HAMILTON LEGISLATIVE ASSOCIATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1940, 11 December 1884, Page 2

HAMILTON LEGISLATIVE ASSOCIATION.

The ordinary meeting of tho association was held at the Public Hall, on Tuesday evening, . the Speaker's chair being occupied by Mv John Knox, (Chan man of Committees.) There was a good attendance of members, the ladies gallery was well patronised, and a number of visitors were accommodated with seats in other parts of the building. The Premier announced that as the prorogation would take place at the nest sitting, Go\ eminent business would take precedence. The Minister for Public Works moved the suspension of the Standing Orders in order to pass the Constitution Act Amendment through all its stages. The motion was carried, and the minister then moved the first reading of the bill, which aimed at the repeal of tho 14th clause of the Act, providing that May's Parliamentary Practice and the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives should govern the pr iceedings of the association. The first reading was carried, 'and in moving the second reading, the Minister for Public Woiks stated that it was customary for all deliberative bodies to make their own standing orders, and to submit to no outside authority in thi*> legard. After a smart debate the second te.iding was carried, and the bill went through committee and was passed. On the motion of the Premier the new Standing Orders, as prepared by a committee composed of members of both sides of the House were adopted, and member* were informed th'it they could obtain copies on payment of a charge of sixpence. The Minister for Public Works moved the second reading of the Decimal Weights, Measures, and Coinage Bill, in a long and intetesting speech, in which he reviewed the history of the English system, and contrasted it with that now obtaining in the Continent. On resuming his seat the hon. gentleman was loudly applauded. The Leader of the Opposition, and the member for Hakarimata strongly opposed the bill, and the member for Kinkiriroa spoke in support, and after some shaip passages at arms, and numerous propositions for adjournment, tho second reading was carried by a substantial majority. On the motion of the Premier, the House adjourned until Tuesday next, the Kith iii^t., when the prorogation will take place. ________ _____——■