GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 414, 9 October 1875, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. (From a correspondent of the Press.) [My Electric Telegraph.] Thursday, October 7. The Council sat in the evening. PIAKO LAND BILL. Considerable discussion arose with regard to the Pinko Land Exchange Bill. The majority of the Council appeared to be antagonistic to the system of exchanging lands. A motion was carried ultimately that progress be reported, and leave obtained to sit again. RAILWAY COMPANY'S BILL. The Railway Companies Bill was reported with amendments, and read a third time. NEGLECTED CHILDREN'S ACT. Neglected and Criminal Children Act Amendment Bill was disposed of in a similar manner. ABOLITION BILL. The Council then went into committee on the Abolition Bill. Sir John Richardson delivered an effective speech in reply to Dr Pollen, and especially with regard to that gentleman's remarks touching Sir G. Grey. He gave a history of the past administration of the colony, and spoke in high terms of the conduct of Sir G. Grey while acting as Governor and since, lie was quite content to leave it to the verdict of posterity, which he felt confident would be that as Sir G. Grey commenced so did he continue and end. With regard to the expressions of opinion favorable to the Abolition Bill, of which so much had been said, he must affirm that he had heard nothing of such unanimous approval of Abolition. .He had heard no such utterance from a single individual, simply because people could not see what was to be substituted for institutions which it was proposed to abolish. He should on a future occasion move for the introduction of a clause or part of a clause to this effect—" That there shall be two provinces created, which shall be called the provinces of Munster and Ulster, and which shall be separated by Cook Straits." Nature, he thought, had appointed that such a system of Government should exist in this colony by its insular description. He felt sure, moreover, when that was fairly put before the colony during the election which was shortly to come, that there would be but one response. If they were to do away with the local form of Government, which they had learned to love, though estranged from it tor the moment, the voices of the people would be unanimously in favour of insular separation, and a federal form of Government. (Applause.) The several clauses of the Bill were then passed without comment. The chairman was instructed to report the Bill without amendments, which he did on the Speaker resuming the chair, and the third reading made an order of the day for next day. (Press Telegraph Agency.) Friday, October 8. The House sat at the usual hour. PIAKO LAND BILL. Hon Colonel Kenny gave notice that he would move that the Government withdraw the Piako Land Exchange Bill, and use their best efforts to facilitate the survey of the land awarded to Mr Whitaker. LEAVE OP ABSENCE. Hon Mr Taylor obtained leave of absence for the remainder of the session in consequence of the report of the Disqualification committee. NOTICE. Hon Mr Waterhouse gave notice that he would move an amendment in the Licensing Bill, one clause being to impose a fine not exceeding £lO on publicans who sell liquor to men already intoxicated. THIRD READINGS. The following Bills were read a third time —Bills of Sale Bill, Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Amendment Bill, New Zealand Presbyterian Church Act Amendment Bill, Westpor 1 Municipal Reserves Bill, Abolition of Province {Bill. Tho following Bills were ordered to be read a third time on Tuesday next:—Municipal Corporation Act Amendment Bill ; Oamaru Town Hall and Gasworks Site and Recreation Reserves Bill; Evidence Further Amendment; Licensing Act Amendment Bill. The Council adjourned at 4 p. m, to meet again on Tuesday next. