GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 360, 7 August 1875, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

{From a correspondent of the Press.)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Friday, August 6. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. XAITANGATU COMPANY. The Kaitangatu Bailway and Coal Company Bill was read a second time, the Government intimating that in committee they would move an addition of several clauses to make it workable, and intended to introduce a general Bill to facilitate the construction of private railways. PETITION. Sir George Grey presented a petition from the Thames complaining that the people there were improperly and unfairly deprived of their rights which Parliament intended to secure to them, for which due provision had been made by voting public money for acquiring and administering the auriferous lands between Cape Colville and Aroha Mountain. QUESTIONS.

(1) Mr Reeves asked whether, in accordance with the provisions of an Act passed last year for the establishment of State forests, the sum of £7500 had been set apart as a special fund for that purpose. (2) Mr Reeves asked whether, in accordance with the views expressed in his Excellency's speech at the close of last session, the Government had taken any steps to promote commercial intercourse with, or to acquire the dominion of Polynesia. (3) Mr Reeves asked whether it was the intention of the Government to utilize the services of Sir J. Vogel during his sojourn at German baths, to obtain services of verderers or other qualified professionals, to instruct the people of this colony in the art of conserving and planting forests. (4) Mi\o'Neill asked whether the Government will lay on the table of the House the report and any correspondence there may be in connection with the Naval Training [School at Kohimarama.

(5) Mr T. Kelly asked whether it was the intention of the Government to complete the Waitara-Wanganui railway by constructing portions of it each year, and at what period it was anticipated the whole length would be completed. In answer to questions Government stated,

(1) The Government had not set apart any sums as provided by the State Forests Bill, which was not yet brought into operation. Sir Julius Vogel had Jjlaken the initiatory steps to procure the necessary rangers. If the House wished the sum voted, they would bring it down on the supplementary estimates.

(2) Government were still desirous of carrying out commercial intercourse with Polynesia. (3) Sir D. McLean felt sure tho member for Selwyn would do Sir J. Voge.l the justice to admit that he never lost sig,ht of the welfare of the colony—[Hear, hear] and on his mission to Germany, where he had lately gone for r«st after his anxious and earnest duties in England, from what was known of him, he would not lose sight of any important duties ent.rnflt»<l to mm. The nouse would share in the views entertained by the Government that during the wellmerited rest he was getting Sir J. Vogel would not fail to attend to his public duties. He had placed on the table papers in reference to the subject, showing what was done in reference to the appointment of persons connected with the conservation of forests. (4) The report would be laid on the table. (.5) Line was a trunk one, which the Government considered must be proceeded with, therefore they intended to ask for appropriations to coustruct such portions as could be completed during the year, and would continue to do so year by year until the line was completed. FIRST READINGS. The following Bills were read a first time ; —To Amend the Otago Land Act, to Amend the Westland Land Act, and the Palmerston Waterworks, VOLUNTEER GRANTS. On the second reading of the Hawke's Bay Volunteer Grants Bill, which is to give fifty men who in the late war behaved with great bravery on the East Coast, forty-acre | sections on the confiscated lands, Mr Shkehan and others opposed the land grants, suggesting money instead. Mr Buckland advocated the claims of the Aucklaud Defence Force to a similar treatment. Mr Taiauoa thouzht the Maoris who fought were entitled to a money reward. Mr MAOANDRKW said if the Government introduced a clause compelling the grantees to reside on the land, he would not object to increasing the grant to 101) acres. If not, it would be better to reward them with a mouey payment. Sir D. McLean said he would only take I the second reading now, and the Government I would consider whether or not it was more advisable lo give a money grant. lit; was ijuile aware i hai giving grants Cor military service was almost a e.ouiph re failure. The Government had no desire to perpetuate this; but had introduced the Dill to meet what they considered an obligation towards men who had done most meritorious service. The debate was adjourned. RILLS READ SECOND TIME. The following were read a second timerAnn Hood Grant, Inspection of Machinery Amendment, Ford and Others Permission. HILLS PASSED. The following Bills were passed :—Pro tection of Animals Amendment, University of Otago Site. MESSAGE. A message from the Governor was received intimating that he had sent no despatch to the Secretary of State re the abolition of the provinces. PERSONAL E.VI'LANATJON. A long debate was raised, ou Sir G. Grey's

personal explanation re Hon C. C. Bowen's letter ~to Mr Juscice Prendergast read yesterday. He complained of want of courtesy on the part of Hon 0. C. Bowen in first asking him what he actually said. Hon C C. Bowen was sorry if he misunderstood the member for Auckland West, but the imnression had been largely shared in by both sides of the House —[hear, hear] —that Sir G. Grey did say as represented. If Sir G. Grey wished, he would be happy to forward to Mr Justice Prender* gast what he (Sir G. Grey) really said. Sir G. Grey asked whether it was right or proper that the Government could put any statement they liked into member's mouths. The Speaker said no parliamentary question was involved. ABOLITION DEBATE. After the Government explanation of the Abolition Bill, Sir G. Grey moves the adjournment of the debate to-Dight till Tuesday. | Press Agency."! On Tuesday next Mr MukrAY will move to ask Ministers if they will during the present session introduce a measure to facilitate the construction of railways by local or private enterprise ; and to move on Thursday next that the change in the mode of taxation from measurement to ad valorem duties having produced a large increase to the revenue, that the Government, when proposing this change, said that the increase of reveuue was neither required nor intended by it. Therefore, unless the increasing necessities of the Government require the increased taxation, this House resolves that the duties now levied upon unrefined sugar and other articles of common necessity should be reduced.