HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 191, 31 July 1873, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

TUESDAY, JULY 29. Mr Stafford lias called a meeting of the Opposition members for Wednesday. It i« rumoured that it is hi? intention to intimate his retirement from being the leader of the party. Dissatisfaction is expressed with his proceedings during the past year. No name of a leader for the Opposition has been mentioned. Mr Rolleston is coming to ihe front, but it is believed that, while making Hank attacks, he will not seiiously attempt to oust the Government. Desertion from Mr Stafford's party is extensive. Mr O'Connor gave notice of motion to ask the Government whether they were awai c that certain members of the Legislative Council were receiving salaries, wages, allowances, or held office of emolument or profit, contrary to the provisions of the 19th clause of the Disqualification Act, 1870 ; and, if so, whether the Government will enforce the forfeiture of £100 per day, accoidmg to the 12th clause of the Disqualification Act. Mr Fox moved the second reading of the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited) Bill. Sir Cracroft Wilson presented a petition from Mr Coster, of the Bank of New Zealand, against home bank, but not otherwise oppo«iii<*the Act. The Speaker ruled that tha petition could not be aeceived,. but the object of the petition could be obtained during the pa*«age of the b'll through the House. Mr Bathgate said that the Government would propose amendments in committee, pniticulnrly one providing that a list of shareholders should be deposited. Ii a bank became insolvent involuntary shareholders have considerable difficulty in taking proceedings ogaw«t voluntary shareholder. Mr Fox said, the Bank being constituted under the Joint Stock Companies Act, if it failed it would be wouud up under it. Mr [Shepherd "ussested the publication of names of depositors not claiming interest on the principal within three years. The bill w as rend a second tune. Mr Wil»on gave- notice of motion for the appointment of a committee to re* iw the Proti ct:on of Animals Act. Mr Eollc*ron gave notice ot motion to ask the Government whether they will extend the service between Fiji and Auckland to Southern provinces. Mr Gillirs pave notice of a bill to amend the Justice of the Peace Act, 1866 Al> Bnekland. ga*e notice of a bill to amend the Law Practitioners Act. Tlie Evidence Amendment Bill w abroad a second time. The follow ing Government Bills have been postponed :—: — Provincial Electoral Bill, Native Reserve Bill, Washdyke and Pleasant Point Railway Bill, Telegraph Cables Subsidy Bill, and Provincial Council Powers Bill.

The following Government Bills were discharged :— Leases % and Sales Amendment Bill, Water Bill, Law Arrests Amendment Bill. The second reading of the District Courts Amendment Bill was carried on a division by 35 to 17 Mr Bathgatc said the Government had no intention of making new appo'ntments under the bi'l, but proposed to | empower Judges ol t lie Su'mvhii) Court to sit m the Dist.ii't Courts. Tbe Municipal Corporations Bill wns read a second time The following bills, wre read for the first, Umc : — B 11 to Regulate the Liquor Triillle, Bill to Amend the Highway Boards Empowering Aft, Ib7^, Bill Authorising Mining for Gold and Silver on Pmate Property. The House agreed to the return of travelling allowances to Ministers, and allowances to late Governor during five jears to the end of March, 1873.