HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3570, 5 June 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Thursday. Tho House met at 2.30.

JUDGE BATHGATE AGAIN.

-Sir W. Fox gave notice that he would call the attention of the Government t> the fact that the prospectus of a New Zealand Land Company had been published in the London Times, with the came of Mr Bathgate, B.M. of Dunedin, as one of the directorate, and he would ask if Mr fiathgate went Home on his own private business or the business of the colony. FEMALE FBANCHIBE. Dr Wallis gave notice that he would move that the franchise be extended to females. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. One week's leave of absence was granted to Mr Turn bull. BEFLIES TO QUESTIONS. It was stated that the providing of licenses for labour agents, with the view of preventing frauds on persons in search of employment, would be considered, but the matter was not likely to be dealt with this session. £5100 had been expended on the Otago Central Eailway.

The lowest tender for the improvement of the Auckland harbour was in excess of the sum at the disposal of Government. An outside wall for reclamation would be gone on with at once, and a further vote asked for the completion of the rest of the work.

With regard to the disposal of Maori prisoners, the time authorised by Parliament had not expired. Before the time expired Government would make a statement on the subject. In the meantime it would be judicious to do so.

It was stated that the subject of Chinese immigration was under the consideration of the Government, and if not dealt with this session would be dealt with next session.

A sum of £14,000 odd had been expended on the Hokitika-Greymouth railway.

The Clive to Wallingford railway, via Kidnappers, had been surveyed. Government had not yet received the report of the Bailway Commissioners, and railway expenditure was at present limited to the carrying on of contracts already on hand, and to promote work for unemployed. The recommendation of the Native Affairs Committee re Kuta Manuahura's petition was being carried out. The subsidies to local bodies were about to be discontinued. BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time:—Pharmacy, Arms, Chattel Securities, Bills of Exchange Procedure, Mercantile Law, Banks, and Bankers. [Debate adjourned at 5.30.J