PARLIAMENTARY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 10234, 25 June 1883, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

(per uwited pkess association.) Wellington June 23. On the House resuming after the usual adjournment, the Tenants' Fixture Bill was read a second time, on the motion of Mr Connolly. — Mr Connolly moved the second reading of the Prisons Bill. It took away from the Tisiting Justices the power of prolonging the original sentences on account of prison offences, and required all serious prison offences to be dealt with in the nearest Kesident Magistrates' Court. In minor offences also, the whole pro ceedings must be in prisoners' presence. It also provided for inspection by visitors of lower grade than justices, ltespectahle working men and women wouid be appointed, with full power of inquiry. — Uolonel Trimble thoucht these visitors would clash with the Visiting Justices. He complained that the new prison regulations were too cast-iron and severe, especially in regard to forbidding prisoners seeing friends, and depriving them of tobacco. - Mr Holmes concurred in both objections, and both he and Mr Fulton gave instances of great hardship in regard to visits from Mends. — Mr Watt also concurred, and thought Visiting Justices should have power to permit such visits. — Considerable discussion took place, in which Messrs Feldwick, Joyce, Dodson, Seddon, Grey, Shaw, Shephard, Swanson, Daniels, Hutchison, and others took part, all objecting to the severity of the punishments provided, and especially i those of flogging, and the dark cell.— In replying, Mr Connolly intimated he would be quite prepared to accept amendment? to modify the punishments, or do away altogether with those specially objected to. The Bill was read a second time, and the House rose at 12.40.