Parliamentary.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 804, 11 August 1877, Page 2

Parliamentary.

CFrom Our Speoial Correspondent.] Government' Buildings, Wellington, last night In the House to-day, m reply to Mr Cox, the Hon Mr Onnpod said that notices calling for tenders for, the compleiion of the railway from N^aruawahia to Hamilton and then to Ohaupo were ready, and would go up by next mail. LOCAL OPTION BILL. The House last evening was occupied with the second reading of the Local Option Bill, moved by Mr j Fox m. a speech lasting over an hour. He spoke well. He said the principle of local option was not new, but the large area of districts under the Act of J873 prevented the veto of majority being exercised. He denied that hotel-keepers were entitled to compensation under the new bill. They only held under an annual tenure. Their business value was only derived from manoply. He concluded with a splendecl perovation. Called on the Members m the name of God to suppress the evils of intemperance, He was loudly cheered. Mr Fox had to apologise for the indescretion of Good Templars, who sent circulars to members of the House couched m terms of intimidation. He asked members not to reject the bill because the Good Templars had been carriedaway by enthusiasm. Dr Wallis opposed the bill, characterising it as a plundering bill. The law had given publicans a vested interest. He denied they were a disreputable class, and aid not approve of plulantrophy at the

expense of others. The debate lasted until 12.40 a.m. It is the Hjptjjrse will%oie fi lbr the'v second reading| but the bill be'sure to be^oontfiderably amended m compaitteen ' •: '■'■ ' '=• Q; WAIKATO WORKS. •: la ; to Mr , Murray, Mr Qrmbnd said that a portion of the £26.093 voted last session for construotion of roads m the province of Auckland had been expended on roads leading into the Piako Swamp Company's property. >Mr Murray asked what was the contract price of the- Ngaruawahia Bridge. Mr Qrinond replied £14,963... 15s 4d, of which £2,174 15s 4d was extra work, and including the cost of iron work £19,375. The iron work ordered from. England was not included m contract. NATIVE LAND BILL. In the .House to-day, several petitions were presented against <* the Native Lands Bill. Tbe Premier moved that the first order of the day the second reading of tbe Native Lands Court Bill be postponed until Tuesday, when he would state how Government would deal with it. The Opposition objected,and called on the government to state how thay would regard Balance's amendment. The Premier ttated he d would view the Bill as a social measure and decline to make a party question of it. The postponement was carried. Mr Gr. E. Brown then moved, "That the House adjourn." This was evidently done to give an appearance that the Government had taken until Tuesday to consider their position. The Government resisted, and a debate arose, lasting until half-past five, when the House adjourned.