PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 4153, 19 June 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

In the House of Representatives on Friday night, after the Premier had made an explanation, Mr Rullestoh said he agreed with the Premier that surprises should not be made; but t!i'.- Honße had a right to protest against surpris a on the part or the Ministry, and the publication of tliese Orders in Council was the greatest possible surprise. He had interested himself greatly in the Piako Swamp transaction, and, speaking from a <■ thorough acquaintance with the whole circumstances of the case, he maintained that it was wicked and illegal. . The House had already shown its opinion upon this question by rejecting a Bill intended to legalise this very transaction; and yet what followed? Why, the most astounding and defiant act he had ever seen—the publication of these Orders in Council.

Sir J. Vogel defended the sale as a very good one. It waß as yet uncertain' how it would turn out. It was clear that the sale benefited the Waikato district, for none of its settlers, and they were most interested, had anything to say against the sale. Mr Rees thought that the Premier intended to carry on his system of surprises. He challenged the Premier to produce the advice given on this matter to Ministers by the law officers of the Crown. He made bold to say that no lawyer of the Colony, or in the Empire, would dare to give such an opinion. If the Premier was not prepared to discuss the motion, why did he not prevent the discussion ? The honorable member read, from Journals of the House, the legal opinion of Mr izard to show that Miuisters had not the power to sell the land, and they knew they had not the power to do so. He considered that the talk of Government as to vote of want of confidence was holding the worst species of terrorism over the House. The hon. gentleman commented vehemently upon the corruption and iniquitous practices of the Government, and its rotten finance, saying that the Colony would have been a great deal better off if they never had held the reins of office. No Ministry, not even Walpole's, had so systematically broken their solemn pledge, and carried things with a higher hand. He would not hj tve spoken any more upon the subject but for the attempt of the Premier to have the last word.

• s ir George Urey eaid that the law under which these lands could be sold was very clear. The lands could not be sold before being surveyed, and must be sold by public auction, and one-fourth of the money paid down at the sale as effected. None of these provisions were carried out. As for the argument that the aim of the Government was to increase the population, selling 80,000 acres to one man was not the way to encourage population. The defence of the practically an admission of wrong doing. If he (Sir George) had to live in Auckland under such a system, life would become a burdeu to him. He was prepared to sacrifice all he possessed in the world, even life itself, to put an end to such a system. The Hon. Majer Atkinson pointed out that anyone who had doubts as to the purpose of the hon. gentleman's motion, need have none now. The hon. gentleman quite misled the House a* to the legal aspect of the case. The Government were perfectly justified in considering what regulations were necessary to have the swamp opened. There was no manner of doubt that under the law (New Zealand Settlement Act), the Government had power to make the transaction, and the publication of Orders in Council just before the opening of session showed that they were not afraid to meet the House on the subject. When the Piako Swamp inquiry was before the House Jast session, and when every opportunity was offered for investigation, it was very singular that Sir George Grey could not be got to attend; in fact, he did not want to go. There was no doubt he had stolen a march upon the and placed new members in a curious position. J-ad he been a young member, he (Major Atkinson) believed he would have been influenced in the same wTLy. The House expected the Government to carry out the laws of the Colony, and under the law they had power to deal with the lands. He could only say that if any honorable member believed of the Government one half what was said by members for Auckland City, east and west, he hoped he would lose no opportunity of voting against them. Mr Stout said that when the legal opinion of, Mrf ravers was. asked for, it was negatived by the Government supporters. They, however, brought in the opinion of the Crown Prosecutor, a servant of the Crown. The Government not only sold land in defiance of all law, but against the recommendations of the Government Purveyor, and an inquiry Bhould be held. The mere fact of making the Order in Council was proof positive that the sale was illegal. If not, why have an Order in Council at all? The way things were done seemed to indicate that the best thing to do would be to give Ministers a lease of office for five yens.

>•!!• R M'Lean pad, with regard to the compoeitioa of the Committee, the nuto*

were submitted to the member for Auckland, and. he approved otthem. -Mr Reeves, of Canterbury, who took-a great interest in the matter, was invited to form one of a committee, but he declined.

Sir G. Grey said the reason why himself and Mr Reeves would not serve on the committee was that it was an unfair composition. They knew no justice could be obobtained from it. > The .matter was allowed to drop, and the House adjourned at 9.40 to 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday next.