GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1704, 6 August 1879, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Tuesday, August 5. Colonel Whitmore, in reply to Sir F. D. Bell, said the now Parliament would meet the last week in September. It was physically impossible that it could meet earlier. The Government would not cause the least delay that was avoidable. The Council, on the motion of Colonel Brett, carried the motion of appreciation of the services and regret at the loss of Sir J. Richardson. Mr Waterhouse moved for a return or the amount paid to witnesses on land tax appeals. He accused the Government of appointing valuers for party purposes, and said Resident Magistrates, who heard the appeals, were not independent through the manner in which the Government treated them. Colonel Whitmore said the valuers were appointed by tender, and the Resident Magistrates were perfectly free and independent. The motion was carried. Tho Loan Bill was read a first time, and the Council adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, August 5. Tho House met at 2.30. PETITIONS, NOTICES, AND REPORTS. Mr Db Lautour presented a petition from the residents of St. Bathan’s, Otago, re better facilities for acquiring lands under agricultural lease regulations^ Mr Baepf gare notice to ask the Premier for a list of electors on tho Hokitika electoral Mr George gave nonce id ase the Government if they will hold a commission of inquiry into certain charges made against Capt. MoKersie, which ho alleges are untrue, and which caused his dismissal. Capt. Russell will ask if the Government will assure a subsidy for the Union Company’s steamer to take the mails direct to Port Ahuriri on the arrival of the steamer at Auckland. Six petitions of tho Arawa tribes against proceedings in the Lands Court in their district, and several other petitions and committees’ reports were presented. Mr Richardson gave notice of motion that all private Bills be suspended, and leave given to introduce the same next session. QUESTIONS. Mr Manders asked the Minister of Lands if he will cause steps to be taken to secure the opening of blocks of land for settlement under agricultural lease regulation* at Pembroke (Lake Wanaka), Kingston and Qlenorchy (Lake Wakatipu), the opening of these several blocks having been promised for some time past.

Mr Thomson said two blocks surveyed of 6500 acres, would be thrown open at Pembroke, and the Government were enquiring as to the other places. An area of 4000 acres, the balance of former blocks, would be open at once. Mr Kelly asked the Minister for Public Works whether it is the intention of the Government to give effect to the award made by Mr Kelly in the matter of the claims made by George Motley, which were referred to Mr Kelly by Mr Sheehan, with a request that he would state what payment would be a fair settlement of Morley’s claim. Mr Macandekw said an award had been made, but the Government did not see their way to give effect to it. Mr Kelly asked the Minister for Public Works what action had been taken by his department to fulfil the promise made by the Minister of Public Works last session, that the railway shed obstructing Queen street, Raleigh, would be removed, Mr Macandeew said the final decision of the marine department on a question affecting navigation was all thst was required to enable them to give effect to the promise. Mr Heney asked the Minister of Mines if he will depute some competent person to examine into and report upon certain grievances complained of by the gold miners at Waimangaroa. Mr Gisboene said the Government would appoint an efficient officer. Mr Macfaelane asked the Government if they will lay before this House a return showing the cost of sleepers now being sent from Wellington to Waiters, said cost to ha that on the ground, including all freights and expenses, also if sleepers have been imported from Australia, and the nemo of the wood. Mr Macandeew 'said sleepers were now easily procurable. At first there was no response, but an alteration having been made, ten times the number was offered. He would lay a return on the table in response to the question asked. The paper was ordered to be printed. Mr Jackson asked the Minister for Public Works if ha will lay before the House copies of correspondence and reports of the several engineers who were employed in the exploration of various proposed routes for the line of railway between Wellington and Foxton, which have led to the adoption of the line by way of Johusville and Pourirua in preference to any other. Mr Macandeew said part of the report was added to the Public Works statement of last session, and the other part would be given. Mr Muehay asked the Minister of Mines

if papers referring to coal mining will shortly be laid before the House and ba printed, and copies distributed to owners and managers of coal mines ; also if tho regulations under tho Coal Mines Act, proposed by Government, will be immediately prepared, printed, and circulated, so us to be accessible to coal mine managers, owners, and others specially interested in working coal mines. Mr Qtsbobnb said tho papers referred to were being printed, and tho Bill only required legal revision.

