are entitled to a grarit of 5000 acres of land ; and whether Government will bring in a bill during the present session to remove any technical point preventing such grant from being issued.

Mr Eolleston replied that it was not usual for the Government to produce opinions given by law officers; and that they were not prepared at present to bring in the Billl indicated.

CAPITATION ALLOWANCES TO I'lfiß BRIGADES.

Replying to Mr Stevens, Major Atkinson said Government hoped to make provision on the Supplementary Estimates lor placing the fire brigades of the colony iii fame position as regards capitation allowances as that held by volunteers.

MINEKAL SPRINGS

Mr Reeves asked' if Government will hiire collected »nd forward to the forthcoming International Exhibition, to bo held in Melbourne, samples of different mineral springs in the North and Middle Isliinds, together with an analysis of their medicinal and curative properties. Mr Hall replied that anaylses at these springs had been made. G vcrnment would communicate with Br Hector with a view of making the arrangement proposed. l

COLONIAIrMADE LOCO2IOTIVBB. Sir G. Grey asked if Government will be prepared to purchase locomotives built in the colony at a price above the cost of similar engines when imported from England or America, the engines being guaranteed that as maybe required, and if found suitable will an order be given for fifteen or bo such locomotives for use on New Zealand railways, and will Government call for tenders'for such locomotives to ascertaiu tho price at which they can be supplied. .' . ,• :> . Mr Oliver replied that the late Government had ordered sufficient rolling stock to servo for several years. LANBAIATTEES. Replying to Mr Barron, Mr Rolleston said so far as he was aware arrangements had boon made for exhibiting in each land, and post office in the colony in some conspicuous place to which the public have access—maps showing distinctly in blocks and sections all lands open for occupation together with descriptions of such lauds, showing altitude, exposure, nature of soil, character of existing vegetation, and price or rent and terms on which such lands may bo acquired. He was also aware that all these particulars were regularly

inserted in one gazette for public information. CHKISTCHUIiCa: WANTS. Iteplyinß to Mr Andrews, Mr Hall said a sito was being negotiated for the erection at Sydeubam of a money order office and po.st office in accordance with the recommendation of Mr Dick, chief postmaster of the district. Replying to Mr Andrews MrKolleston promised that enquiries would be made as to the necessity for creating a Petty Session Court in Christehurch, so that the B.M. Court may be relieved of Police Court business. lieplying to Mr Andrews, Mr liolleston promised that enquiries would be made its to the necessity for establishing a Petty Session Court at Sydenhatn, to hold a sitting weekly. ' MAOBI HBPBESENTATION. A Bill to amend the Maori Eepreseulation Act, 1867* was introduced by Mr Tomoanu, and read a first time. HEGISTBATION OF ELECTORS. The House went into Committee on thn Eegistration of Electors Bill. Ciause 19 was amended so as to provide that persons objecting to their names being retained on the roll, deposit a sum of £12 along with objection, the provision not to apply to objections by returning officer. A division was taken on the further amendment proposed by Mr Pyke, that the objector be required to substantiate his objection—Ayes 23, Noes 33. The amendment was lost.

Mr Mislop moved—That no objection be enter'aitied except the objection set forth in the summons of objection. This was carried on the voice.

A motion,' that, the price of rolls be fixed at Is per thousand names, and Is Od abovo that number, was carried. The clause as amended, was then put and carried on a division of 37 ayes and 2i noes.