HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3598, 8 July 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House resumed at 2.30,

Sir W. Fox gave notice that he would ask if an officer employed in the Bailway Department, who was paid a salary of £1500 per annum, received a bonus from Government of £500 cash last year; and, if so, by whose authority wa3 that bonus given ?

In replying to questions put, it was stated that no fresh negotiations for the purchnso of. native l;ind had been entered into by the Land Purchase Department since the accession of Government.

It was proposed to reduce the number of district gaols as much as possible. It was not intended to bring in a bill this session increasing the number of Maori members.

The Hon Mr Dick introduced the Hawkers' and Pedlars Bill, which was read for the first lime.

Mr Adams moved that there be laid on the table the three petitions presented by Thomas Butler, lats keeper of the lunatic asylum, and the correspondence between him and the Government,—Mr Dick said that ample justice had been already done to this matter, the grievance having been enquired into by a select committee and a special commissioner, and Government did not agree in the propriety of again reviving the subject.—-Mr Pitt v also opposed the motion. The paper* contained disgusting details, and he advised the withdrawal of the motion. Other members took a similar view.—Mr Adams said the evidence was not asked for, only the papers, and these did not (as alleged) contain so many disgusting details. The motion was put and negatived. Mr Tomoana moved that the speeches of the Maori members delivered in the House be printed for circulation amongst the natives.—After some discussion the matter was referred to the Debates Comraittfe.

The following motion by Mr J. B. Fisher was carried:—" That there be laid before tins House a return showing in respect of each postal town in the colony--(l) The number of officials other than the police, holding office in such town; (2) Offices held by each official; (3) Salary paid in respect of such office ; (4) Total salary paid to each officer." Mr Turubull moved, and it was carried, that a return" be laid before this House showing the amount of money paid to Messrs Grant and Foster or any other persons for expenses in connection with the visit of these gentlemen to the colony. Mr Hall said that the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the subject of the payment of a sum of £300 to Mr Sierewright, solicitor had bfceu referred to the Public Accounts Oom-s mittee.

Dr Wallis was moving a resolution against the colony raising any more loans when the House rose at 5.30 p.m.