Mr Muebav asked the Minister of Public Works what has boon done to carry out tho promise of tho Premier relative to travellers* tickets. Mr Macandhew said the matter would be considered favonbly when tho question arose. It had not done so yet. Mr Murbay asked the Prenrer if the Government propose to continue tho system of granting subsidies to local Government

bodies ; Ist, out of general revenue ; 2nd, out of land fund. The Pbbmibb said it was impossible to answer the question till h’o knew whether after the elections he would be at the head of the Government or not. He could not reply as Premier.

Mr MtTBEAT asked-the Premier if, after providing for loss in working and interest on Government Hallways and guarantee on private railways, the Government would make the surplus Land Tax revenue local Government revenue.

The Pkeiiibb said it was impossible to give an opinion on this question, which was altogether dependent on the revenue of the country. Mr Bows® asked the Premier if a copy of the Royal instructions accompanying his Excellency's Commission will bo laid before this House.

The Pehmieb said, if the Governor consented, the papers would be laid on the table. Mr Muebay asked the leader of the Opposition if ho is in favor and will support a measure for aiding permanent agricultural improvements, on the principles of Sir Robert Peel’s Drainage Advances Act, and for providing greater facilities for obtaining outfalls and the carrying out and regulation of ditching and drainage operations. The Speakhb said the question was out of order.

Sir W. Fox said he had no objection to answer.

The Speaker said he would not stand in tho way. Sir W. Fox then said his answer would be the same as that given by the Premier, that ho could not answer until he know whether be would be leader of the Opposition or not when the House met again. Ho might add, however, that he had no doubt his party would return with an overwhelming majority. Mr J. 0. Beown asked tho Minister of Public Works if tho Government intend to erect a passenger station at Lawrence, the present terminus of the Midland Otago Railway. Mr Macandbbw said authority had been given to got the work done. Mr J. O. Beown asked tho Minister of Public Works if ho will lay before the House a return showing the value of traffic, passengers, goods, and otherwise, on tho Lawrence line of railway. Mr Macandebw said authority had been given to prepare the returns. GOVERNMENT ADVEETI3INO. Sir W. Fox gave notice to ask in what papers Government advertisements had been inserted during the year, and tho amounts. ALTERATIONS IN HANSARD.” Mr Rees complained that certain speeches of Opposition members had been altered in “ Hansard ” to a disgraceful extent. There was matter replied to by himself which did not appear in these reports. He asked the Speaker to inquire whether a speech had been altered by tho hon. member for Franklin. Mr Hobbs said ho had not erased a single line in his speech. Mr Ebbs would like to know how it was the hon. member was not reported. Mr Wakeiteld said the committee had already inquired into the matter of the absence of “ Hansard ” reporters when the member for Franklin commenced to speak, and the reply was that the reporter did not hear the bell ring on that occasion. BAT Of? ISLANDS BOLD. Mr Maopablanb had given notice to introduce a Bill to purge'tho electoral roll of tho Bay of Islands district, but asked leave to withdraw the same, as ho found it would he impossible to do it this session. He hoped something would be done in the matter next year. LOAN BILL. The Order of the Day for tho New Zealand Loan Bill to be committed was called on, when the Premier moved tho House into committee on tho Bill, which was passed clause by clanse with slight amendment. The schedule of Bill provides as follows : For public works, immigration, and purchase of Native Lands, and for defraying costs, charges, and expenses of raising the loan authorised by this Act, £3,740,000. Lyttelton harbor works (in lieu of amount authorised to be raised under The Lyttelton Harbor Works Loan Act, 1872, amended by The Financial Arrangements Act, 1878), £IOO,OOO. For redeeming guaranteed debentures, £BOO,OOO. For purposes hereafter to be declared by any Act of the General Assembly, £360,000. Total, £5,000,000. On the third reading of the Bill, Mr McLean asked that [no gentleman should be sent Homo for the purpose of negotiating this loan. He asked for an assurance to that effect. The Premise promised to reply before tho Bill passed. Mr HodQKINSON said ho had always been opposed to this borrowing policy, and could not allow this great borrowing Bill to pass without repeating his disapproval of the same.

