HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3569, 4 June 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Thursday. The House met at 2.30. . • BUILDING SOCIETIES AND PROPERTY ASSESSMENT ACT. Mr Bain gave notice that he would ask on what basis of calculation building societies were to be charged under the Property,Assessment Act? IMMIGRATION AGENTS. In replying to a question, it was stated that all the immigration agents, excepting G. M. Reed and Clayton, who were under engagements for two years, had been discharged, and that all immigration operations, excepting female emigration, had been suspended. ' R.M COURT FEES. New regulations relating to court fees under the Resident Magistrate's Court Act, 1876, would be issued, so that a hearing fee would not be charged on actions settled out of Court. RAILWAY POSTERS' HOURS. The Government was not aware of order to porters at the Dunedin railway sheds requiring them to work nine hours or longer if required, without increase of pay until after the order ceased to operate. It was done during a busy season, and when the work was slack the men were not required to work the full eight hours, so that the one thing counter-balanced the other. Government was not disposed to see the hours of labour increased. RELIGIOUS AND PARTY PROCESSIONS. Government would not bring down a measure to prevent religious and party public processions, but would rely on the good feeling of the population to preserve order. BILLS INTRODUCED. The following bills were introduced and read a first time:—Lodgers' Protection, Females' Redress, to amend the Oamaru "Harbour Board Act. 1876, Auctioneers, Joint Stock Companies Act 1860 Amendment, Otago Harbour Board Empowering, and Execution against Real Estate. PUBLIC EXPENDITURE. On the motion of Mr Shrimski, it was agreed that a return should be '■■ made showing the money expended by the Government since the abolition of the Provinces at Timaru, Invercargill, New Plymouth, and Oamaru in the erection of public buildings, court houses, post and telegraph offices, gaols, hospitals, land registration offices, etc. MINISTERIAL ABSENCE. * ' A motion by Mr Shrimski for a return showing the number of days and dates each Minister has been absent from the seat of Government between December * last and May was discussed and withdrawn. MOTIONS CARRIED. The following motions were carried :— That all papers connected with the dismissal from office of Major Kepa Rangihiwine be produced. . A return of the defaulters and amounts due under the Land Tax Act in each provincial district. A committee for consideration of petitions and matters specially relating to agriculture. THB HINEMOA. A motion by Dr "Wallis for the production of telegrams and other correspondence relative to the sending of the Hinemoa to Auckland two trips, in order to bring members to Wellington, was put and lost on the voices. '■ ■■ : BILLS READ A SECOND TIME. The following Bills were read a second time:—Electric Telegraph Act, 1875 Amendment, and the Tabnui Ahuaturanga Land Bills. * REGULATIOK OF ELECTIONS BILL. On the motion for going into Committee on the .Regulation of Elections Bill, Mr S. George suggested its postponement until the Redistribution of Seats Bill was before the House, in order that the one measure might be considered with reference to the provisions of the other. Messrs Tole, Montgomery and DeLatour spoke in favour of the, postponement, and Mr Dick against. The motion was put and carried. In Committee on clause 11, an amendment was proposed by Mr DeLatour so as to make the clause read "Every person desiring to be a candidate," etc., instead of as printed " Every duly registered elector desiring to be a candidate," etc. ; ■ ' :■' '■■-■ .' '■' The House divided on the question that the clause stand as printed—ayes 35, noes 23. Sir George Grey proposed a further amendment, so as to make the clause read, "Or any person who has at any time been a duly qualified elector." The amendment was lost on the voices ■ [Debate interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.] EVENING SITTING. On the House re-assembling last night, progress was reported, and the House adjourned until this morning.