Mr RICHARDSON said the Go vernment could not see their way to comply with the request Those settlers had already been relieved to the extent of 5 per cent, by the purchase of the line. THE FISHERIES BILL. On the motion for the committal of the Fisheries Conservation Act Amendment Bill, The Hon. Mr LARNACH hoped the House would allow the bill to be committed, as it was a necessary one. If any amendment were re quired he should be glad of any suggestion. Sir G. GREY hoped the House would not acree to its recommittal. He moved that the bill be committed that day week. The amendment was lost by 36 to 32. The House went into committee on the bill. On clause 3 beiug reached, providing that the Governor-in-Counci) may make regulations for licensing seal fisheries,. , ~. Sir G GREY also protested against this clause being passed, and said the bill might very well stand over till next session. The motion for reporting progress was carried on a division by 3C to 32. The Hon. Mr LARNACH said there appeared to be some mistake in the last division. He now moved that the bill be committed again forthwith. Major ATKINSON moved as an amendment that the bill be committed that day fortnight. The House again divided, when Major Atkin son's motion was carried by 37 to 28. SPECIAL POWEIiS AND CONTRACTS HILL. The Hon. Blr BALLANCE moved the second reading of the Special Powers and Contracts Bill, which' was brought in to grant special powers to the Governor to issue Crown grants and enable him to carry out certaii contracts and promises. He said as the bill would have to go to the Waste Lands Committee, he hoped the House would consent to the second reading and allow the debate to be taken on the com mittal. Dr NEWMAN said he understood the Hon. Mr Ballance would have made provision for the claims of old soldiers in this bill. The Hon. Mr BALLANCE said that was his intention, but he now considered tho best plan of dealing with those claims would be by going into the whole subject during the recess. 