PARLIAMENTARY.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4228, 20 July 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF KEPKEBENTATIVEB." Wellington, Yesterday. The House met at 2.30.

In reply to questions, Ministers stated that it was intended to proceed with the Native Reserves Bill.

That certain information, although not of a satisfactory character, had been received as to the culture of. tea and silk in the North Island. <

The regulations as to the transfer of mining property would be simplified. Government intended to take steps 'o amend the electoral law, so as to prohibit names being placed on the electoral rolls within two months of any election.

. MUNICIPAL COBPOBATIONS ACT. The second reading of the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill, to give corporations power to make contracts for periods beyond those at present allowed, was moved by Mr Moss, and, after some debate, carried by 43 to 34

Mr Eolleston resumed the debate on Sir Geo. Grey's Constitution Act Amendment Bill, characterising it as the most extra* ordinary measure the House had ever seen. It was not worth wasting time over, and he moved that it be read that day six months. Col. Trimble supported the amendment.

Sir John Hall contended that the colony had ample power to amend its constitution. He was in favor of an elective Legislative Council, and regretted Government had not brought forward a measure on the subject. The bill, however, practically abolished the second chamber, and also the representation of the Crown as a part of the Legislature. The bill was entirely unnecessary and mischievous. It was a step towards an elective overturn, and a separation from the mother country. Mr Bryce strongly opposed the bill, and was prepared to stake the existence of Government upon it. If; was entirely subversive of the Constitution.

Mr Kelly thought the waste basket was the only proper place for this bill. Mr J. Green approved of the bill as calculated to give effect to the will of the people. He was astonished at the consternation caused by this bill. He would, however, like to see it amended so that the passing of a measure by the House in two successive sessions should be required.

This day. Mr Turn bull moved the adjournment of the, debate to allow other business to go on. No one could possibly dictate to Sir Geo. Grey what bills he should introduce, and this bill was not a party one. Major Atkinson said; the Government would not agree to the adjournment, or to any other bnsiness being done till this question was dißposed,otf. s 'rbe Opposition and its leader seemed to consider the bill a huge joke, and had been laughing at it, but Government considered it too serious a matter. In not taking up a proper stand Mr Montgomery had been guilty of a breach of faith.

Mr Montgomery said he would besorjry to see any Opposition so drilled that its members dare not eren laugh. Sir Geo/ Grey had carried bill after bill against the Government, and how could he stop him bringing in this one ? If they laughed, it was at the consternation existing on the Government benches. -

After some more discussion, in which Messrs J. W. Green, Bryce, Moss, Seddpn, Trimble, Joyce Morris, Levestam, Shepherd, Holmes, Hurst, W. C. Buchanan, and Harris took part, the motion for the adjournment of the debate was put and negatived on a division of 44 to 40. Ayes, 40—Bracken, Barron, JVC. Brown, G'admau, Daniel, Dargaville, DeL<:.utour, Duncan, Feldwiok, George, M. W. Green, Grey, Harris, Holmes, Hutchison, Ivess, Joyce, LeTestam, Macandrew, McDonald, J. McKenzie, Montgomery, Moss, Petrie, Pyke, Seddon, Sheehan, Shepherd, Shrimski, Smith, Steward, Suiter, Taiaroa, Tawhai, J. W. Thompson, Tole, Tomoana, Tarnball, Weston.W. White. Noes, 44— AHwright, Atkinson, Beethara, Bryce, J,

Buchanan, W. C. Buchanan, Connolly, j Dick, Driver, Fergus, Fitzgerald, Fulton, J. Greeii, Hall, Hamlin, Hobbs, Hurst, Hursthouse, C. J. Johnston, W. Johnston, Kelly, Levin, Capt. McKenzie, McMillan, Mitchelson, Munro, O'Callaghan, "Peacock, Pearson, Pilliet, Fostelthwaite.Rolleston, Eutherford, Stevens, Sutton, Swanson, H. Thompson, Trimble, Watt, Whitaker. J. B. Whyte, Williams, J. G. Wilson, Wright.

After a few remarks from Sir G- Grey and Mr Montgomery the Bill was ordered to be read that day six months, and the House rose at 1 5.