PARLIAMENTARY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 979, 15 August 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Last Night's Proceedings. Wellington, August 15. The debate on the Native Lands Court Bill was continued last night, and kept going till nearly one o'clock. Mr Sutton could not support Mr Ballance's amendment as it would not effect its object. Hon. W. Fox spoke at length and strongly, defending the course proposed by the Government. The Bill would individualise the Native title, what was asked for last session, and was a great improvement, ontheActof 187;}. The Chief Judge, however, had too much power. The Bill should throw more responsibility on the Natives themselves. All legislation should be suspended till it was ascertained what the Natives really desired, but they must prevent the Act of 1873 coming into force, or every acre in the North Island would go. Messrs Gisborne, Travers, Thompson, and Rees, strongly condemned the action of the Government for the manner in which the Bill was drawn. In long and warm speeches Mr Morris, Sirß. Douglas and Mr Russell took up the position of the Government, the latter warmly defending Mr Ormond from the attack made by Mr Rces regarding laud transactions. Sir R. Douglas, who urged delay, moved an amendment (o leave out the words ''during this session." Takamoana moved the adjournment of the debate, but the Government insisted that it should be resumed at 7.30 on Thursday, and carried that point by 36 against 26.