GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1689, 19 July 1879, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIYE COUNCIL. Fridat, July 18. In reply to Mr Hall, Colonel Whitmohk said that owing to the amount of oiher business, the Government could not bring down Fencing and Trespass Bills this year. Sir F. D. Bell, at the wish of Mr Richmond, explained re the non-appointment of Mr Richmond as Speaker. He read an extract from a letter from Sir George Grey to Mr Richmond. Sir F. D. Bell made strong comments on the action of the Premier. Colonel Whitiiore cousidered the Premier had doao nothing wrong. Mr Kichmocd wroto asking for the Speakership. Tho rnle in England was to bestow patronngo on political friends.

The Eubject dropped after a short discussion. Mr Robinson r.iiscd a question of privilege. The Wellington papers hnd commented on Coun cillors not paying up :it Bellamy's,

Colonel Brett said no Councillor owed a larthiug. borne mombers of the Lower Housa wera backward in settling. The matter then dropped. Mr Buckley moved the address in wply. The mover said, re Native tronblea, that if Colonel Whitmore had been allowed to carry out a war policy at tho time of the last war it would have Baved jears of trouble. Tho Bills to bo nitro. duced were a continuation of tho great liberal policy. . . Mr Waterhouse mado a vigorous speech, in which he condemned the wholo policy of the Government, especially the Native part, and said lio •considered the whole of the Governor's speech, and all he promised, merely a flag of distress. He praised the settlera, and justified the Waimate Natives for taking the only course open to assert their rights. He Bat down amid loud applause. The debate wa3 then adjourned. The Council adjourned at 5.30. HOTJ3E OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, July 18. The House met at 2.30. PETITIONS, notices, and papers. After prayers a number of petitions wore presented. Mi Barton gave notice of motion regarding tho establishment of a Harbor Board for the Port of Wellington. . ...... Mr Pyke gave notice of motion that it is desirable to amend tho Waato Lands Act, Mr Hamlin gave notice that ho would introduce a Native Reserve Bill. Mr Hursthouse gave notice of a motion "That all libraries receive a Gazette and Parliamentary papers fr«o of cost." Also of a Bill to regulate tho prico of Waste Lands throughout tho colony. Mr Tole gave notice of a Bill re amendment of the Sharebrokera' Act. Mr Barff will aak the Government what amount was paid for the Government Buildings at Hokitika. Mr Goldie will move for papers re immigration and lands, and localities through which the North Island railways will pasa._ Mr Barff brought up the interim report of the Educational Coxmisaion. The Premier gave notice of a Bill entitled the Land Tax Amendment Bill. Mr Macandrew laid on the table returns of Road Board and public works expenditure. The papers were ordered to lie on the table. Mr M»nders gave notice of a question re the opening of blocks under agricultural leases on Otago goldiielda. Captain Morris gave notice of a question re the release of Charles Arney from Mount Eden Gaol. imported timber and flour. Mr Johnston asked the Commissioner of Customs what quantities of timber and flour were imported into tho colony during each of the two last financial years. The Premier laid on tho tablo a return rolatii.g to the same. PROMISES TO TARANAKI NATIVES. Mr Carrinqton a-ked the Government if it DO true that certain reserves of land wero promise to be made and given to Natives withiu the confiscated boundaries of the provincial district of Taranaki, and, if so, when the promise was mado, and under what authority; also, if such promise was mado, why it has not been carried out ? He stated that ho was, in 1841, deputed to go round the coast and found a settlement. . Mr Wakefield rose to a point of order, to know if he would have an opportunity of debating tho question. Mr Carrinqton thought tho last speaker waa rather premature. He wished to say that the Natives of Taranaki were indebted to the settlers for everything. Mr Sheehan said the premises made wero not fulfilled ao far as the Natives were concorned, and papers would bo laid before the_ House to prove the same to tho questioner's satisfaction. PAY TO VOLUNTEERS. Mr Carrinqton asked tho Government what are their intentions in regard to remuneration or pay to be given to Volunteers during tho unsettled state of Native affairs on the West Coast of this Island for their loss of time, unavoidable neglect of their farms, and exponses incurred consequent on attendingto thoEO duties which require their time and services. Mr Sheehan said it was proposed to give employment on public works as compensation for their labors WELLINGTON RECLAIMED LAND. Mr Stevens asked the Minister of Lands what extent of Wellington reclaimed land