Mr Wakbitbld said ha felt that in allowing the Bill to pass he had violated his conscience, because he did not believe in this incessant borrowing, which must end in a terrible crash. He wished to place on record that he considered the whole proceedings reckless and extravagant in the extreme. The Pebmiee, in reply, said the pledge asked for by Mr McLean could not be given, but ho would say that until the matter was mentioned, neither he nor his colleagues thought of such a thing. But ho could give no such pledge, because they could not tell what would happen to the loan agents at Home, which might necessitate an alteration in their plana or intentions. The Bill was then read a third time and passed.

JIINISTBEIAL INTENTIONS. The Peemieb said ho wished to state the course the Government proposed to adopt. He proposed to move tho first reading of the Imprest Supply Bill, No. 2, and table the second reading at half-past seven, when any debate could ensue. As they were not ready with the schedule* to the financial statement, he would he feared be compelled to ask for a day’s delay, and lay the statement before the House on Thursday, as it was rather a complicated one, and unusual in form. He proposed to go into Committee of Supply that evening to allow the hon. member for Wellington (Mr Barton) an opportunity of introducing his business, which was delayed on Monday night. On that understanding, if the House assented, he would now move that they go into committee of supply to proceed to the first reading of the Imprest Supply Bill No. 2. On behalf of Her Majesty, his Excellency the Governor had recommended that the House do make provision for supplies to the 30th of September next. Sir W. Fox said they had no objection on his side of the House so far as going into Committee of Supply was concerned, but they did object to any longer delay in bringing down the financial statement. A fortnight ago, for instance, they were ready to divide, and a week ago they had a large majority of the House. Yet those delays arose to let the Premier address the gallery, and this delay still continued. They wished to carry out his Excellency’s command that no unnecessary delay should take place before the House dissolved, and would insist upon those terms being complied with at once. They did not place much value on the financial statement which might be made up for the hustings only, but they did want to see figures without so much delay. They would feel it to be their duty to ask the House to fix the date when Parliament would re-assemble. Members expected to get away this week, but these delays would not permit them, and they would decline to consent to further delays. The Peeitibe said in using the words “.financial statement” he did not refer to the statement so much as to the schedules which clerks were hard at work preparing, and could not have ready before Thursday. If it was assented to the prorogation would take place on Friday. THE QENBEAXi ELECTION. On the motion for going into committee, Mr Stbwaet moved that the writs for tho new Parliament be issued within three days after tho House is dissolved, and made returnable within thirty days, the new Parliament to meet on or before the 20th September. Mr Bowen, in seconding, expressed his surprise that the statement was not ready to be made, as he considered it would bo better to come from the Premier than by a resolution of the House. Mr DbLautone considered that tho elections would not take place as soon as hon. members of the Opposition thought, and they should be satisfied with tho pledge given that no unnecessary delay should take place. Mr Mooehoese said it would bo damaging to have a long recess, and they should have •ome idea given them of the shortest time necessary.

