HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2164, 22 May 1886, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, night. Thk House tnot at 2.30. p.m. lleplyini? to questions it wa« stated that a bill would be brought down this session for the purpose of amalgamating city electorates ; th.it the question of land granta to discharged solduns and volunters would bo brought before the Waste Lands Committee, and would be carefully considered by the Government; that a definite statement as to bringing in a bill affecting the railways would probably \>& made in the Public Works Statement. Several bills were introduced. Mr Stout movet' that a Select Committee consisting of twelve members be appointed to consider the question of the attitude that the colony should assume in relation ' to the Pacific Islands and that the resolutions proposed on the Hiibject by Sir G. Grey on the 19th of May be referred to the committee, to contixt of Major Atkinson, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Montgomery; Macandrew, Moss, O'Connor, Rofleston, Beetham, Sir J. Voge], Momi* W, D. Stewart, J, S. McKenzle; and th<wnbver,, n The motion was agreed to. ' . i 5 J Mr Ballwico moved for the appointinent of a Native Affairs Committee, to consist of five member?. Capt. Sutter moved that the chairman of that committee be honorary, without pay. A lengthy discussion ensued on the whole question of payment of chairmen of committees, after which Capt. Suttor said the object he had in view was accomplished by the discussion that had taken place. He now desired to withdraw his amendment. Mr Ballance regretted the debate that had arisen and the remarks respecting chairmen of committees. He thought the Chairman of the Native Affairs Committee was fully entitled to be paid for the large amount of work he had to perform. The motion was ngrced to. Mr Ballance moved for the appointment of a Waste Lands Committee, to consist of 14 members. Capt. Sutter said he had intended to move that the chairmen of all those committees should not secure payment, but he considered now that he had done his duty by calling the attention of the House' to the matter. Mr O'Callaghan said if ho should be ■ re-elected Chairman of the Waste Lands Committee, it was his intention not to take any payment, for.his services. Agreed to. The House adjourned at 5.20 p.m.. until 2.40 on Tuesday afternoon.