has oeen sold during the recess, tho price obtained, whether any of the land was sold by auction, and, if so, what rata of commission was paid to the auctioneer, and whether any instalments due in respect of the land sold are in nrrear. Mr Thomson said the land sold was 3 acre 3 1 rood 13 perches, realising JE6172. It was Bold by an auctioneer, who had a commission of one per cent. No instalments were in arrear. HOLDERS OF NEW ZEALAND STOCK. Mr Stevens asked the Colonial Treasurer to what extent, if any, the holders of consolidated stock have, during the past financial year, availed themselves of the provisions of The Consolidated Stock Act, 1877. The Premier said no advantage had been gained by any person and the holders of stock had not availed themselves of the Act during the year. takamoana's hotel bill. Mr Sutton asked the Native Minister out of what vote of tho Houeo it is proposed to pay tho sum of or thereabonts, for hotel accommodation at Napier supplied to the late member, Mr Takamoana, after tho close of last session. Mr Sheehan said the Government were n-.t liable for the amount. hawke's bay natives. Mr Sutton asked U o Native Minister if ho will lay before the House copy of a letter from the chairman of tho Okawa Road Board, in reference to the refusal of certain Natives to allow a road to be made through certain lands over which the Native title had been extinguished, also a copy of the reply thereto. Mr Sheehan said he would lay all the papers on the table. MASTERTON RAILWAY. Mr Beetham asked the Minister for Public Works when the Wellington-Woodvillo Railway will be completed as far as Mastorton. Mr Macandrew Baid the contract expired in March, and every effort would bo made to see it completed by that timo. AUCKLAND IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION. Mr Moss ssked the Government if thoy will lay before the House a return showing tho expenditure of tho Auckland improvement commissioners on streets, roads, and footpaths, on reserves for public parks and other purposes ; also the amount of debt of tho eommission.rs, their revenue and expenditure to the present time with a plan of endowment, showing tho sections leased and unleased. Mr Sheehan Baid thero wa3 no objection to lay on the tablo, all information, Bubjoot to tho consent of the commissioners. MUSEUMS OF THE COLONY. Mr Moss asked tho Government if they will lay before ths House a return showing the expenditnie of public money on each of tho museuuia in the colony and endowments and revenue of the same. Mr She bhan said there was no difficulty in getting information re the endowments out of the public estate. PARCEL POST. Captain Russell asked the PostmasterGeneral if ho will lay beforo the House tho correspondence and information which has obtained oa the subject of aSparcel post. Mr Fisher said ho would havo pleasure in doing so. BILLS INTRODUCED. Leave was given to introduce the following Bills: Mr Thomson—Land Act, 1877, Amendment Act. Mr Gisborne— A Bill to regulate tho control and management of public hospitals and charitable institutions. Mr Gisborne—A Bill to mako better provision for the regulation and inspection of mines. Mr GiSBOiiNE—A Bill to regulato and restrict the immigration of Chiueso, and a Bill to extend tho operationa of laws relative to goldfield3 over- the Kumara Educational Reserve. Mr Curtis—A Bill to amend the Licensing Acts. NATIVE LAND DUTIES. The Native Land Duties Act Amendment Bill was brought on for second reading, but postponed till Tue?d^y. INTRODUCTION OF CONVICTS. Tho Premier moved tho second reading of the Introduction of Convicts Prevention Bill. He said that Noumea and other islands had been occupied for convict settloin<mtH by Franco, and it was only right to deal with French convicts on the same footing as any otber_ European power, for tho protection of tho calonista. That was his reason for introducing the Bill. Mr Whitaker, asked if there wa3 any precedent for the Bill, and was answered "Yes." Captain Russell thoughi the Bill at variance with the proceedings of other colonies and tending to take away tho power of refugees to take shelter. Major Atkinson reserved to himself tho right to mako any alteration necessary in Committee. The Premier said the question was a largo one, and ho would bo glad to make any alteration to promote the measure's efficiency. Tho Bill was read a second time, and its committal ordered in a fortnight. committees appointed. A number of committees wero appointed, and additional names added to other committees. GOLDFIELDS LEASES. On the motion of Mr Gisborne, tho regulations relating to agricultural leases on gold fields were ordered to be referred to tho Goldficlds Committee. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION RETURN. On the motion of Mr McMinn, a return was 4f dered, iliowing : —(1) The number of miles of

