THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 244, 3 October 1872, Page 6

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Electric Telegraph.]

Wellington, Sept. 21. On the iidjourned debate on the Maori Representation Act, last night, Mr Sheehan moved that the representation be inpreased to seven. He made a long speech, praising the conduct of the present members, and eventually agreed to withdraw his amendment. Progress was reported, nothing having been done, as Mr Reynolds was obstructive. The Government Contractors' Arbitration Bill and the Nelion Waste Lands Bill were read a second time.

Mr Gillies announced that the Financial Statement would not be delivered until Friday. Mr Reid said the Public Works Statement would not be delivered until after the Financial Statement. A large number of reports from Committees were read to-day. The Treasurer announced that the Financial Statement was not yet printed, and that he would, therefore, defer it until Friday. ! He had accepted the late Government's Statement with slight alteration. Mr Yogel asked if the Public Works Statement would bo made, and Mr Reid replied not until the Financial statement was made. Considerable dissent was expressed at the delay. Several questions are on the Order Paper, respecting railway works. The Government refused to reply to at present. September 25. The amendments made by the Council on the Drawbacks Bill were agreed to. The Stamp Duties Act Amendment Bill was reported with amendments. The Protection of Animals Bill was passed. The Regulation of Elections B 11 passed the second reading. The Government Contractors Bill . passed. The National Currency and Banking Bill was read a second time, on the understanding that it would be withdrawn. On Mr O'lvorke's resolutions, re the establishment of a University in Auckland, the House divided as follows :— The first resolution — " That it is desirable, in order that the North Island should enjoy the same benefits as regards University education as are at present afforded to the Middle Island by the University of Otago, that the seat of the New Zealand University should be estabished in the Nerth Island " — was carried by 22 to 13. The second—" That, in order to afford facilities for carrying out this object without pecuniary cost to the Colony, this House is of opinion that a respectful address should be presented to his Excellency the Governor, requesting him to recommend the dedication of the Government House and grounds at Auckland, as the seat of the N.Z. University, on the condition that, whenever a Government House shall be required at Auckland, the Province of Auckland shall expend not less than LIO,OOO in erecting a suitable residence in the Government demesne at Auckland "—was withdrawn. The third— " That this House is of opinion that all moneys voted by Parliament for the purposes «>f University education should be divided equally between the University at Dunedin and the proposed University at Auckland"— was carried by 18 to 16. The fourth — "That the functions of the New Zealand University should not be limited to those of an examining body; but should include those of a teaching body also" — was carried on the voices. The fifth, for the conversion of the Albert Barrack Reserve into a University endowment, was also withdrawn. In Committee of Supply, the House passed the votes under the class of Public Domains, Buildings, Public Departments, Legislative Departments, to tie amount of L 17.959 10s. A warm debate ensued on Mr Richardson (Christchurch) reminding the Colonial Treasurer that last year he expressed an opinion that the Estimates could be reduced L 50.000, and mrely he ought to carry out his own proporaL The Treasurer said, although asking for votes, he did lot propose expending them. Mr Yogel sjid Ministers seemed willing ta adopt what tiey condemned in a previous Government, trithout giving the credit where it was due. They had obtained their seats under false pjetences. Mr Fox said that the promises made to catch suppo't were unfulfilled, and gave illustrations. Mr StaffoA said, if t lie «B over nnient were held responiible for the Estimates, they would requve another fortnight to prepare them, and Vould not press the Estimates further. ' Progress fas then reported, the the House adjourned at 2 o'clock a.m. September 26. In the Isjjislative Council yesterday, the North Dinedin Cemetery Bill passed its third readng. The Mining Companies Bill was reported with amendments, and passed. In the Hou3e the Premier, in answer to Mr Vogd, said that it was nob the intention of the Government to proceed with the Fisheries Bill. On the motion of Mr O'Rorke, the House agreed to take up the question of the appropriation of LIOjOOO for the discovery of new goldh'elds. On the motion of Mr Bathgate, the House will go into committee on an early day to consider a grant of money to Mr Smythies. Mr Fitzherbert moved for a committee to investigate certain accounts between the Wellington Province and the General Government ; amongst which were lands gi^ea by the >ative Minister in settlement of the Manawatu difficulties. Mr Yogel opposed, and Mr Stafford supported the appointment of the Committee. Mr Reynolds looked on the motion as the most barefaced proposal ever put before the House. Mr Fox stated the Manawatu case showed the absurdity of the claim, and said the wide-mouthed advocacy of Mr Bunny did more to injure tho Province of Wellington than its worst enemies could do. Messrs Brown (Canterbury), Shepherd, and Wood spoke against the motion. On Taiaroa's motion for LSOO for the Portobello and Otago Heads RoaXl, Mr Stafford said he would not accede to the resolution. Taiaroa stated that unless it was agreed to, a stop would be put to all traffic over the' land. It was one of the unfulfilled promises of the Government. The Maori would give the land free for the road. Messrs M'Lean, Reynolds, M'Glashan, and Bathgate supported : and (Messrs Reid, Rolleston, and others opposed the motion, which was negatived by 34 to 20. Sept. 27. In the House yesterday, in reply to a question, Mr Curtis stated that the opportunity had occurred to reduce the salaries of the Nugget Lightheuae-keepers. The Larceny Bill has been referred to a Committee, to report within a week. - The following Bills were read a first time : — The Distillation Act Amendment,' Auckland University, and provision /or licensing and inspection of quartz crushing machines. The debate on Mr Fitzherbert's motion, for the appointment of a Select Committee to investigate the accounts between the Wellington Province and the Colony, was adjourned. The Otago Waste Lands and Oamaru Dock Trust Bills were read a third time, and passed. Tho resolution for granting levrards for the discovery of new goldfieMs in the North and Middle Islands was passed. The consideration of compensation to Mr Smytbiefwai iuterrupkdbytbcadjoorinjeßt.