HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4544, 28 July 1883, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wellington, Yesterday. i The House met at 2.30. ' | In answer to . questions Ministers I [ promised to consider the possibility ofj establishing a parcel post system by the I direct English steamers.—They . would not do anything towards repealing the Trienniel Parliaments Bill this session.— They would push on the tracks from Marton and Wanganui towards opening up the interior.—They would see to an uniform practice in assessing and collect ing native land duties.—To join the postal union would involve the colony in too heavy a loss.—They would not do anything to facilitate the immigration of fresh Chinamen, but would relieve those in the colony of the restrictions on their movements. The Property Tax Bill (Atkinson), and the Leaseholders' Qualification Bill (Dick) were introduced and read a first time. The Federation and Annexation Bill, the Fugitive Offenders Jurisdiction Bill, and the Muritiku Native Reserve Grant Bill were passed through committee, read a third time and passed. The Bankruptcy Bill was further considered in Committee. Mr Connolly intimated his intention to propose its committal to amend a clause carried by Mr Barron last night. He would agree that costs should be the first claim, wages second, and piecework third. — Several clauses were amended. *T

The Bills of Exchange Bill was further considered in Committee:—Mr DeLautour moved a new*olause providing that no bill or vote shall attach any liability to aboriginal natives unless it appears on its face that it was interpreted to such native land that he fully understood it* purport. I —Mr Sheehan supported this, and thougnt it ought alib to apply to ehesudr gives by inati?es£AMr' Connolly moved to report [progress, to enable him to prepare a clause ito this effect. This was agreed tp. •^ The House went into Committee on the jl^ffiriMtions and Declarations Bill;—Mr Mason moved an amendment to aboHili loathr na Courts-of ITusticea; altogether. This was carried on a division of 44 to 24.

Later.—This day. .',, . Mr Turnbtill strongly objected to the itotal abolition of oaths in judicial proceed* ings, and' moved to report progress; the motion fit lost by 51 to 14; the Bill was amended id accordance with the decision on Mr , Mason's motion, and reported as amended. The House rose at 12.25.