PARLIAMENTARY.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3891, 18 June 1881, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Pee Pbess Aociation.)

HOUSE KEPEEBENTATIVES.

Wellington, Friday. The House met at 2.80 to day. Mr Basting*, member for Waikare, was introduced by Messrs Ormond and Richardbob, and took hi« seat. Sir W. Fox gave notice that a conference of both Houses be appointed to consider the advisability of abolishing the sale of spirituous liquors in Parliamentary Buildings. Two weeks leave of absence were granted to Mr Sheehan and Mr Moorbpuse. Replying "to questions, it was stated Government had under consideration what railway works should be gone on with, and on arriving f at a decision, would say whether or not it was ( their intention to proceed with the WindsorLivingston line ; and that a* regards the unemployed, said to be dependant on the resumption of such work, steps would be take to distribute 'them over the colony so as to afford them the opportunity of getting work. The Gambling and Lotteries Bill of last session will be re-introduced, and if possible passed this year. Government had not handed over to Mr Thomas Ru«sell, or any person acting on his behalf, any portion of Te Aroha block. Mr Bryce, as a personal matter, drew attention to a despatoh from the Governor to the Secretary of Sjate, referring to his resignation as Native Minister, and saying that an extract from the New Zealand Herald enclosed was supposed to give Mr Brvce's own version of his .reasons for retiring. He desired to say he had made it a point of honor to fulfil the promise given his colleagues not to make to any one a statement of his reasons for retiring. He had done so, and was astonished at the Governor's statement. Were he to charac- , tense His Excellency's action, he would use 1 precisely terms as used by the High Commis sioner in refeience to the conduct of the Intercolonial Conference,, iv acting, on news-1 papers statements. He would ask Government to give some publicity as to his real reasons. As given, the statement was erroneous The Hon. J. Hall said Ministers know nothing of the despatch till long after it was sent. They would endeavor to comply with Mr B^yce's request. The House then went into Committee on the Chinese Bill, which was eventually re* printed with amendments) The proposal to raise the poll tax from £10 to £50 was rejected by 24 to 22.