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (Prom a correspondent of the Press.) Thursday, October 7. The House resumed at 7.30. GOLDPIELDS BILLS. The amendments of the Legislative Council on the Goldfields Bill (No 1) were considered. The effect of these amendments is to make compensation payable for streams polluted by the operations of miners chargeable against goldfields revenue instead of against the land revenue. On the motion of the Treasurer, the amendments were not concurred in, and the Bill was shelved. Goldfields Bill (No 3), which gives effect to the amendments of the Council, was then introduced and read a second time. EMPLOYMENT OP FEMALES ACT. On the proposal to go into committee on the Employment of Females Act Amendment Bill, Mr BRADSHAW'S motion that the Bill should be read that day six months was negatived by 25 against 24. Sir Cracropt Wilson moved that the Act should not apply to places of retail business, where goods were exposed for sale. Mr Webb and Mr Bradshaw strongly opposed this proviso, which they said meant a virtual repeal of the Act. The addition was carried on the voices. In place of the word " Female," Mr Pearce had " Saleswomen" inserted, the effect being to exempt saleswomen from the operation of the Act. A clause was also added, exempting from the operation of the Act all girls employed in printing offices up to 4.30 p.m. on Saturdays. Mr Bradshaw next moved the new clauses of which he had given notice, the effect of which was to define the hours and times at which women and children should be employed. These were negatived on the voices. On the following new clauses, also proposed by the member for Waikaia, viz—- " That it shall be the duty of all constables and police officers and inspectors, under this Act, throughout the colony, to see that the provisions of the said Act are properly

carried out, and to report to the Resident Magistrate of their district all cases of a breach or infraction of the provisions of the said Act." The committee divided— Ayes 22 Noes 24 The Chairman of Committees having reported, that the amendments were not material, Mr Rolleston and others objected strongly to the motion to consider the Committee's report forthwith. On that motion being carried, Mr Rolleston characterised the Bill as "a wretched piece of petty localism," and divided the House on the third reading, which passed, the division being— Ayes 2!> Noes 16 PAYMENT TO ROBERTSON. After a short debate the House, by 23 against 10, refused to give effect to the recommendation of the Waste Lands Committee, that £l6O should be paid to one Peter Robertson. OTAGO WASTE LANDS ACT. In moving that the House should not agree with the amendments made by the Council in the Otago Waste Lands Act, Mr Reid urged that it would be impossible to classify the land before survey, for which one of the amendments by the Council provided. He also protested against the proposed increase of the price for deferred payments sections, from to 40s per acre, as tending to prevent bona tide settlement. Mr Shepherd moved tlv.t the amendments should be agreed to, which was lost on a division by 45 to 9. CORONERS' ACT. On the second reading of the Coroners' Act, 1867, Amendment Rill, The Minister of Justice said the Government were quite alive to the necessity for some legislation on the matter of coroners' law in the colony. He was prepared to undertake on the part of the Government to carefully inquire into the matter with the view of legislating upon the subject next session. Mr Luckie expressed a hope that Government would see its way clear shortly to appoint a public prosecutor, which would be the first step towards sweeping away the cumbrous Grand Jury system. After further discussion, the second reading was agreed to, upon the understanding that the Bill would not be pressed beyond the second reading this session. MAORI REPRESENTATION. On the second reading of the Maori Representation Act Amendment and Continuance Bill, which was moved by Mr Tairoa, and proposes to increase the number of Maori membcis to seven, Sir D. M'Lean said that, speaking for himself, and not as a member of the Government, he thought the House might fairly and safely give an additional member for the Waikato, which was not represented at present. Mr Tairoa said if the Bill were allowed to go into committee he should be content with an additional member for the Waikato, though he thought the 45,000 Maories iu the colony were entitled to more than five members. Mr Rolleston thought it would be better if the Bill were not pressed, for it was now time that the Maoris should lose their special representation, and be represented in the same manner as Europeans. Mr Takamona said the Maoris wanted one thing or another. Either equal power in the House, or else a House of their own. It was in the interest of peace and order that they desired this. Mr Andrew opposed the Bill. Hon Mr Katene and Mr Parata supported the Bill, and considered there should be increased Maori representation, so that the Maoris might feel they were able to do something, and to instruct the House in Maori matters, of which the European members knew nothing. If this were dote many