railway which havo been opened for traffic during the past financial year ; (2) the number of miles which have been under contract but not oompleted during the same period; (3) the number of miles which havo been contracted for during tho Bamo period, specifying tho localities of each section, and thi cost or approximate cost of the Bamo. . Mr Macandkew said thero was no objection to the return. At this stage the House adjourned. ETENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. ADDRESS IN REPLY. Mr Shanks moved—" That a respectful address be presented to His Excellency, in reply to the speech which His Excellency had been pleased to make to both Houses." Jn moving thi3 resolution, Mr thanks said ho wa3 not fully [acquainted with the usages of tho House when he proposed to bring it forward that evening, and so probably did an i»jnry to the country through putting off a motion of greater importance, which mistake tho Premier had unsuccessfully tried to set right. Ho was glad to find that tho Governor had during the recess been able to visit the loading towns of tho colony, and had been received so loyally wherever he went. Ho was glad to see that the measures to be produced were such as would lead to the good goyernment of the people, and to meet thoso wants most pressing in this direction. As to tho Native troubles on tho West Coast, he was assured on the beat authority that tho Natives had substantial causa of grievance in unfulfilled promises, and a. legacy of disorganisation left by former authorities in such matters. He paid a tribute to the Premier and Mr Sheehan for tho tact and energy displayed in tho management of Native affairs. [Hear, hear.] The revenuo_ of the railways during tho year had shown an increase of over .£60,000. This was cause for gratification, and an assurance that Sir George Grey was right when he brought forward his Loan Bill, which ho (tho speaker) regretted had n3t been disposed of as the Premier wished. He was sure all would join in congratulation to Ministers on tho spirit in which they proposed to mco- the Hou3e. After further reajarks he concluded by proposing the address. Mr Reeves seconded the motion, expressing in strong terms his concurrence in the excellent policy enunciated in the address —a policy which he characterised as tho one for the country. He would not detain tho Houso on that occasion, as ho would have other opportuuities of showing his eloquence. [Cheers I

The diaft address wasthen read as follows : " That a respectful address bo presented to his Fxcellency, to congratulate his Excellency upon his appointment to tho Governorship of New Zealand, to thank his Excellency for the speech ho has been pleased to make to bsth Houses of Parliament, to assure his Excellency that we have heard with pleasure tout he has been mach gratified by tho loyal and cor.iial reception which has been accorded to him in every part of the colony he has yet visited, and that ho has beon impressed by tho ovidently great resources of the country, and by the industry and energy of its p opie. We thank his Excellency for informing us that measures relating to tho Electoral Law and to tho representation of the people, as well as with referonco to dealing with Native reserve lands, will be submitted to us, and that it is under consideration how far the principle of pub'ic auction may be fairly and beneficially applied to such Native lands as now remain unsurveyed, or the titles to which have not yet been investigated by the Court. We beg to express our regret at tho growth of fanaticism amongst the Natives of the West Coast of this island, and our earnest hope that a peaceful solution of tho difficulty which has resulted may be found ; to express the gratification with which we learn that tho behaviour of the Native people generally has been loyal and peaceful, and that the position taken by tho well-known chief Kewi is a guarantee for tho continuance of peace in the Waikato district, although negotiations with sections of the Natives there have had to be suspended; to express our pleasure at learning tVat very great progress has been made in the acquisition of Native lands as public estate, especially in localities through which the proposed trunk lines of railway in tho North Island are likely to pass ; to assure His Excellency that we heard with satisfaction that the revenue for the past year had, under nearly all heads, exceeded jthe amount estimated as receivable, and that it was especially gratifying to us to learn that tho estimated gross revenue from tho railways for tho current year is .