PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3859, 16 July 1891, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES. WEDNESDAY, JULY 15. The Speaker took the chair at 2.80. LAND IN THE WAIKATO, The Premier, in reply to Sir George Grey, said a caveat had been issued to prevent Sir James Fergusson, Bart, taking up a block of land in the Waikato district, which the House had recommended should be reseryed for the Native owners. FRUIT GROWING. In answer to the Hon. Mr Fergus, ithe Minister of Lands said the Government were collecting information on fruit growing. They considered it a very important industry, and in» tended to support it in every possible way. IMMIGRATION. The Minister of Immigration, re* plying to Mr J. W. Kelly,' said the Government would consider the advisableness of placing a small sum on the Estimates for the purpose of nominated immigration, to be confined exclusively to separated families. FEDERATION. The Premier, in reply to Mr R. H, J. Reeves, said he would confer with the delegates to the Federation Conference with a view to bringing the matter before the House. PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE. The Premier, replying to Mr Fisher, said the business of the Government Insurance Department was now transacted by Messrs Atkinson and Kirk, and also by Messrs Campbell and Gray. As to the legal business of the Public Trust office Mr Wilson had not yet retired, although he was under notice. THE EDWARDS CASE. The Minister of Education informed Mr Fisher that he could have the return relating to the cost of the Edwards trial at once if he preferred, but it would be imperfect, as it had not yet been completed. NEW BILLS. Leave was given to introduce 'the following Bills, and they were read a first time:—Mr Wngbt, the Fisheries Conservation Act 1884 Amendment Bill; Hon Mr Ballance, the Consolidated Stock Bill; Hon J. McKenzie, the Selectors' Land Revaluation Continuance and Amendment Bill. education. Mr Earnshaw moved that the Government take into consideration the advisability of providing school books and requisites to soholars at first cost, and the necessity of producing a national school book or booka dealing with agriculture, inin* erals, customs of the people, natural history, configuration, etc, of New Zealand. In making the motion he complained of the expense parents were put to for sohool booka, and said it was a matter that ought to be taken into their very serioua consideration. As to the second part of the motion, be hoped the time was not far distant when a child would, on leaving school, possess a good knowledge of the Colony, its industries, minerals, etc. After some discussion the motion was carried on the voices. The Divorce Amendment Bill was read a second time, as was also the Government Railways Act 1887 Re« peal Bill.