This Day's Sitting.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5203, 21 September 1885, Page 3

This Day's Sitting.

Welmn&tok, This day. The House met at 11 am. In replying to Mr Richardson as to whether Government will instructtteeh cc Public Auditor to lay an information in cases of misappropriation of funds by Local Bodies —Mr Stout said in the question of local government the ratepayers should look after their own interests, but in special cases the Auditor general would be instructed to take action.—ln reply to Mr Richardson, Mr Stout said that Government would consider the question of appointing a Special Committee for the purpose of considering all bills and matters affecting local government.—Mr Beetham asked whether Government would consider the advisability of appointing a royal commission for the purpose of enquiring into the position of all local bodies, so that the Legislature next session might come to a satisfactory decision; and Mr Stout said the matter would receive careful consideration.—ln reply to Mr Hobbs, JWr Stout said members of the Legislative Council did not receive honorarium when absent from the Council.

Mr Larnach moved that the. amendments made by the conference on the Mines Act Amendment Bill be agreed to. —Mr Seddon asked if the Minister accepted the amendment for the redaction of the miners rights fee.—Mr Lantech would accept, it rather than lose the Sill. •—Mr Seddonlmoved an amendment; he disagreed with the Bill, and a fresh conference should be appointed.—Mr Stout opposed the amendment.—Messrs Fergus, Pyfcfy and Guinness supported it. Sir Julius Vogel hoped the amendment would not be pressed, as it would jeopardise a useful bill.—rThe amendment was lost by 28 to 25.—Mr Scobie McKenzie moved the adjournment of the debate, which was also lost, and the original motion carried by 31 to 21. - Mr Stoat said in consequence of amendments in the Land Bill requiring the bill to be reprinted, the House would not prorogue until 2.30 tomorrow; it was not intended to go oa with any other business to-morrow, as he hoped all the business would be concluded to-night.

Sir Julias Vogel introduced the Custom* Tariff Interpretation Bill, which provides that the market value of cotton and dress prints should not exceed 3d per yird; the bill was read a second time, .committed, and passed. : lir Hobbs moved for a return of the names of all Legislative Councillors from whom deductions were made in honorarium for 1884.—Sir Julius Vogel objected to the r motion, and moTed the previous question. — Major Atkinson agreed with the motion, and said it was rumored, although he did not believe it, that certain Councillors had over-drawn, honorarium, and in fairness to those hon gentlemen the return should be prepared. —Sir J. Vogel said, if possible, he would prepare the return, and withdrew bis amendment; be hoped the names of any members of the Lower House would also be inserted.—Mr Macandrew moved an amendment in that direction, which was agreed to.-^-Mr Fergus moved a further amendment—" And the number of days in which each member attended in each session."—Mr Stout strongly objected to this amendment, and Sir Julius Vogel said if it was carried it would prevent the return being prepared this session ; the return was carried by 42 to 14—After further discussion, Mr. Brown moved an amendment that as far as possible the return be laid on the table to-morrow, and a complete one next session ; .this amendment was carried. _ Sir J. Vogel moved that the amendment made by the Council in the District Bailways. Bill should be agreed to. A new clause bad been inserted providing that no new railways be constructed under the District Railways Construction Act. —Tbe Speaker thought if this bill was a money bill, the insertion of the clause interfered with the privileges of the House, and at the suggestion of Mr Stout the matter was adjourned until 2 o'clock, to which hour the House adjourned.