£950,000: to express our regret th»t tho falling off in land revenue, past and prospective, should render requisite additional taxation, and to offer the assurance that measures for imposing a tax on income, as well as acy other measures affecting through taxes the revenue of tho colony, Bhall receive our most careful consideration; to convey to his Excellency an expression of our belief that the results of the expenditure on railways are such as to encourage us in extending works of the kind, and to assure him that the proposed Loan Bill shall bo considered with an anxious desire to promote tho permanent welfare of the colony; to thank his Excellen y for informing us that modifications in the county system of local selfgovernment are necessary and desirable, and to givo to his Excellency the assurance that measures calculated to place that system on a better footing, as well a 3 tho various other measures promised, Bhall receive every attention from us as early as possible after thoir introduction, and shall be earnestly discussed; to add that we reciprocate Lis Excelloncy'a desire for union in carrying out tte wishes of our most gracious Sovereign for the welfare and happiness of her Majesty's subjects of both races in New Zealand; and to express tho hope that Divine Providence may bless our endeavours to attain thoso beneficent results. Sir W. Fox rose amidst cheers to propo=« an amendment, and intimated that ho did not wish to detain the Houso by remarks of any length, because he did not consider there waa anything'new in the proposals of tho Government calling for such lengthy remarks. They hid heard all the measures discussed in that House beforo, and really nothing new had been brought forward at all. They hud Electoral and Bribery Bills beforo tho Premier brought thorn down. Thoy hid had all the measure* which tho presont Government sought to flaunt beforo the people as means of their salvation, and release from thoir serfdom, of which thay heard so much during the famous stump tours of tho Premier round the colony. Thoy had only the same funeral-baked moats served up again ad natiseam. The colony was in too critical a position to enter upon the consideration of measures for the amelioration of tbe human race whilst thoy stood upon a precipice, and had a serious Native difficulty staring in their faces.

Mr Joyce roso to a point of order. He wished to know if the address should bo respectful or disrespectful. The Speaker stated that the course sued was proper. Sir W. Fox resumed. He could arraign the Government on various chargeß of incapacity and other serious matters calculated to iujperil the safety and gosd government of the colony. Tbo Housa was strewn with tho broken promises of this administration. They had been incapable as administrators, and had carried out none of the promises made when on the stump. Never was there such a breach of magnificent promises aB had been shown by the prosent Government. They had tho same bill of faro as last year, and would have the same again if tho Government were permitted to remain in power. They had made an utter failure on the Native que : tion, and the same with every question of importance. There waa nothing but error upon error. They had seen a Bill kept back on its passage for tho Governor's assent just a 3 an expert sharper would ke3p back a card in shuffling. Such an act was a fraud, and but for tho oxpertness of His Excellency in detecting this, it would have been accomplished. What had been dono at tho Thames ? They received consent to make a railway from Hamilton to Thames river, which was navigable all the way. But the Ministry had commenced at the wrong end, and they would havo to mako the other end afterwards and all this without plans bein? authorised, or any appropriation mado for the sam'i; and yet in face of this tho Premier takes off his coat and turns tho sod of a line never authorised, all which was unconstitutional. Thea they had tho additional unconstitutional attempt to pass a Loan Bill through tho House on the strength of an emergency which mu3t havebeen known to the Ministry for months past, and which tho Houso should havebeen called together to consider. No; they must hurry together on a short notice, and be compelled to pass, without time to consider, a Bill of such importanej to tho colony, and without any attempt to explain the nocessity for tho samo. He could not conceive that any constitutional Government would conduct business in tho way they had seen. They hadseen a sweeping away of old hands in the Civil Service, and mere boys put in thoir places. Tho service was becoming a by-word in tho colony. In Wangnnui they had a very efficient postmaster and telegraphist, a man of tho highest character and intelligence ; but his post was wanted to reward a political assistant, who was placed over his head, although only an inexperienced youth. This was only a sample of many such instances. Ho knew of ono, Mr Booth, R.M., who had been an able servant, against whom a groundless charge had been preferred, and an enquiry was held lasting a long time, and be was of course acquitted by the Commission of any blame. Ho waß then restored to his position, but was a greatly injured man, after seventeen yearj' faithful services. Then they had the case of Mr Luckie, a gentleman who was quite competent to fill a sinecure office and draw tho salary attached thereto. Ho was appointed to an office with a largo salary and nothing to do, over the heads of other nnd more deserving officers of tho public service, because he was an editor and had influence over a newspaper. If the service was demoralised, so were Ministers themselves. They had heard of a cat and dog life in the happy family of Ministers, carrying out tho