land disputes might be satisfactorily settled. Mr SwANSON thought it would take well if Government would take steps to increase the number of Maori members, for if a few of the prominent men in the Waikato were in the Assembly, a large number of the armed constabulary could be done away with, and much expense saved. The Government should call to the Council two prominent Waikato chiefs. On a division the Bill was thrown out by 20 to 17. amendments by the council. The amendments made by the Council in the Auckland City Endowments and lieserves Bill, and Christchurch Drainage Bill, were agreed to. BILL PASSED. The Riddle Grant Bill was passed. SECOND READINGS. The Napier Harbour Bill was read a second time. Sir G. Grey moved the second reading of the Gold Mining Districts Act, 1873, Amendments Bill. The second reading was agreed to. The Tauranga Reserves Bill was read a second time. BILL PASSED. The Municipal Corporations Loan Bill was passed through all its stages shortly after one o'clock. ADJOURNMENT. The Government wished to go on with the Otago Harbour Board Bill, which Mr MACANDREW strongly opposed. After several divisions the adjournment of the House was carried. (Press Telegraph Agency.') B'RIDAY, OCT. 8. The Speaker took the chair at 2,30. NOTICE. Mr O'Neil gave notice to ask whether the Commodore's house at Auckland was of use to the Government, and if it is, why it is allowed to fall into disrepair. RIFLE MATCH. In reply to Mr O'Neil, the Native Minister paid Government had under consideration the questiou of sending representatives to compete at the great rifle international match at Philadelphia, but the expense would be so great that they did not feel justified in incurring it. The amount would probably exceed a thousand pounds. NATIVE LANDS. Mr Thomson gave notice to ask leave to introduce a Bill providing that any one purchasing lands from the natives should pay in addition a certain amount per acre to the State. COLLIERY RESERVE. On the motion of Mr O'Conor without notice, a Select Committee was appointed with the view of enquiring into and reporting upon the colliery reserve at Westport to report in a fortnight. FIRST READINGS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—Bill to amend the Dis-

qualification Act, Equitable Interests Com pensation Bill, Tanakie Native Grants Bill. ADJOURNED DEBATE ON THK SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

Mr MURRAY withdrew his amendment in favor of one by Mr Stafford, who moved an amendment to the effect that the contract should be modified, subject to such modifications of the contract as might be agreed on between the Government of New Zealand and New South Wales and the contractors, whereby the annual charge imposed on New Zealand should not exceed £40.000. This would leave the Government comparatively free to arrange as to details, wiMiin tbfilimit nf £40,000. He utterly failed to see why the line sh ulu be made a commercial one. The colony was not in a position to disregard the saving of £SOOO a year. He much regretted the Premier should have taken it upon himself to instruct the agent, of the Government in the negotiation to go beyoud the amount sanctioned by the House, and he thought the House ought to mark its disapproval of such conduct by accepting the amendment. By his amendment the Government would be at perfect liberty to effect or not any modifications in respect to the coastal part of the service.

Mr Macandrew said he wished to move a provision, to the effect that the terms of the contract should be so modified as to comply with the whole of the provisions sanctioned by the House last session, namely, the coastal service and six years' coutract, at a maximum cost of forty thousand. He said the original intention of the House was not so much to obtain postal communication as to foster trade between the two countiies. If the contract could have been let drop honorably, he would have no objection to letting the contract drop and making other arrangements. A line of steamers by way of the Straits of Magellan was, he believed, the best line for New Zealand. As to the objection raised against the coastil part of the San Francisco mail contract, namely, that the steamers were too big, and could not pay, he could inform the House that Mr Webb's boats paid better between Auckland and Port Chalmers than between Auckland and Sydney, One of the boats left Port Chalmers with £6OOO worth of freight, besides passengers. A good trade wa9 being opened up when the service broke down.

