YESTERDAY AFTERNOON'S SITTING. Wellington, Last Night.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1260, 27 July 1880, Page 3

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON'S SITTING. Wellington, Last Night.

CROWN LANDS RESERVE. The House met at 2.30. Mr Barron gave notice that he would ask whether the Government intended to reserve Crown lands in accordance with sections 360 and 351 of Municipal, Corporation. Act, 1876, for more adequate endowments of Boroughs unfairly treated in that respect.

TAX ON BEER. Mr Reeves presented a petition from the brewers in Christchurcb against imposition of a tax on beer. Mr Ballance also presented a similar petition from the brewers in Wanganui.

THE END OF THE SESSION Mr Thomson gave notice that Ife would ask the Government as to when it was proponed to bring the session to a close, and what Bill it was proposed to pass before the prorogation.

GOLDFIELD COMMISSION. Mr Seddon {? ave notice of motion as to the desirability of a Commission being appointed to enquire into the administration of goldfields and laws relating thereto. The motion was put and carried.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. Mr' Hall moved that for the remainder of the session Government business take precedence on Wednesdays. The Estimates he expected would be completed on Wednesday, and the Public Works Statement would be brought down early next week. They would get through certain tiers of political and social business, and bring the session to a close about the end of August. Mr Murray hoped they would not be asked to pass the Public Works Estimates until the Public Works Statement came before them. Mr Macandrew moved as an amendment that after the orders of the day on Wednesday, Government business take precedence for the remainder of the session. Mr Hall said this would involve a long and unnecessary debate on the motions set down for that day, viz., that the names of Sir George Grey and Mr Hamlin be expunged from the Native Affairs Committee, and he could not consent to the amendment. Sir George Grey denied that the moti6n would entail loss of time, and hoped an opportunity would be afforded him for relieving himself from the discharge of session duty, which, he could not fulfil with justice to himself. The House divided on the amendment —Ayes, 28 : noes, 37. The original motion was carried.

TREASURY BILLS. The Treasury Bills passed through the Committee were read a third time and passed.

COMMITTEE OP SUPPLY. On the motion for going into Committe of Supply, Mr McDonald moved that a tax of one shilling per bushel be imposed upon maize imported into the colony. The motion was -withdrawn on the recommendation of Mr Atkinson that the matter be remitted to the Committee of Agriculture.

THE PATETERE BLOCK. Sir George Grey referred to the Patetere Block transaction, and, after reviewing it. stated that the proposal was a most illegal act, and that he would move for a committee to enquire into all the facts of the case. Mr Bryce observed that the proposed sale was irregular, and stated he would give every assistance to have the matter enquired into by a Select Committee. Mr Sheehan also defended the 'sale, stating that it was for the good of the Auckland district that the land should be opened up. The Maoris would make the best out of the transaction, as the purchasers would not make more than 5 per cent, upon their monies. The motion for going into Committee was carried.

THE LIBRARIAN'S VOTE. In the Legialative Department, the item Librarian £300 was passed. The House adjourned at 5 30.