GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 638, 5 July 1876, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(From a corespondent of the Press.)

HOUSE OF BEPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 4. The House resumed at 2.30 p.m. PETITIONS. Among the petitions presented was one by the Bishop and clergy of the Episcopal Church in Auckland against the Sunday liquor traffic (by Sir G. Grey), and from the settlers in the Waikato praying that a Grown grant should at once issue for the Waikato Swamp* NEW MINISTEB. Sir J. Vogel announced that Mr G. Mo* Lean had joined the Ministry. EASTERN MAOKI DISTRICT. The Eastern Maori election committee has reported that as no member has been returned for the distriot, a fresh writ should be issued immediately, and an election held without any delay. Sir J. Vogel thereupon moved for an address to the Governor, praying that a writ should immediately issue.

Considerable discussion followed, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Bunny, Macandrew, Lusk, Tole, and others, urging that the proper course would be to invite Kariatana to take his seat. Mr Stout moved an amendment—" That the committee report should be referred back, with the view of the committee enquiring whether any persona were prevented from voting." Sir J. Vogel, in reply, read the opinion of the Solicitor-General, which supported the motion he made, and further that the petition before the House on the subject was informal. The Government were willing to accept the amendment on the understanding that the committee should report whether or not in their opinion, the polling booth being shut would have an important influence on the election. After further debate the motion was withdrawn, and Mr Stout's amendment agreed to as the substantive motion. 'Mr Bowe moved as an amendment, that in the meantime Kariatana should take his seat.

Sir J. Vogel objected to attempting to do by a sidewind that which should be dqna as a distinct proposition.'

On a vote, the amendment was rejected by 43 to 33. »

QUESTIONS.

The following queatioas were put:— 1. Mr Laknach asked whether their attention haa been called to the condition'of the Supreme Court buildings in Punedin, and what steps they intend to take to provide suitable buildings.

2. Mr Stout asked the Native Minister what steps the Government have taken, and what steps (if Rny) they intend to take to capture Winiata, the murderer. The following answers were given ; 1. Government were waiting to see what accommodation would be furnished by the contemplated changes.

2. It was too near the adjournment of the House to allow him to explain as fully as he desired, because there was a great deal of correspondence he should like to read, and he wished to make a clear statement to the House. It would then be found that the Government had taken every possible step. He took that opportunity of stating that a false impression had been created by the allusion having been made in the newspapers that during his interviews with the Maori King this and another murderer were present. To that statement he gave a denial. [Cheers.] Had such persons bean present, tie would have instantly left the place. [Cheers ] These impressions were produced by mischievous people who desired to keep the two race* apart, and were repeated from

time to time until the public mind got hold of them. It was due to himself and the country that he should make this explanation. Hon G. McLean on taking his seat on the Ministerial Bench was cheered. NOTICES, CALIFOBNIAN SERVICE. Several notices re the Californian service were tabled. Sir J. Vogelaskedfor acommitteeconsisting of Messrs Macandrew, Curtis, Carriugton, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Hunter, Reynolds, Stafford, Seymour, Rolleston, Whitaker, and the mover, to consider what alterations, if any, should be made in the Californian contract. Mr Oemond wanted information why the City of San Francisco did not call at Napier, and if it is intended to enforce the penalties. IMPBEST SUPPLY. The Imprest Supply Bill has passed through all its stages. CORONERS BILL. Hon C. C. Bowen is now (8 p.m.) moving the second reading of Coroners Bill, to allow Sir J. Vogel time to complete hio statement. The galleries are not so full as usual, and there does not appear to be such interest as was displayed on previous years. NOTICES OP MOTION. Mr Bees gave notice of a string of motions for to-morrow, among which are: For a return of the number of days the Governor has resided on his private property from 1861 to 1867 ; for a committee to inquire into whether any members of the Legislature have, by being interested in certain agreements or transaction with the Government, thereby infringed Ihe terms of the Disqualification Act; for returns, showing the number of warrants exercised by Crown in its prerogative of mercy from 1861 to 1867, and the number of warrants for death issued during the periods. (Per Press Agency.) The House resumed at 7.30. IMPREST SUPPLY. The Imprest Supply Bill was passed without discussion. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The delivery of the financial statement occupied two hours and a half. Upon the Premier moving in conclusion that resolution be passed that night for increasing the price of the waste lands of the Crown to a sum not exceeding two pounds per acre, Sir G, Grey protested against a resolution so unfair being obtruded upon them bo hastily, and moved an amendment that if purchasers were dissatisfied with their purchase, their money should be refunded with interest. Sir J. Vogel pointed out that the resolution was only introduced with the view to future legislation on the matter, and was merely meant to protect the colony against the operations of land speculators. If the House decided to increase the price oi land that increase should be made at once. A long and animated discussion then ensued, kept up mainly by those opposed to the resolution chiefly, Mr Rees, Mr Stout, and 1). Reid, the Otago members, considering that the resolution would injuriously affect Otago by interrupting the usual land sale, and by stopping their revenue from that source, and putting a stop to public works, and probably ruining the contractors. The Premier denied there was any ground for such gloomy anticipations, Mr Stout moved the adjournment of the debate, but this was negatived on the voices. The Auckland members pointed out that Government knew they were going to bring down the resolution when they legalised the Piako sale to their friends at half crown per acre, and that was not fair. Mr Rees said it was scandalous. Mr Stafford pointed out the necessity for some such resolution, to put a bar to speculators in land. , Mr Stout moved as an amendment—'' That the resolution should apply only to Nelson, Wellington, and Hawkes Bay,-" but lost it by 46 against 18. He then moved that the chairman report progress, but was defeated by 42 against 18. Ultimately the Premier accepted an amendment by Mr Bastings to the effect that the resolution should not apply to lands leased or sold on deferred payments, and was carried on voices, and the house adjourned at 3.15 a.m.