GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1447, 5 October 1878, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

* LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, Octobeb 4s. AKAEOA BAILWAY. The report of the committee on the Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth Drainage and Akaroa Bailway Bill was read. The cost of the railway was declared to be £130,000 or more. The committee favored the construction of the Little River section only. Mr Hall favored this section only. Mr Watehuouse opposed. The debate was adjourned, on the motion of Colonel Whitmokb, who desired to consult his colleagues, until Wednesday next. ME ROBINSON'S BINE. Mr Campbell explained t hat Mr Robinson had requested him not to move a resolution to rescind the line. ELECTOEAL BILL. Dr. Pollen, on the second reading of the Electoral Bill, complained that no statistics had been given of the effect of the measure. He quoted figures to show that the effect of the Bill would bo to diminish the number of voters. In 'Victoria, under manhood suffrage, with double the number of population, the number of voters was only double those at present on the New Zealand rolls. The Maori franchise was only an afterthought introduced on the spur of the moment. The Maoris neither asked nor wished for it. They only wanted increased special representation. As the Hon. Ngatata had said, the names of Maoris on the Bay of Islands roll wore forgeries. Colonel Whitmoee denied this. Dr. Pollen was not afraid of manhood suffrage if some protection was given to minorities. The Bill was a complete sham. Mr Wilson thought a man who was fit to act on a jury was fit to give a vote. Maoris and Europeans should have the same laws. Special representation would be considered later. Legislation in the past had been in favor of a minority. Mr Habt opposed the Bill on the grounds of the evil that had arisen from manhood suffrage in other countries. The debate adjourned till Tuesday next, j HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. > Thursday, Octobee 3. LAND TAX BILL. The Peemiee at ten last night was continuing in defence of the Land Tux Bill, and, in referring to the administration of the Canterbury waste lands, said it was the intention of the Government that the voice of the tax-gatherer should not be heard in small homes. When men held land they could not improve, t’enW'S the time for a land tax. Let the Hoi se rom mber the operation of the land system n Canterbury. People were told, “Come here and buy land where you please at £2 an acre, but you must not take less than twenty acres.” But how did they act? They ran a line of twenty acre and nineteen acre blocks in succession, purchasing the twenty acre blocks, and debarring those which were an acre less from sale. This system deliberately devised was in vogue in Canterbury. Had this Government given 90,000 acre blocks of land to their friends at 2s 6d an acre ? No! They had given now life to the country, had retrieved it from many evils under which it had suffered long. It was proposed that if a land tax were collected, it should again be locally distributed, but such action would only tend to cause misappropriation. Never again in New Zealand should such things occur as had happened. Knowledge had been scattered among people, and they had been taught. The scales had fallen from their eyes, and they could see. Never again would they be so blind as to support those who stand for the runholders’business. No Legislature hereafter would dare to take away from the people the good that has been conferred on them in the task ho had set himself to achieve. He knew that he should incur the hatred of many and forfeit the affection of some. It was no matter what was said now about him or his colleagues, their motives or their actions, nor all the charges of trickery that were made, as they felt that they were contented to be judged in the future. Their words and their actions would not die, and when they were dead the echoes they had evoked would resound in proof of their having the good of New Zealand at heart, both for the present and hereafter.

Mr Hollesxon replied with considerable ■warmth, accusing the Premier of telling the people of Canterbury only half the truth, of deceiving people who did not understand the laws. The Government preached about the maladministration of waste lands, but he asked what they had done to place poor people on the lands. They did nothing, though it was their imperative duty to have done so, especially so when there was nothing to prevent it. The Government could at any time, if they thought proper, put up what blocks they chose to public auction, and have the same sold under the deferred payment system, and ho would challenge them to do so. Then they could bring out the hundreds of families from England, and settle them on the land. The hon. gentleman said in conclusion that he had great faith in the common sense of people, and was sure, if they were not so completely led away by the elocution of the Premier, and the respect which attached to him in consequence of the positions he had hold in the colony, he would bo laughed to scorn for the rubbish he talked. Ho did not complain of the Premier going about the colony. He had a perfect right todo so, but ho had no right to go at out the country preaching petty disloyalty to h e chief, after tie had endeavored to got the representative of the Crown to votp the decision of both Houses of tho Legislature,