great liberal principles of the Government, that ■would be laughable if it was not so serious. They h»d heard that one Minister 'sent for o messenger and told him to take his colleague by the scruff of the neck and pitch him out. [Laughter.] The hon. member at the head of the Government sent for the Colonial Treasurer to his parlor as the spider did the fly. _ It was early morning, and he was fresh to his work. The Ireasurer wished to remove an official salary, and the Premier told him he made him blueh. He thonght it would bo the first timo for fifty years that man or woman had made him blush. Mr Joyce rose to interrupt, but was called to order by the Speaker. Sir W. Fox resumed—Tho Premier had behaved in an indiscreet manner, and allowed matters to appear in newspapers which should be secret, [sir W. Fox then narrated the incident in the Cabinet between the P<emier and Colonial Treasurer, and eaid it reminded him of Dr. Watts' song about children of one family falling out and fighting ] 'I his was a disgrace t;> any Government. At this time he thought Ministers ate a great deal of humble pie at every sitting, aud the messenger had a hard time of it in this Cabinet. He next referred to the mismanagement of Native affairs. No Ministry ever took the reins of power under such favorable circumstances a 3 the present Ministry. There were no symptoms of dissatisfaction in the minds of the Native race up to that time. Tho King party proper, after their defeat in Waikato, settled quietly down, lived peaceab'y, and did not interfere. The tribes not even lift a little finger against the Europeans, and the policy of th# Government should have been to leave them alone. All who ha i dealings with the Natives knew that it was the worst thing to appear anxious to procure their lands, andyet the Government went towork quite deferentially without tho slightest occasion for it. They began to make political capital out of the Natives at once, and offered them all manner of things, so that Sir G. Grey might be thonght the great saviour of tho race. The Premier went to Hiknrnngi and made a holy show of himself, accompanied by his retinue. And then they were told in the House that peace was assured, although it had never been questioned by others. Then they had the March meeting, with its preliminary meeting at Orakei, and those efforts of which they had heard so much to procure a i invitation, which did not corns, and then the Ministers crawled in on all fours. Then they had the speech which followed, in which Tawhiao said he would have nothing to do with that man Grey. He could not understand how tho hon. member conld have been so deceived by the King and other Maoris, who had told him he liked blood, and was like a rat pit from which there was no escape. The Maoris knew their failings, and showed n prescience not credited to them in their treatment of the Premier. Those men wh* were entitled to the Waimato lands came to him and assured him they did not intend to fight, but wanted their reserves marked off, that they might have lands to reside upon and cultivate. The Government did nothing, although told that was all the Natives wanted. They knew the results. Ministers made no attempt to keep faith with the Maoris at Parihaka. The Native Minister was even told he wag a thief, who had stolen To Whiti's land, and he had to hi at a retreat. They had shown more ignorance in Native affairs and management than any now Commissioner. Thay had caused the settlers as well as the Government to be dragged through the mire and disgraced them in the eyej of Europeans. They could not travel in Native country without leaving tales such an would make them blußh as to tho want of moral courage, and humiliation of Europeans who held such positions of trust and responsibility. [H«ar, heir.] Then there was a panic on tho West Coast and a request for arms, which were not sent, but a reply to the effect that when they were wanted they would be forthcoming. He sent a telegram at the request of the settlers on Wednesday for arms, and got a reply on the following Tuesday regretting the delay which had occurred, and stating that no attention could be paid to such requests, unless they came from the commissioner, who had been sent for to make his report in