HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2476, 24 May 1888, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(BY TELEISKAPII—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WEDNESDAY. The' House met at 2.30 p.m. THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY. Sir 11. Atkinson moved that the Houst at its rising adjourn till Friday next, Agreed to. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, it was stated thai the Government wouki seo if the half-yearl.v payments from the settlers in the special settlements might be paid to the local post masters, instead of being remitted to Wei llllgtofl. That the Government could not agree to issue privelege railway tickets to employees whose salaries do not exceed £150 per annum. That no instructions had been issued for the redistribution of boundaries undei Representation Act Amendment Act, 1887, but if necessary instructions wouldj be given. That if necessary steps would be taken to inflict a penalty on persons who, under the designation of "faith-healers," extracted foes from weak-minded and ignorant invalids. That the Government had been compelled to refuse collect telegrams from members, in consequence of the great abuse of the privilege. That it was not considered desirable to make any change in the banking arrangements of the colony at present. _ That instructions would be issued for a charge for wheat on the railways by actual weight. A lengthy discussion took place on the whole question of railway charges for carrying wheat, etc. Mr Ward strongly objected to the Hon. Mr Mitchelsou's statement that !350 lbs Rhould be the limit allowed for wheat on the railways, and several other members took the same view and urged that the farmers of tho country should reccive more consideration in the matter of railway charges. Mr Mitchelson said he should take caro that wheat was charged for by weight before next season, and farmers would be notified of the change. AVAR IN EUROPE In replying to Mr O'Gallaghan, the Hon. Mr Fergus said there was no truth whatever, in the report that war in Europe is imminent; neither the Governor or any member of the Ministry had received any intimation of it. The House rose at 5.30. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. FEMALE EMPLOYMENT. Mr Hutchinson moved the second reading of the Employment of Females and Others Act Amendment Bill, restricting the hours of female employment to not more than 8 hours. Agreed, THISTLE. Mr McKenzie (Clutha) moved tho second reading of the Californian Thistle Eradication Bill. He explained its habitsand manner of growth, which was extremely vigorous and tenacious. The Bill provided various penalties for not effectually cutting down the thistle. He mentioned that in Tasmania and other places the spread of the weed had almost destroyed tho value of the land. It was very prolific, spread rapidly, and cattle would not touch it. Several members took exception to various portions of the Bill, and some considered it would do little good. Messrs Duncan, Anderson and Bruce supported the Bill heartily. Air Stewart said very few people had ever heard of the thistle nuisance, or knew anything of it. The Bill was premature. The second reading was carried on the voices. LIMITATION OF VOTES. Sir G. Grey moved the second reading of the Limitation of Voters Bill. The motion was agreed to. DIVORCE EXTENSION HILL. Mr Samuels moved tho second reading of the Divorce Extension and Amendment Bill. Its principle provisions extended the ground for divorce to adultery by either party, attempt to murder, desertion for seven years continuously, and sentence to penal servitude for seven years. He urged that tho time had now come when the law of divorce demanded a reform. Messrs Allen, Peacock and Izard said they would support the second reading, but reserved the right to oppose certain clauses in committee. Messrs Fitchettand Hodgkinson opposed the Bill urging that there were reasons why the sexes should not be put on a footing of equality. Mr Samuel thought it would be better to give the country a chance of expressing its views on the question before it was passed, as the measure affected woman very materially. Hon, Mr Hislop did not agree that the scanty attendance argued a want of interest. lie suggested that the clause relative to attempted murder should be toned down and some minor amendments introduced. Mr Percival strongly opposed the Bill, as it was a step making marriage a civil contract, determinable at will. Messrs Hutchinson, Taylor and Blake spoke briefly against the Bill. Mr Taiwhanga supported tho Bill because ho was a sufferer under the existing law. Mr Samuel in reply, said there had been no attempt among tho opponents of the Bill at exhaustive criticism. It was far more important than many of the political measures to which so much attention was accorded. Numbers of lives have been made wretched under the present law. He had received close on a thousand ietters, etc., urging him to push it through. The House divided and the motion was carried by 37 to 21. (Left Sitting.)