After some further discussion a division was taken for the third reading, which was carried by 43 against 10. Tho following is the division list: — ayes—l2. Messrs Baigent Messrs Macandrcw Ball: nee Murray Barff M'Minn Barton Kabo Bastings Oliver Br wn, J. C. O’ Korke Bryce Bees Do Lautour Seaton Dignan Sharp Feldwick Sheehan F'sher Stout George Swanson Gisborne Taiar a Sir George Grey Takamoana Messrs Hamlin Tawiti Henry Thomson Hislop Turnbull Hobbs Whitaker Hunter Wood Kdly Woolcock Kenny NOES— I 9. Messrs Bcetlmm Messrs Bichmond Bowen Eolleston Brandon Bowo Brown, J. E. Saunders Fox Stevens Gibbs Teschemaker Johnston Wakefield McLean Was on Montgomery Williams Murray PAIRS. Ayes. Messrs Bunny Messrs Green Moss Shrimski Joyce Carrington Tote Hodgkinson Beeves Wallis Noes. Messrs Sutton | Messrs Murray Aynsley Bussell Richardson Morris Atkinson Hur.-thonse Fitzroy Seymour Driver The Bill was then read a third time and passed. CUSTOMS TARIFF BILL. This Bill was also passed, BEER DUTY BILL. Mr Ballance moved the second reading of the Beer Duty Bill. Mr Johnston moved that it bo read a second time that day six months. After a very brief discussion a division was taken on tho question, that the word, “now” stand part of the question : ayes— 2B. Messrs Ballance Messrs Murray Barton Nahe Brown, J. C. O’Borke Bryce Pyke De Lautour Bees Feldwick Saunders Fisher Sheehan George Stout Sir George Grey Taiaroa Messrs Hamlin Takamoana Hislop Thomson Macandrcw Turnbull Manders Wood McMinn Woolcock Noes—3o. Major Atkinson Messrs MT.ean Messrs Baigent Montgomery Barff Moorhonse Bastings MurrayAynsley Beetbam Ormond Bowen Bolleston Sir B. Douglas Bowe Messrs Fox Sharp Gibbs Stevens Gisborne Tawiti Hunter Teschemaker Hursthouae Wakefield Johnston Wason Kenny Whitaker M’Farlane Williams When the result of the division was announced, Mr Stout rose to move as an amendment that instead of the words “this day six months,” the word “ to-morrow ” bo inserted, as ho believed three members had broken their pairs. A long series of personal explanations followed, Mr Stout having stated, in reply to Major Atkinson, that the members were the members for Kgmont, Motueka, and Lyttelton. Then followed a personal explanation from each of these gentlemen, to show that he had paired for the Land Tax Bill, their statements being confirmed by witnesses. Tne Speaker pointed out that the House could not take cognisance of pairs. Mr J, C. Brown, Government whip, said he had been under a different impression regarding Major Atkinson. Mr Turnbull said he voted with the ayes under a misconception. Mr Stout produced the pair paper, signed by the whips on either side, from which it appeared that the respective sides were ranged under headings, “ For Government,” “ Against Government.” Ho asserted that the Government whips had been badly treated, and moved the adjournment of tho matter till next day. After a few remarks this was agreed to, and the House rose at 1 a.m. Friday, October 4. The House met at 2.30. LICENSING BILL. Mr O’Bobke gave notice to introduce a Bill to equalise the licensing fees for publicans throughout the colony. WAIMATE COURT HOUSE. Mr Teschemaker asked the Minister for Justice when it was intended to proceed with the erection of the Court House at Waimate. Mr Sheehan said £2OOO had been put on the estimates for that purpose, and as soon as they were passed in the ordinary way, the work would be undertaken. telegraph extension. Mr Teschemaker asked whether it is proposed to extend telegraph communication to Pleasant Point and the Amberley terminus. Mr Fisher said the matter was under the consideration of the railway department. The Commissioner of Bailways was expected at Wellington shortly, and if anything was settled then he would let the hon, member know. THE DISPUTED PAIRS. Mr Carrington, in reference to last night’s misunderstanding, explained that there had been a clear understanding that Major Atkinson paired with him on tho Land Tax Bill, and that only. Mr J. C. Brown said he was unaware of any such arrangement us that the pair was for one Bill only. Major Atkinson said he had told the hon. member. The Premier moved —“ That the House at its rising at 5.30 adjourn until Monday.” Agreed to. ABANDONMENT OF MINISTERIAL BILLS. On the first order of tho day, the Beer Duty Bill, being called on, The Premier made a formal statement to the effect that in consequence of what occurred at last sitting, he was satisfied himself, after inquiry, that a feeling prevailed among hon, members who had in the most friendly and considerate manner supported the Government during the session, adverse to two of their Bills, which stood first on the order paper. There was also a feeling in the minds of himself and colleagues that led them to doubt whether it would be practicable to pass those two Bills, in such a form as to render them useful measures. Therefore, the Government had determined to withdraw those two Bills, and proceed with their other measures. The result would certainly be some embarrassment to the Colonial Treasurer, and the Government, in view of this, would make a statement to the House as to the mode in which they proposed to meet that embarrassment.