Wellington. If fche House wished to preserve the dignity and "intezrity of Ministerial benches they should ask his Excellency to rid the Ministerial benches of those who now occupied them. [Cheers.] And in order to secure this he had the pleasure to move tho resolution placed in his hand to the effect that the Government does not possess the confidence of this House. [Loud cheering] Tho Premier regretted to say that the utterances of the leader of the Opposition were contrary to fact. He looked round and saw those whom he had offended, because ho had not allowed them to retain some four millionsof ill-gotten funds. There wefe those around him who wore defeated in their efforts to obtain grants of land by unjust means if tbey could, and sought to annoy him because they were defeated and chagrined in their efforts. He would first notice some of the accusations made, which wero in revenge for his action in the interest of the whole colony; In the matter of the Thames railway, he maintained that the law had been carried out, because when the question was before the House he asked if it was intended to run to Grabamatown. and was answered in the affirmative. So that all the House knew, as well as he did, that Grahametawn was meant, and not the head of navigation only, as alleged by tho leader of the Opposition. As to his action on the Loan Bill, he saw the Governor on Wednesday, just before the House sat, and told the House the result of his interview. And yet ho was accused of a great conspiracy and made the subject of a violent attack. But he did not think tho speaker believed one half of what he said. [Sir William Fox fuly believed it.] Then ha was sorry for it, became such a belief could not emanate from the best of hearts. It had been said that tho Government never held Cabinets. That was also untrue, as frequent Cabinets had been held, and always when asked for. Such an assertion waß malicious and uncalled for. The hon. member for Wanganui said when the Government came into office all was peace in Native districts ; but that was untrue, for there was not safety for life and property, and tho hon. gentleman knew it. He knew that the late Government had inaugurated certain proposals, and the only changes made therein were in au exchange of land for the benefit of the colony. Ho determined that settlers should be taught tho ueo of arms, and saw that arms were put into their possession that they might bo ablo to make proper use of them when occasion should arise. He thought the proper course to adopt on the We3t Coast wa3 to divide the land into lots and allow it to be settled by agricultural settlers instead of being handed over to land speculators, and on bringing forward tuch a proposal ho thought he deserved the thanks of tho colony instead of the abuse which had been heaped upon him by the hon. gentleman that evening. Ho knew that when triennial Parliaments and a liberal franchise were proposed to be introduced, ho would have opposition to contend with ; but he did not caro for that. Ho was working in a good cause, and cared not for tho opposition of interested persons. He did not go on all-fours to Natives, as the hon. member for Wa-gauui did to get his spurious honors from tho Homo Govornment. If eome honest yeoman had wanted to procure land at a price _ worth ten times tho amount what would be said to him ? And yet that was tho position they were in whilst attempting to acquire Native land, and fo long would they have difficulty to encounter. They had now to see whether a dissolution would be granted and an appeal to the people made, which ho believed would result in a confirmation of tho policy they had pursued, in spite of the action taken by a section of that House, who sought to keep people from tho enjoyment of their just right 3. [Cheers.] The Speaker called tho galhrios to order. Sir G. Grey continued. Members had joined tho Govornment with alacrity, because they knew tho Btrong effort thero was to do the Government an injustice. They were acting in tho interests of the country, endeavoring to open lands for the people, instead of allowing the public estate to bo squandered amongst a few, who sought to control the estate to the exclusion of poor people. But Ministers intended to make these persons contribute their equal share of tho taxation of the colony, instead of allowing them to havo all their own way, as hitherto. Tho hon. member for Wanganui had told them his telegram relative to West Coast matters was a cold blooded one, and showed that he cared nothing for human life. He appealed to tho Home to review his career, and challenged them to point to a single incident in that career which would justify such a remark, which was as wicked and malicious as it was untruthful and opposed to his whole career in this and many other countries. [Cheers.] t At this stage tho House adjourned until 10.30.

