HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 50, 27 August 1896, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, August 27. In answer to Mr Massey as to why Government had refused to allow titles to be registered of Blocks 1 and 2, Maungatatari, the Minister of Lands said the land in question was owned Natives under restrictions preventing alienation, but Sir Jas. Fergusson, ex-Governor and others, bad purchased it, and approaching the Stout- Vogel Ministry to get the restriction removed were met with a refusal. The Atkinson Ministry, however, had removed it, and the owners had been fighting since to get the title registered, a consummation the Government had done its best to prevent. On the motion of adjournment, Mr G. J. Smith dealt with an article in the Wellington Times reflecting on him, and said the articles in that paper were controlled by a committee, of which the Premier and Minister of Lands were members. The Premier denied that, but admitted he was generally consulted about the policy of the paper. Sir Maurice O'Borke made a personal explanation of his action the previous day endeavoring to justify his attitude, but Captain Russell quoted authorities to prove the Speaker was wrong on the previous day. After considerable discussion the dinner adjournment interrupted the debate. At the evening sitting the debat« on the million loan was resumed by Mr C. H. Mills, who admitted the loan policy was not outlined last session, but considered circunistancces justified the new policy Mr Montgomery made a strong speech against the measure and against adopting a borrowing policy without consulting the electors. Mr Geo. Hutchison made an attack on the Government, especially on the Premier for proposing to vote £200,---000 to assist mining, which was to be spent to aid mining speculators and syndicates. Mr Hogg strongly supported the measure. The debate on the second reading of the Public Works and Land Settlement Bill was carried on until 12.45, when it was further adjourned. Those who spoke after the supper adjournment were Captain Russell, Messrs Eraser, and Millar.