After some remarks from Mr Murray, Mr Johnston interjected that his motion was before the House, and he distinctly refused to withdraw it. Mr Sheehan assured the lion, gentleman he would achieve no good result by pressing his motion, and those Government supporters who had voted with the Opposition in the last division would now vote against tho member for Manawatu.

Mr Okmond said it was only by tho skin of their teeth tho Government escaped defeat yesterday outlie Land Tax Bill, and after the lust division, he considered the cup of humiliation of the Government was now full. He had been called a false prophet when he told the Government they could not pass their measures, but lie was right. Now, however, as they had achieved their objects in gosling these un just measures withdrawn, ho hoped tho member for Manawatu would withdraw his motion.

Mr Bryce said he was glad he had not spoken when he first rose, as he might have said something he would have been sorry for. The Premier’s statement gave him the uttermost astonishment, and ho did not think the Premier could have taken such a cause. Had they not been assured again and again (?) that Government would stand or fall by those measures ? Mad there been the slightest regard for truth and honor that would have prevented the Government abandoning these measures if nothing else did. Me did not believe the Premier’s statement that these measures had been withdrawn in deference to their parly. What where they to depend upon if they could not depend upon the assurance of Ministers. Had the Premier withdrawn the Bills with a big majority at his back, he would have been surprised, but he was still more surprised now. Mr Barton said ho voted for (ho Government last night against his own convictions, solely because he knew the Opposition were trying to snatch a victory, and ho only voted against his convictions in order to prevent the late Government getting on to the Ministerial benches again. Mr Shhimski regretted the withdrawal of tho Beer Bill. It had been said he would have been burnt in efllgy if he had voted for the Bill; but he would be burnt in elligy fifty times before he could be induced to forego his private opinion. Mr Bees congratulated the Government on withdrawing these Bills, as he had no sympathy whatever with them, and believed they would have caused great dissatisfaction throughout the colony. Me t hanked the Goposition for having compelled the removal of a bad plank in the Government ship, so that it might be repl iced by a good one. Mr Wakefield said the position occupied by the Government was neither dignified nor proper. They had been repeatedly asked by those who did not desire to oppose the measures, and'used every means to induce the Government to withdraw those measures. But their efforts and overtures had been met most defiantly. Messrs Montgomery and Stout called attention to the fact that the hon. member was referring to matters that were private.

