GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1005, 14 September 1877, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

* [By Telegraph.] [PER PRESS AGENCY,] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, September 13. The House met at 2.30. THE “WAKA MAORI” CASK. In reply to Mr Rees, Major Atkinson said the plea of justification in the “ Waka Maori ” case was filed on the advice of counsel for the defence and the Crown law officers, who thought there was evidence sufficient to maintain it. The House would be asked to vote the costs and damages on the Supplementary Estimates. NEW BILLS INTRODUCED. Settlements Works Advances Bill (Reid), Volunteers and Other Lands Bill (Reid), Dunedin Gaol Contraction Bill (Reid), Otago Harbor Board and Dunedin Corporation Bill (Larnach). SUGAR BEET CULTIVATION. In Committee, a discussion took place on Mr Sharp’s motion, approving of the recommendations of the Sugar Beet Cultivation Committee, that the duty on imported sugar should be altered for ten years, and no excise duty be imposed. Mr Staeeoed asked how could the House possibly give a pledge to bind its successors for ten years P Mr Kelly in’ged it could be done by Bill. Mr Macandkew approved of offering a bonus for beet sugar. After two hours’ discussion progress was reported, and leave was obtained to sit again. Dr. Wallis was added to the Native Affairs committee. HAWKE’S BAY LAND PURCHASE. Mr Ormond, as • a matter of personal explanation, desired to say that he was under a misapprehension when he made his speech on Mr Rees’s motion as to Sir G. Grey’s haying been partner in the Taupo land company. He found Sir George Grey was not a partner when the letters were written about groundbait, &c., consequently his remarks were so far unfounded, and he desired to withdraw them. He had misunderstood what Mr Cox had told him. He had a telegram from Mr Cox on the subject. Mr Burns’s railway rolling stock motion, with Mr Sheehan’s addition, was agreed to without further discussion. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, September 13. A Select Committee was moved for, to inquire whether the Hon. Mr Peacock’s seat in the council is vacant. A committee was called for, to inquire into the non-payment of arrears of rent on the Wakatipu runs.