PARLIAMENTARY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1404, 2 July 1881, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY , HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [ BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wemjxgton, Lash Night. The Hoqise met at 2.p0. j Second Readings. Mr Stevei&ifrfoVed' th*"«econd reading of the Church of England in New Zea.liadtTrußtees Incorporation and St. PinVn PrfesbyterianChurch (Christchurch) Bills. — Carried.

Netf Bill. Sir George Grey gave notice that he would introduce a bill to regulate the admission of parties to the practice of law.

Dr. Pollen's Pension. Mr Stevens brought up the Public Accounts Committee's report on the pension of Dr. Pollen, which was ordered to be considered on Thursday next. The report was as follows : — "That in awarding a pension of £418 15s a-year to Dr. Pollen, and paying that pension from the 30th October, 1876, the Government acted according to the weight of opinion given by the Crown law officers, and even paid £1391 12a 6d less than the Audit Department were willing to pass as legally due to Dr. Pollen. The committee are, however, of opinion that the Crown law officers and Civil servants of the colony have had the most favorable interpretation on doubtful points in this claim for pension, and underrate circumstances which appear to make the claim of doubtful legality. The committee thinkit is open to grave doubt whether Dr. Pollen was entitled to reckon for purposes of his pension the time in which he held a seat in the Executive Council ivithout seat or portfolio. The committee »re also of- opinion the promise made by $ir Julius Vogel that the sum ot £300 to Dr. Pollen as paymaster of im,perial pensions should be included in any for purposes of pension was one which it was beyond the lawful authority of any .Minister to make, and subrersive of due parliamentary authority and control. The committee consider that any case of the above nature, which may in itself be reasonable but is surrounded by legal difficulties, should be submitted to Parliament for decision." Replying to Mr McDonald, Mr Hall eaid Government could consider the propriety of arranging the sitting 1 of the Supremo Court twice a year at Gisborne.

Regulations of Elections Bill. The House then went into Committee on the Regulation of Elections Bill. Clause six was amended so as to read "Provided such change be notified in one or more newspaper circulating in the district at least seven clear days before the day of polling." In clause nine, Dr. Wallis moved that the provision for taking all polls in the one day be struck out. The House divided on the question that the clause remain as printed ; Ayes, 28 ; noes, 22. In clause ten, Mr Wood moved that instead of ten days being allowed between the date of nomination and the poll, the number of days be not more than live and not less than three. The amendment was negatived. In clause eleven, written nominations, Mr >Sauuders moved it bo struck out. The House divided on the question that it stand as printed ; Ayes, 26 ; noes, 2i. The amendment was carripd. The House adjourned at 0.,30.