GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1092, 25 July 1873, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The proposed alteration in the conistitution of the Upper House, referred to in the Governor's speech, will probably be to make it elective. It will be a modification of the Australian Byst&ppj-jfMm member in the Council to represent a district, including the group of districts returning members to the General Assembly. No special 'qualification is proposed, beyond those Required by members of the Lower House. The term of election to be seven years instead of five, and the adoption of the system to date from the next dissolution. In reply to Mr Williamson, the Premier said, that as several applications were expected on the subject of railways, he would make his statement on the subject simultaneously with the Financial Statement, which he hoped to make in about a fortnight. The Municipal Corporations "Waterworks Bill provides that debentures may be issued redeemable within fifty -years, and may be given in exchange for works purchased by a Municipal Council. Mr Hallenstein, member for Queenstown has sent in his resignation. The Assaults on Constables Bill provides that persons assaulting, obstructing, or inciting others to assault or obstruct police constables, shall be liable to a penalty of ten pounds, or two months' imprisonment, with or without hard labor. Persons offending against the Act may be arrested without a warrant.

In. reply to Mr Johnstone, the Premier said that Mr Webb had refused to pay the penalties for breach of the mail contract; that the bonds for £25,000 were in good order, and that the Government Were advised to bring a suit to enfotce them; The Government, he Baid, had already impounded £IO,OOO due to Mr Webb under the contract. , In a debate regarding the Printing iDommitteei Mr Murray and Mr Thompson attacked the composition of the Committee, insinuating that s>Hnters unduly preponderated and

supported the Government from selfish objects. The Committee was agreed to.. : . ' . .

Mr Gillies moved for a return of the costs arid revenue under the Public Trustees Act. Mr Bathgate replied that the cost was £11)6. Mr Gillies moved for a return of the amount 'of gunpowder authorised by each 'offica'r of the Native Department to be supplied o'r sold to natives. Agreed ,to. Mr O'Cono'r moved for a return of the annual importation of coal, with its value'; alsO ,a return of the field work by each officer of the Geological Lepairtirie'nt 'during the year. Agreed to. Mr 'O'Co'uo'r asked the Minister of Customs, whether the Government intends t6 substitute manhood suffrage for the present qualification. The reply was, better wait until the new Electoral Bill was introduced.

Mr O'Conor asked whether the Government w r ere importing railway carriages constructed of New Zealand timber, at a greater cost than if produced in the colony. Mr Eichardson replied that New Zealand timber was not used. That colonial manufactures will be used when possible.

The Extension of Miners' Franchise, Telegraph Cables Subsidy Agreement, Ratification of Civil Service Act Amendment, Permanent Officers Salary, Animals Importation Prohibition of, and Provincial Councils Powers Bills, were read a first time. The address in reply was ordered to be presented on Tuesday. The Municipal Corporations Waterworks and Assaults on Constables Bills were committed. Mr Murray moved relative to the prevention of the alienation of Native land. He said that large tracts of land were passing into the hands of speculators ; the natives about Napier being divested of their lands. The Native Minister promised to introduce a bill to meet the requirements of the case. Mr Eitzherbert said immediate steps should be taken to prevent large tracts of land from being bought before the the bill was past. Ihe lands were now being sold at fourpence per acre. Agreed to. On the motion of Mr O'Conor, a return of the cost of forming and revising the electoral rolls was agreed to. Mr Fox has given notice of motion asking the intention of the Government regarding the petitions for an amendment of the Licensing laws. Mr Waterhouse has given notice that he will move for the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the best means of reconstructing the Legislative Council.