LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4812, 11 June 1884, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, Yesterday.

In reply to questions Mr Oliver said 300 forms of surrender for the Government Insurance had been printed, at Lyttelton Gaol two years ago, but they were not the A.M.P. forms. The printing was ordered by Mr, Thorpe, with whom litigation was now pending, and therefore he would not be more explicit. It had been found impossible to prepare a return showing all expenditure from loans in the different counties.—Mr Wilson gave notice to amend the Bankruptcy Act, so that all bankrupts whose debts were under £20 might be dealt with summarily.—Mr Waterhouse brought >iri a bill to amend the law relating to the Guardianship and Custody of Children; read a first lime. —Sir G. Whitmore moved for all papers connected with the cases of Bopata and Te Eooti, strongly condemning the action taken in reducing Bopata's pension. Mr Oliver defended the Government, and Mr Waterhouse, Colonel Brett, and Capt. Fraser condemned it, and hoped Bopata would be restored to his former position. The motion was carried.—Mr Hart's Criminal Code Bill, and Mr Oliver's Land Transfer Begistration Bill was read a first time. The Petitions Committee was appointed. —^Mr McLean said there were evils connected with the present system of dealing with petitions.—^Mr Wilson opposed the appointment of a Petition Committee which was an unmitigated evil, and considered the presentation of the same petitions over and over again should be discouraged.—Mr Scotland and Mr Oliver defended the present system, and Mr Waterhouse refused to serve on the Com' mittee. .