HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1099, 12 June 1882, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, June 10. In the House of Representatives on Friday, the questions asked related to matters of no general interest On the motion of Dick, the following Bills were referred to a Select Committee, viz., Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Law Pendant, Criminal Law. and Local Court Bills. The third reading of the West Coast Peace Preservation Bill then came up for debate. * "Tffacandrew spoke vehemently against the third reading of the Bill, and he said if the Bill became law. he considered it would be one of the greatest blots that yet appeared on our statute book. The Bill struck at the fundamental principles of constitutional liberty, and he expressed a hope that at all events our Governor would interfere, and refuse to give his assent to the measure. (Loud cries of "No," and "Hear.") Shepherd followed, and in a brief speech supported the Bill. Hutchison, however, spoke at considerable length, and recorded his protest against the Bill. In replying, Bryce asked to be allowed to remark on Macandrew's speech, with regard to the Governor stepping in and refusing to assent to the measure, and protested against a member of the House, who found himself in the minority, appealing to another branch of the Legislature — the Governor, he forming a portion of the Legislature. He reminded the House that the Imperial Government at a very critical period, had left New Zealand to manage her own Native Affairs, and he quoted from a despatch <o show that at one time Macandrew held a very poor opinion off the Governor. Bracken condemned the Bill for the high handed proceedings it proposed to enact, and he was succeeded by Levistam, who criticised the speech of Macandrew and Seddon, Te Wheoro and Holmes, each of whom opposed the Bill. The question was then put that the Bill be read a third time. On a division, +he Bill was carried by a majority of 35. The Bill then passed. De Latour thought that the question ought to be brought forward this session of making ex post facto legislation impossible. He mentioned that in America the Court was placed above the Legislature in respect to the Bills attained, and pains and penalties — such Bills being ultra vires and invalid. The House then went into Committee on the Indemnity Bill, which was afterwards read a third time without remark. Grey next moved the second reading of the Law Practioners Bill, the object of which he explained was that all that should be required from any person to practice the legal profession was that he should pass an examinaI tion in law. In replying to the objections urged against the measure Sir G. Grey contended that if passed it woul have the effect of raising the profession to the highest standard. He made a most effective speech. Mr Weston demanded a division, but later on thought better of it and withdrew it and the second reading was then agreed to. McDonald's bill to repeal the Gaming Lotteries bill caused a long debate but was finally thrown out. Grey's bill to amend the Constitution was withdrawn pending opinion of the Attorney-General. It is understood that Govetnment will shortly bring in a proposal for payment of Members of Parliament, but what shape this shall take, and amount of salary to be proposed, are not yet definitely determined on. Major Atkinson is much bettor and it is fully expected that he will be able to deliver his financial statement on Tuesday evening next Nothing has yet transpired as to sue- ! cessor of Sir Arthur Gordou in the Grovernship of this jolouy. Rumor has persistently circulated during the past week to the effect that \ Mr E. G. Wright, member for Ashbur- , ton, is to fill the vacant seat in the , Cabinet j i