PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2514, 21 August 1888, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. (BY TELEGRAPH. — PRKSB ASSOCIATION - .) MONDAY. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. Sir F. Whitaker said it was with very deep regret lie announced the death of their esteemed fellow-councillor, H.m. Dr. Menzies, who was the oldest member among them, and had always performed his duties with diligence. It was only a few days ago the deceased gentleman sat in his seat apparently in good health, and none of the councillors contemplated then that death would have occurred so soon. He moved tho adjournment of the Council till to-morrow, which was agreed to without further comment. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MONDAY. The House mot at 2.30 p.m. The Premier said he deeply regretted having to inform the House of the death of another member of Parliament. The late Dr. ftlen/.ies was one of the oldest members of the Legislature, and he felt sure the Houso would agree with him when he moved an adjournment till 7.30, out of respect to the memory of the deceased gentleman. Mr Lance seconded the motion, and alluded briefly to loss colony had sustained by death of one who was deservedly esteemed for his many good qualities. Sir J. Hall, Dr. Hodgkinson. and Messrs Cowan, Feldwick, Stewart and Fulton also spoke briefly in terms of regret, and at 2.45 the House adjourned till the evening. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr Hamlin asked if the report of the Mokau-Jones Commission was ready. The Premier said he had not received the report, but as soon as lie did he would inform the House whether it would Wo necessary to bring down any legislation upon the subject this session. Sir H. Atkinson then proceeded to state what business the Government proposed to go on with this sesiion. They intended to drop all but; twelve Bills, five of which had already passed the Counoil, with the exception of the Crown and Native Lands Ratings Act Repeal Bill and Harbours Act 1878 Amendment Bill. He saw no reason why the House should not finish this week. Besides the business on the Order Paper he hoped to get another conference with the Council on the Chinese Bill. In answer to Mr O'Callaghan he said he was afraid they could not intsrfere with the tenants of local bodies. As to local Bills, he would give Thursday morning for their consideration, but some arrangement must be made to keep back those which were likely to be opposed. In answer to Mr Smith ho said there was a chanco of getting the Naval and Military Settlers Bill through the Council.

The Premier then moved the discharge of 13 Bills from the Order Paper, some of which he remarked would be given up with regret. Mr Reeves (Inangahua) thereupon began a long rambling address upon the first of these measures—viz., Foul Brood Among Bees Bill. Mr Marchant attempted to get the Hansard reporters relieved from duty, in view of the nature of the lion, gentleman's speech, but was ruled out of order. After continuing for nearly an hour and a half Mr Reeve 3 sat down. The Bills were discharged from the order paper and the House went into Committee on the Crown and Native Linds Rating Act Repeal Bill. A clause was inserted to make the amount payable under the Act cease upon a sliding scale. An amendment by Mr Guiness being lost by 40 to 30. On the motion of Mr Blake, the subsection providing that not more than £2000 shall be paid to any county in any year was struck out. Progress was reported at this stage to enable some other Bill to be committed. The Local Courts Proceedings Bill and the Rating Acts Amendment Bill were read a second time, after which the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act Repeal Bill was further considered in committee. A considerable discussion took place on a new clause, moved by Mr Ballance, providing that rates derivable from native lands shall be spent only on roads for the benefit of such lands. (Left sitting).