GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 130, 4 August 1870, Page 5

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Wellington, August 2nd.

Mr M'Lean, in the House .to-day, stated the facts of the attack on the friendlies at Tologa Bay. He said that he apprehended no serious results.

The Payment of Jurors Bill has been passed, with a clause abolishing the exemption of Volunteers.

The Colonial Reciprocity Bill has been read a second time, Mr Yogel declining to say whether it would be assented to or reserved, but stating that the best legal opinion would be taken as to the power of the House to pass such a measure.

The second reading of the Payment of Provinces Bill gave rise to a short discussion, Mr Fitzherbert and others objecting to the Governor in Council determining as to the annual distribution to the B,oad Boards. Mr Stafford advocated the distribution being made strictly in proportion to the rating. Other members opposed tin's, as being likely to prove unfair to new and remote districts. Many opinions were expressed in favour of the road money being left to the Provincial Councils for distribution. The Westland members energetically protested against the capitation system. The Bill was read a second time.

The debate on the Colonial Defence Loan Appropriation Bill is now going on. Mr Stafford strongly supports the Bill, declaring that it would render Separation still more impossible than at present.