PARLIAMENTARY

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2329, 24 June 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

(United Press Association.)

LEGISLATIVE OOUNCH.

Mr Scotland presented seven petitions from residents of New Plymouth with respect to the New Plymouth Reserves Bill.

The City of Dunedin Leasing Bill was reported by the Committee as a Local Bill, and was ordered to be committed tomorrow.

The Sharebrokers Act Bill was read a first time.

Mr Hart's motion, having for its effect the appointment of a Select Committee to enquire into the condition of the Colony, the debate on which was interrupted yesterday, was carried on a division, ayes 22, noes 12.

The Harbor Act Amendment Bill, Mining Companies-Bill, and Gold Abolition Bill were read a first time, The Post Office Act Amendment Bill was read a second time.

The second reading of the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill, was, after debate, agreed to,

Mr Buckley moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporations Bill, which was agreed to. The message from the House of Representatives, complaining of the refusal of the Acting Clerk of the Council to give evidence before a Select Committee of the House, was considered, and a motion by Mr Mantill on the matter was referred to the Standing Orders Committee of the Council. The Animals Protection Bill was read a third time, and the Council adjourned till next day. '• ■;

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

; The House met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to, questions it was stated that it was proposed to devote the fines of the Railway employees to* general fund to be formed for the purpose.

Mr Hislop moved tho introduction of the Oamaru Harbor Board Loan Consolidation Bill.

Mr Tole moved the second reading of the Criminal Code Bill. Mr Moss would not object to the Bill at that stage, but he thought it was a wrong thing to impose duties on gaol officials, which must be very distasteful to them., He alluded to the flogging clauses. He denied that this was a mere lawyers question as it affected the liberties ot the people. Mr Joyce said there were'some circumstances in which flogging was necessary, but he thought it should not be inflicted within the gaol;; '• Mr Hislop considered the Bill had not been sufficiently considered There were many seotions which merely stereotyped the present state of things. Ho took exception to the. definition of criminal libel laid down in the Bill. If they had pressed this measure last session as aßked by the Government, a fresh bill would have to be brought down again this year. Sir R. Stout said if the Bill had only been brought on this year he could have understood the'objections jaisei He

asked that if the Houbu desired to amend the 'qrimuial law, they . should pass this Bill. There, was mnoh to be said on both aides &i to flogging and he looked forward to the time when it. would be safe to abolish it altogether. JHe pointed out that Police Supervision would only bo exercised over.hardened criminals, and not on prisoners convicted for a first time,

, Sir G. Grey objected to'the .Bill being passed without serious consideration. It should be referred to it Committee.

Maior Atkinson regretted to-see the Government going on with this Bill, as the Houß&had sufficient workbefore it to be able to properly perform this session. The Bill was of great importance, and he sympathised with the Government in their desire to pass it; but if passed at present it would cause considerable confusion in our Courts. He hoped the Government; would be content with the second reading, and leave the matter till next session.

. Messrs Newman, Bruce, Fulton, and J. W. Thompson also advocated the Bill being postponed this session, Mr Bolleston regretted the Bill had not been introduced earlier this pession, but pointed out that some clauses would have to be dealt;, with, namely, those relative to. the protection: of young girls. He said the country was looking to the House to deal with this largu social question.

Mr Tole' hoped the House would go on with the Bill; He asked what encouragement was it for any member to bring in a •reform ofthiskmd if they were met by such discouraging objections as were now heard. The Bill was the result of twenty years study by the most eminent lawyers in England, and it was an . improvement on the present criminal, lawß, The motion for the second' reading-was carried on the voices. . . • Mr Tole then moved that consideration of the several clauses in. Committee be' dispensed with/ except ouch clauses. as contained material alteration in Colonial law and procedure. . The Bill was agreed to, with some other clauses added. On the motion of Mr Moss the Coal Mines Bill was further considered in Committee till 5.30. Evening Sitting. On resuming, the consideration of Bill was continued, and by 10.15 it was finished, with the exception of clause 52, relating to encroachment on mines. Mr Guineas said he wanted to propose some amendments, but had not" got them ready, and after some. opposition from the Government the clause was postponed. The rest of the bills passed with mere verbal amendments, except in clause 16. One or two clauses were only left when progress was reported. The adjourned debate on the New Hebrides was proposed to be then taken, but some opposition was shown on account of a thin House.

Sir R. Stout said the Agent-General has cabled asking for instructions. The House divided, ayes 39, noes 20. Sir K. Stout then said a request had been received from Sir G. Grey, who was unwell, to postpone the debate, and under the circumstances he would not persist in going; on with it. On the motion going into Committee on the Local Bodies Loans Bill progress was reported, and the House rose at 12.40.