Mr Wakefield continued—Had the Treasurer weeks ago withdrawn these measures, they would have occupied a more dignified and unassailable position. But over and over again up till last night the Treasurer said that both these Bills must not be opposed, and that the Joint Slock Companies Bill was the natural balance of the Land Tax Bill. That one was a tax on land and the other one on income. Ho agreed that it would not be right for the Government to go to the country on a Beer Tax Bill, but they would have consulted their own interests better if they had resigned on sustaining tho defeat of last night, in accordance with tho statements of the Treasurer that they would stand or fall by these measures. He was glad, however, that tho Government were about to go on with the business, because he for one had no wish to see things thrown into confusion by the Ministry resigning. Ho hoped Mr Johnston would withdraw his motion.

Mr Delauxoub did not grudge the Opposition their triumph. It was an accident. Their real fight was on tho Land Tax Bill. Referring to the member for Geraldine, he thought the House should adopt the same course pursued iu the House of Commons towards one who referred to private conversations, and not hear him for a long time.

Dr. Hodgkinson and Mr Manders were glad the Bills wore withdrawn. Mr Green here explained that he had paired with him for the Land Tax Bill only. Mr Hislop hoped they would settle the matter quickly, and get on with the other important business on tbc paper. Major Atkinson said the chief fault of the Ministry was their inordinate self-conceit; but that was a quality which their chief had alwavs been noted for. He hoped Ministers would not think of resigning, and putting the colony to inconvenience. If a vote of no confidence in Ministers was brought forward, ho could not support it, although he had not tlie slightest confidence in them. He hoped the member for Mauawatu would withdraw his motion. The hon. gentleman commented on tho extraordinary conduct of the Government supporters in finding fault with the principles and details alike of tho Government measures, and yet voting for them because of tho superexcellence of the Government. But tho Government made a great mistake in not consulting their followers’ wishes before attempting to drive them to vote against their convictions - a direction in which they went too far.

Mr Saunders said Mr Wakefield was justified in tho reference to what had been said was private, because half an hour after tho meeting he was told all that took place by a person who was not there. The matter also found its way into the papers, in which, by the way, it was entirely misrepresented. He deprecated the unconstitutional influence brought to bear against the Government in that House —a power which had far too much influence already. He would advise the Government in future to put on all their measures, “ by permission of the licensed victuallers.”

Mr Kelly expressed regret that the Government withdrew the Bills, and if he knew what was going to be done, he would not have voted for the Land Tax Bill. Mr Bowen advised the Government that as two of their measures had been withdrawn in that House, they should get the Colonial Secretary to withdraw the two measures now in the Legislative Council, then pass the Estimates, and during the recess mature a policy that would not break down.

Mr McLean hoped the member of Manawatu would withdraw his amendment, and allow the Government to conclude business and have an opportunity of determining a new financial policy. Mr Hamlin complained of conduct of tho Opposition in not coming forward boldly and opposing the Government and their policy, instead of professing friendship for the Government and scheming by sidewinds to betray the Government into a false position. Why did they not take issue and boldly confront the Government on the Electoral or Land Tax Bill. Then there would have been something for the country to decide. No, they dared not do so. They feared that the places which knew them would know them no more. He denied|it was tho Opposition which induced the Government to withdraw their measures. It was the representations and wishes of tho Government supporters.

Mr Wason spoke at some length, expressing regret that the Opposition had not taken a stand early in tho session and compelled the Government to go to the country, and so prevented the nefarious Laud Tax Bill from passing. Mr Stout complained of the Opposition talking against time. This caused considerable clamour. Mr Wason and Major Atkinson protested against the imputation. The Speaker pointed out that if 5.30 was reached, and the House adjourned without adjourning the debate, the Bill would be called irregularly. After some discussion, the Speaker moved the ad journment of the debate, which Mr Wason said he was willing to do, and left the responsibility with the House. The debate was adjourned, and the House rose at 5.40 J