Wellington, July 7, 7.40 p.m. Mr Macandrew’s “ Hundreds Amendment Bill,” is postponed till after the second reading of Mr Brown’s Repeal Bill. The discussion on Mr McGtiilivray’s motion was resumed last night. Messrs Stafford, Reader Wood, Fitz herbert, Fox, and Collins spoke briefly. The opinion seemed generally to be that the policy of the Imperial Government was not so objectionable as the harsh and sudden manner in which it was applied to the colony. The debate was further adjourned. Mr Haughton to-day moved a reso lution regarding the extension of the franchise. It is the first motion yet before the House, and the opinions in in its favour seem general, Mr Carle ton only opposing. Messrs Armstrong, Gillies, Creighton, and others expres sed opinions in favour ot extending the franchise to women. Mr Fox stated his intention of voting for the first resolution. The debate was adjourned. S' An imprest supply of £50,000 was granted by the House. Mr Vogel proposes to raise it by Treasury Bills, with a currency to the Ist of October. Mr Vogel, in reply to a question, stated that the Government did not intend to bring in any special Act to legalise the mail contract with Mr H. Hall, or to make a permanent appro priation for the service, but would leave the subsidy to be voted annually, and to be discussed on the vote. He claimed great credit for initiating the service, and said if it were not for local jealousies, regarding the port of call, the contract would meet with the unanimous approval of the colony. The Delegates, while in Sydney, had agreed to recommend a subsidy of £IO,OOO to the Torres Straits route, if Sydney and Queensland gave an equal sum to the San Francisco line. He thought it quite within the Post master-General’s power to enter into such contracts as Mr Hall’s, without special authority from the legislature. The Hon. John Hall protested against this idea.
