HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3611, 23 July 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Welmkgton //Thursday. The House met at 2.30.

Mr Kichardson presented a petition, signed by 627 railway employees, praying that the proposed reduction of wages be reconsidered. Sir W. Fox gave notice that he would ask the Government to produce the papers in the suit McMinn v. Kirk bride, heard in the Hesident .Magistrate's Court at Marton. In replying to a question put, it was stated that the Railway Commissioners for both Islands had reported; recommending that the wages of railway employees should be reduced in certain cases. Government would make these reductions so as not to cause the wages to be lower than those paid for similar labour outside the Government service. { Steps a would be taken to equalise the salaries of attendants in Lunatic Asylums by making reductions on those appearing to be overpaid. - Mr McDonald asked if they were aware that the natives have erected a fence . across the main road near Fozton, and what steps the Government intend taking in the matter; also, if. it is true the Government have agreed to pay to a coach proprietor the various sums of money paid to the natives by the *aid coach proprietor for allowing the laid coach and passengers to pass along the main road between Fozton and Wellington. The. Hon. Mr Bryce replied that the road in question did not form a main, line of road, but passed, over sand hills claimed to be the property of the Maories. Government had undertaken to refund the coach driver the amount levied by, the Maoris, and in the meantime .steps, were being taken to lay off a permanent line in another direction. The following bills were produced and _ read a first time:—-Friendly Societies Amendment, St. Paul's Presbyterian Church (Christchurch) Trustees Incorporation, Public Entertainments Prohibition. The Town Districts. Bill, Port Molyneattx Reserves Leasing'Aet, 1876, ■ Amendment, and Public Health Act, 1876, Amendment Bills passed through Committee, and were reported with . amendments. •■■• ■ " •■-, : The following bills were read • second time:-Taranaki Iron Smelting Works Sale Act, 1877, Amendment—on a division of .34 to 18; Nelson Gas and Water Works Sale Act, 1877, Amendment; Wanganui Harbour and Biver Conservatories Board Grant Bill. A motion for the second reading of the' Wellington Racing Club Bill was opposed. . ' • ■"■','' Debate interrupted at 5.30 p.m.