GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1093, 29 July 1873, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

On a motion for leave of absence for three weeks, Mr Buckland contended that the time was too long. It would virtually disfranchise any constituency. Mr Eeeves suggested some provision relative to members who were also members of Provincial Councils beidg absent attending the Councils. Mr Fitzherbert suggested that the session of Provincial Councils should be restricted to the recess. Mr Fox asked the Government whether in response to petitions, the Government intended to introduce a measure to amend the Licensing Bill. The Premier replied, referring to Mr Fox's exertions in connection with the total abstinence cause, and went on strongly to condemn drunkeness. lie criticised the Permissive Bill, which would jeopardise the property and rights of licensed victuallers. It would not improve houses already licensed, but by jeopardising the value of property, render the character of the houses worse. The Government favored the improvement of the existing licensing laws. It would prefer to prevent adulteration of drink and

sale of absolute poisons, aud render more difficult the obtaining of licenses for new houses. Ihe Government recognised that the present system of granting licenses by Unpaid Justices does not work well. The power of granting licenses should be taken out of the power of Justices. Commissioners should be appointed to watch over and inspect licensed houses and instruct the owners to make necessary improvements ; if such are not made in sufficient time, to have the power to suspend licenses for misconduct, and only grant fresh licenses where really necessary; to inspect houses before granting licenses; to prescribe the conditions upon which bars should be conducted ; to grant encouragment to working men's clubs. They should stringently suppress adulteration and impose heavy penalties. Any deficiency in revenue under the new system to be made up by increasing the cost of licenses.

The Government were not able to give any definite promise upon the subjects raised by Mr Fox, but Would consider the question during the recess.

In reply to Mr Rolleston, Mr M'Lean promised to produce the despatches from the late Governor to the Secretary of State relative to the native meeting at Ngaruawahia, and the change of Ministry ; also the despatch from the Acting. Governor, relative to the Luna's visit to Kawhia.

Mr Richardson promised a return of the amount paid to the owners of private property for land taken for railway purposes.

The Juvenile Offenders Bill, the Bills disqualifying holders of Publican's Licenses as Justices of the Peace, the Marine Surveyors and Native Eeserves Bills, have been read a first time.

The Joint Stock Companies, and the Canterbury Water Supply Bills, have passed the second reading. The Wellington College Bill has been read a first time.

The Prisons Bill has passed the second reading.

Mr Bathgate explained it was a simple Consolidation Bill, except clause ten, which empowers the Governor to appoint a place for a penal establishment.

Mr Stewart asked the Native Minister for information relative to Mr Colenso s Maori Lexicon.

Mr M'Lean said £llBO had been expended on the work, which was not completed. Mr Colenso alleged that illness had prevented completion of the work. Nothing had been paid since 1870. There was a large amount of matter which was now in Mr Colenso's hands.

Mr Vogel has moved the second reading of the Animals Importation Bill. The purport of the Bill is to give effect, to a decision arrived at by the Colonial Conference, that no cattle, sheep, swine, 4c., be imported from Home for two years.

Sir Cracroft Wilson moved an amend, ment —" That the Bill be read that day six months.

On division, the amendment was carried by 28 to 25. All the Westland members voted for the amendment.

Mr Vogel announced to the House that very recently a mail arrangement re the Suez service had been entered into with Mr Bishop, Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood and Co-'s Wellington agent, and that Mr Bishop had received a telegram from Messrs M'Meckan, repudiating the same, and tbat consequently the arrangement had fallen through. The Government, he said, would arrange for the Rangitoto taking the outgoing mail, and in a few days would submit to the House a proposal for a three years branch Suez service.

In the Upper House the Interest Bill has been defeated by a large majority. The Bill proposed to fix a statutory rate of interest, except under contract, to six per cent. The Bank Holiday Bill has been introduced to make the following close holidays : —New Year's Day, twentyfourth May, if week-day; twenty-sixth December, if week-day. Bills of Exchange due on any of these days to be due on the following day. The following bills have been read a first time:—Law of Arrest Amendment ; Leases and Sales of Settled Estates Act Amendment; Notary Bill; Act to constitute Local Councils in Native Districts, and define their Functions and Duties ; Regulation of Elections Bill ; Electoral Bill; Provincial ditto ; Bill for enabling Governors of Wellington College to borrow money for College; Bill to Amend Municipal Corporations Act, 1867. The following bills are passed:— Municipal Corporations Waterworks Amendment Bill ; Assaults on Constables Act.

The Telegraph Cable Bill, introduced by message from the Governor, was read a first time, but thrown out by twenty-eight to twenty-five. The proposed Miner's Franchise Extension Bill entitles every holder of a miner's right or business license to vote for members of the House of Representatives or Provincial Council. The holder may also vote at the election of Superintendent of a province in which such miner's right of business license was issued. The qualifications to commence from passing of the Act. In the Lower House a discussion took place on the second reading of the District Courts Bill, which proposes extended jurisdiction to £3OO, in order to decrease the cost of litigation, and to promote equitable jurisdiction. Mr Luckie supported and Mr Shephard opposed the Bill. The latter said that the Bill would cause delays, and

that there was reason to fear that cheap equitable jurisdiction to the extent of £IOO would gradually disappear. Mr Bathgate having replied, the second reading was carried on the voices. The Goldmining Bill and Canterbury Waste Lands Bill have passed the second reading. Select Committees haVe been appointed to consider the amendment of the Civil Service Act, and the Per* manent Officers Salaries Bill.