Hon C. C. Bowen said what the House had really to decide was, whether the fact that the amount sanctioned by the House for the service having been exceeded by the small sum of £SOOO, justified them in not ratifying the present contract, which in many respects was most satisfactory. There had been great difficulty in arranging the contract with New South Wales, who declined to bear any share of the coastal service of this colony. Government had no objection to accept instructions from the House that a modification of the contract should be arranged as soon as possible. Mr Fitzherbert said that in two respects the instructions of the House had been flagrantly violated, namely, as regarded the cost and deviation of the service ; and he protested against the colony in its present financial position incurring the expense of an additional £SOOO. He objected too, to the colony being tied down upon such an important matter for any but the briefest period, because no one could tell what would be developed in the way of cheap, rapid, and safe steam communication. He would ask the House not to go, in common honesty, beyond £40,000 and a six-years' contract, as on financial principles he was opposed to postal subsidies in any shape or form. Mr Murray objected to the working classes being taxed for postal services which were subsidised to carry the wool of the pastoral tenants of the colony, who had already a great advantage over the rest of the community, in the low rental paid for their lands. Mr Rolleston would vote for the amendment of the member for Timaru, and considered that the House whs bound to recoxd its opinion regarding the direct violation of the instructions of Parliament. Mr Andrew also supported the amendment. Mr Reid defended the pi" 1 icy of subsidising the coastal service. They subsidised a service round the Middle Island; one to Fiji, and subsidised coaches in the North Island, and if they subsidise one why not another. The commercial features of the service were of infinitely greater importance than the postal part of it. He was in favor of the amendment of the member for Port Chalmers. Mr McGLASHAN looked upon a breach of the present contract as undoubted repudiation. Sir Donald M'Lean said, considering the importance of the question involved, and the different amendments proposed, the Government desired an opportunity of considering the whole questiou. While fully alive to the necessity foreconomy, they also wished to avoid any breach of faith in regard to the New South Wales Government: The debate was adjourned. IMMIGRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS ACT. Hon E. Richardson moved the second reading of the Immigration and Public Works Amendment Act, and explained its provisions, which provided for various matters in connection with railways and tramways, such as deviation, taking of land for railways, paying and fixing compensation, trespasses, keeping accounts, penalties for injuries to roads, &c. Mr Reid regretted the too great tendency of the Bill to give Government power to lay hold of private property. He strongly objected to clause 7, providing for compensation. The hon gentleman spoke very strongly against the arbitrary way in which private land was taken for public purposes. He objected to the repeal of section 12 of the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1871. The other provisions of the Bill he thought might be required, but he hoped private property would not be allowed to be taken without proper compensation was allowed. Mr O'Conor protested against clause 23, which provided for the repeal of section 7 of the Railway Act, 1874, relating to the colliery reserve crown land, as a monstrous injustice to the settlers upon that reserve. He denied that it was possible to remove those people. Mr Murray agreed with the remarks of the member for Taieri. Mr J. Shephard deprecated any interference with the rights of property as calculated to deter people from settlement. Hon E. Richardson pointed out that the 7th clause had been rendered necessary by the extortionate claims for compensation, from which Government suffered severely. Clause 8 was introduced because Government found that iu several cases they hadto go beyond the limits of deviation. With regard to the Kawakawa railway, he might say that the company were responsible for

the interest and sinking fund. The Royalty they paid pretty nearly covered the i • erest on the cost. The Bill was read a second time, and the House rose at 5 30. {From, a correspondent of the, Press ) On Thursday the Hon Mr Mautell m tves in the Council—" That there be laid upon the table copies of any proceedings at any inquest held upon the body found ijtid'T sus picious circumstances in a cave known asMoa Bone Point Caveat Sumner. Cant* rbiity. whose skeleton is reported to be iu the Christchurch Museum, and iu the event of no such inquest having been held, that tin Government lay upon tl»e table a statement of the reasons why no inquest was held, or assure the Council that instructions will be forthwith issued to the proper authorities to make such inquiry as may, if possible, lead to the identification of the individual whose body was so found, and set at rest any doubts as to the manner in which he came by his death." In the Public Works Appropriation Bill, the following items occur under the head telegraphic extension : Christchurch to Bluff, completion of fourth wire, £IOOO ; Oxford line from Rangiora, £9OO. Central penal establishment, £IO,OOO. Offices for public departments, Christchurch, £4s('o; Lytrelton, £940; Court House, Timaru, £2400. The Post to-night asserts that Mr J. E. Brown has taken down his pair, as he no longer wishes to vote with the Government. Mr Pyke moves for a fourth member for Dunedin.