what extent and in what way such com pensation should be giren. After some discussion, tho motion was negatived by 36 to 16. In the House this afternoon, Mr Pyke asked what action the Government pro. poße taking for the purpose of giving effect to the expressed will of this House in respect to the construction of the Otago Main Central Railway. Mr Larnaoh replied that the Govern ment would lose no time in giving effect to the wish of the House in this matter (hear, hear). Mr Pyke obtained leave to bring in fhe Strath-Tjiieri and Clyde Railway Bill, which was read a first time. During the remainder of the afternoon, the Public Health Act Amendment Bill and Public Reserves Bill were considered in Committee. Mr Stout'i clause pro hibiting the sale or distribution of intoxi cating drinks on public reserves, including race-courses, was negatived by 34 to 24. Tho Crossed Cheque Bill was dis charged. Prior to the half-past five adjournment, Mr Sheehan intimated that the Govern ment that evening would give hon. mem bers an opportunity of getting on with private business. In the Police Court to-day Mackay was charged with assaulting Mr Hislop. Dr Buller, for defendant, applied for a post ponement until to-morrow, at 11. Mr Stout, for complainant, did not object, and tho case was postponed accordingly, Mackay entering into his own recogni zance to appear. Sir G. Grey has been gazetted Premier, Colonial Secretary, and Customs ; Lar nach, Treasurer, Public Works, and Stamp Duties ; Macnndrew, Crown Lands and Immigration ; Sheehan, Native and Justice ; Fisher, Postmaster-General and Telegraphs.