1 ho House resumed at 10.45. The Premier continued : He would refer to Mr Booth, for he would inform them that he introduced him to the servico many years ago. Hewould not wound h:B feelings intentionally, and was glad to say he was now a happy man. He bad been accused of cold-bloodedness, but nothing could bo more cold-blooded than tLc accusations made against him that ovening—accnsations which ought never to have been made. He had done his best, and Mr Sheehan had only assisted him. His (Mr_ Sheohan's) love for the Native race, and diligence and caro in the administration of the affairs of his office infinitely surpassed anything which the hon. member could lay claim to. [Cheers.] He had through life had ono persistent enemy, whom writers had c tiled attention to, and whose malignity was uppermost at every turn, but whoae efforts only served to call attention to the fact. He had never writton one word against him. [Mr Fox —Tour letter to Sir M. HicksBeach.J That was calling attention to what he considered an offence against Constitut'onnl usage. He had said in his letter that the hon. member had written letters calculated to provoke a breach of the peace amongst the Natives, and he also knew that Sir M. Hicks- Beach committed a wrongful act in assenting to the Btep ha had taken, and so long as ho did wrong,

ho (Sir George) would not hesitate to call him to account, because he inflicted a wrong on the colony in the step he had taken. Ho was shocked at what he saw at Home, where men with no lineage were created hereditary legislators. He saw them doing most wrongful acts to trample upon the people, creating dreadful distress. He saw there was a danger of this being enacted in New Zealand, and strove to -revent it. The gentleman who had reviled him so that evening strove to prevent this and to set up an arristooracy in New Zealand. He hid taken care that they should have no quarter, and that was the cause of their opposition. One party had said it was worth a million to get rid of the Atkinson and Richardson class, and now they were banded together against the settlement of the country because they feared the lands would be evenly distributed, instead of being monopolised by the few. Ho was determined to fight to the last for these privileges for New Zealand, and he was a veteran in this c in«o. Bo was perfectly certain he would succeed, and ho was only opposed because he would not allow the people of Canterbury to frizzle the settlers in their homes, and rob them of their latds. The cry was, “Get rid of Grey”— [hear, hear] —because he spoilt their plans. But he would sooner have an honest working man following him than all these people put together. because they will not behave honestly, and held their lands, when the same ought to be divided between the peeple who had arrived in the colony from the inducements h;ld out to them to come here and enjoy equal privileges with all those before them in the acquisition of land for settlement. It was their duty to stop the proceedings of these men, and to go through anything to achieve success. He felt sure that he would be supported by the colonists in his efforts, and these advantages would be insured to the people of New Zealand. He could not believe that these people would be allowed to continue to receive the unjust advantages they had in antagonism to the rights of all New Zealand. [Cheers ] Mr Bolleston spoke about half an hour, making a vigorous attack on the Government policy, but especially on their administratiou Ho commented very severely on the action of the Native Minister and Premier in regard to the management of Native affairs and administration of public affairs generally. Mr Moss spoke for about an hour in defence of Sir G. Grey, his policy and administration The Hense adjourned till Tuesday, at 2.30 p.m.