HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2 30.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1409, 14 July 1881, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2 30.

Miscellaneous. Mr Pitt gave notice to move, " That building societies under the piopeity assessment tay should only be taxed on the profits." Mr Bunny presented a petition praying for compensation for injuries sustained by A. D. Jackson, in consequence of the Rimutaka railway accident. One week's leave ot absence was granted to Mr H. Hirst. Replying to questions put, it was stated that Government had no power under the Act to prevent jmenile theatrical performances ; they knew of no reason why such a power should be sought. Government had under consideration a report of committee on petition, recommending that they should insist upon Civil servants m future insuring their lives for an amount equal to one year's pay. The Government intended to make provision for resuming nominated immigration, subject to certain restrictions and conditions. All applications received for forms of claim to vote had been alluded to, and it was a mistake to say that an application from Grey Valley had been neglected. Maps showing the proposed new electoral districts were m course of pieparation, and should be leady shortly. Government was preparing a plan to enable postmasters to issue miners' rights.

New Bills. The following 1 bills were introduced and read a first time:—Toe :— To Ameucl the Law of Evidence (Hutchiuson) ; M.irihiku Native Reserve flrant (Tairoa) ; Roxburgh Racecourse Reserve (Bastings) , a bill for the establishment and management of a Grammar School at Onehunga (Hamlin).

The Railways. Mr Oliver moved that a, committee be appointed to enquire into the management and working of the New Zealand Railways, and to report their opinion or any change which may appear desirable to introduce, the committee to consist of Messrs Ormond, Kelly, Shephard, S.iunders, Bunny. Richardson, Wright Maoandrew, and the mover. Mr Hall suppoited the motion. He stated the Government felt sure th.it valuable infoimation would be elicited which co'jld not be jrot through the ordinary official channel. Mr Macandtew cli.imctoiised the question as too comprehensive a one to be dealt -with ollici.illy in the short time that Avould be at the disposal of the Committee. Mr J. B. Fisher supported the mover, suggesting that it be an inatiuction to the committee to inquire into and icport as to the completion of railway lines and railway works. Mr Richaidson thought the committee would bo ii-ele^s if not d.mgcious. Mr Wood agreed that the committee •would bo able to do no ie.tl good in the time which would be at iM dispos.il. Mr Bastings argued that if the lines weie to be made <i success, they would have to be placed undei the contiol of a board separate altogether from the Cioveninient, and he hoped action would betaken m that direction before the bession closed. The motion was withdrawn.

The Police. Mr Stew.ut mo\ed that a committee be appointed to mqune into and lepoit on the mluction and remo\ab m the police foice of the colony dm mg the last twehe months, with power to call foi pei-sous .md papois, .md repot t within one month ; the committee to consist of Messis Colbeck, Hams, Pitt, Hirst, iSliinnslvi, and the mover. JUr Rulleston opposed the motion. If the House interfered in these matters it would tend to disorganise the whole force. A sum of i'oO,ooo had been saved by these reductions, and he thought the House might well leave the w hole matter in the hands of the Government. Mr Eee\cs, in supporting the motion, charged the Government with favoutistn in making the reductions and promised, if afforded an opportunity to make good lua imputation. jVIr Hall said thnt after the imputation made of favoritism, were the House to agree to this motion it would be equivalent to censure upon the Government. JVIr Stewart said that what he complained of was that the Government by its action had defeated the real purposes of retrenchment. The House divided.— Ayes, 30; noes, 31. The motion was lost.

Adjournment. Mr Hall intimated tint at 8.30 lie should move the adjournment of the House, as he unrtti stood it would be consulting the convenience of mcmbeis. Mr Pyke said he would not support it, as they came to woik, not to attend Governors' balls. The House adjourned at 5.30.