Parliamentary

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 52, 14 October 1884, Page 2

Parliamentary

[PBB VMTBD FBBBS ABBOCIATIOK.] Wbmjngtob, Oct. IS. nrrnoss. A number of petition* from Otago were presented inferior of the Bible in schools. The Christehureh Freethonght Association presented a petition, protesting against heresy lavrs being enacted by the New Zealand Legislature, seeing there was no State religion in the colony. MINIBTBBUL AUSOVSCBMeXT. The Hon. Mr Stoat said that, in anticipation of the delivery of the Public Workf Statement and passing of the Estimates, the Government had determined upon passing the following as policy bills:— East and West Coast (Middle Island) and Nelson Xailway, District Railways Leasing and Purchas* ing, Government Insurance Association, and West Coast Harbour Bills. Goverament would explain as to the other bill* on the Order Paper at a future day. HIDDUI XSLAXD BAIIWAYS Mr Wakefield resumed the debate on the second reading of the East and West Coast (Middle Island) and Nelson Bail, way Bill. He blamed the Government for withholding the Public Works Statement until after this and another, bill had passed. He also blamed them for throwing away a vast extent of territory to an English company, whose only effort would be to sell the land to the Highest bidder. He asked honorable members to oppose this bill and all other similar measures, and the country troald giro them credit for it. c ; . " Mr Butter supported the second read* ing, Mr Gillies strongly -opposed the measure, Mr Holmes spoke in support of the bill. •, This Day. Mr Bryee contended that if the work was so important it was the duty of the Government to undertake it. He objected to large tracts of land being handed over to a company. The settlement of land was an important function devolving on on the Government* and it/eoald not be carried out if such blocks jM';this were given to private companies. /flfcaoved a* amendment, "That it is not expedient to alienate vast, traets of psjUfc land art mineral property of anknMm«alueio\i private company, as a premium for engaging in railway speculation ia~ New Zealand, as railway worksjwhen of large colonial consequence, ought to be undertaken and executed by the Government." M * Montgomery ■ u PPortexL the Bill, and Mr Hobbs said he would do so if the measure was altered so as to connect the East and West Coastal of the Worth Island by running a line from Hokianea ,toihe Bay ( of Islands, xt / . G " g^ movißd' the adjournment of the debate, which was negatived. The motion for the second reading was put and earned -Ayes, 89;, noes. 12. Sir J. Vogel said, Preference to the RfPf 0 !?* n»arf«i^^r Wit«pnWthe effect that a better route could be obtained, the Government was .inclined, from informs, tton at hand, to the belief that the route suggested by that gentleman was tho best, and the matter would be considered. The House then adjourned.