LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 695, 9 August 1870, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

"WellijS-gtox, August 5. The debate on the second reading .of the Public Works and Immigration Bill, was resumed by Mr Richmond on Wednesday evening. He made a long speech, criticising various provisions of the bill, which he considered crude, ill-considered, and inconsistent Mr Cracrott Wilson moved that the Bill be read a secod time that day six months. Mr Vogel said he intended passing the Bill through this session, but warned the house again that the Government would not consent to the large alterations some members seemed inclined to desire. The Bill was read a second time by 45 to 7. Yesterday Mr Stevens asked the reasons which induced the Government to commute the sentence on John Smyth, the Christchurch wife murderer. Mr Fox said it appeared the Judge had hurried the verdict of the jury; also, that Judge Gressou had stated it as his belief it was possible the prisoner had not really intended killing his wife. ° Mr Gillies moved that colonial officers receiving salaries, except political officers, should be ineligible for election to the House of Representatives, or appointment to tht? Legislative Council; and that no person should be eligible for any office of emolument for oneyear after ceasing to be a member of Parliament. Mr Vogel ridiculed the idea of securiug morality or independence by statute. Mr Fox supported the first, but moved the omission of the latter part ot the clause. Mr Ludlam and Mr Wilson proposed extending this disqualification to provincial officers. Mr Fitzherbert opposed the motion, which he said would emasculate the House by driving some of the 'best men from public life. The debate was interrupted by dinner. Afterwards, the Pacific Island Trade Bill passed' through all its stages, and the House went into Committee of supply. A considerable portion of tae Estimates were got through.