Mr Ebbs defended and Mr McLean condemned the action of the Government. After further remarks, the Pbbmibe replied. It was impossible for him to fix any dates on which the writs should issue. They wished to give all parties fair play and consider thecountry as a whole. He believed they possessed the confidence of the country if not of the House. They had to carry on under the influence of their predecessors, and were at a disadvantage, but intended to do their duty, as they had in the past, by consulting the interests of the country at largo. He did not wish to speak disrespectfully ox the motion before the House, but the mover was a new man in the House, who had not sufficient acquaintance with the responsibility resting upon the Government, or the effect of a motion which tended to influence them in matters which they ought to bo free to deal with in the interests of the colony at large, and not of individualism. The debate was cut short at the hour for adjournment, 5.30. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7 30 p.m. THE ELECTIONS. Tho Pbbmibb Slid when he moved the House to go into committee of supply, Mr Stewart proposed an amendment “ That tho writs should he issued, and tho elections take place, and the House reassemble on a certain date.” He had pointed out that this matter rested with the Government, and that the interests of individual members should not be allowed to interfere with the duly which devolved upon the Government of locking after the interests of the colony. He could only pledge the Government to reassemble Parliament as soon as possible. He had be -n called an autocrat and accused of being an autocrat, and had never replied to such charges. He had been attacked by the hon. member for Wanganui (Sir W. Fox) in two works, written for that purpose, but ho had not read or replied to those attacks. Ho was sure no person could fix upon him a single act which distinguished an autocrat. It had been stated in the House that they were all liberal. But how had the liberalism of a section of that House been shown ? It was for attempting to set up asked for and fair laws for all classes, tho representation of people and other enactments for tho benefit jof the colony instead of for tho benefit of any particular class—that was the autocracy ho was guilty of. There was a phalanx combined against him for their own purpose, but so long as he was in the public service and had a certain work to perform ho did not care for opposition, but should still walk onward in the course ho thought best. The wealthy classes sought to get the power of legislation into their own hands, and administer the same for their benefit. Those who made the laws of this colony so made and administered them as to acquire vast fortunes for themselves. He would be prepared with a list of such persons, showing that the land laws were made to enrich persons who framed them. The condition of the poor in Great Britain was one of slavery, and there was a movement in England and the colonies to remedy this state of matters. He felt that, bad as their representation was, he and his friends would come back to the House in greater strength than before.

Mr Saunders spoke in reply to the Premier’s remarks, questioning his genuine liberalism, and urged that, if he had wished to show his sincerity in the great Liberal principles he professed, ha had had an opportunity last session of doing so, instead of throwing out the Bills. Ho had accused the runholders of exerting power in tho House, although he must know that the reveroe was the case, as they were an ill-used class. If tho Premier had been a friend to the working classes he would not have taken the duty off their tea and sugar at the expense of the education of their children, but would have advocated the very reverse.

The amendment was then amended by the addition of the words “ that a respectful address be presented to tho Governor informing him that in the opinion of that House,’’"the words to precede tho amendment.

Messrs Bees and Mosa spoke against this addition, which was an insult to the House and Ministers and insidious in character.

Mr Moss hoped a division would be taken on this amendment as it now stood, because it was very different in its effect. Mr Baeton said the object was to compel the Governor to take sides, which was unconstitutional.

Mr Stewaet said he had no such intention as that inferred by the last speaker when he brought forward the amendment. Tho Pbbmibb said he should be sorry if silence on his part conveyed the impression that he was guilty of carelessness in the'matter of|the eduoation|of the people, which had been attributed to him by one hon. member. He then proceeded to say what action he had taken in the matter of education, and referred the hon. member to “ Hansard ” for proof thereof.

The amendment “That an address be presented to His Excellency, asking him to fix the dates specified,” was then put and carried, and n division taken thereon with the following result : For the amendment, 43 ; against, 28. Ayes— 43. Messrs Adams Messrs McLean Atkinson Moorhonse (teller) Morris Baigent Murray Barff MurrayAynsloy Beetham Oliver Bowen Ormond Brandon Richardson Bryce Richmond Curtis Rolleston Cntten Rowe Sir R. Douglas Saunders Mr Driver Stevens Sir W. Fox Stewart Messrs Gibbs (Toller) Green Stndholme Hart Sutton Henry Tawiti Hobbs Tomoana Hursthonso Wakefield Jackson Whitaker Kelly Williams Macfarlane Noes—2B. Messrs Barton Messrs Joyce Bastings Macandrew Brown, J. C. Naho Brown, J. E. Rees (Teller) Carrington Reeves Do Lautour Shanks Feldwick Sheehan Fisher Shrimski George (Teller) Swanson Gisborne Tainui Goldie Thomson Sir G. Grey Turnbull Messrs Hamlin Wallis

Hislop The amendment was then put and carried. Mr Baeton then brought forward his motion affecting the conduct of certain Judges of the Courts in this colony—(1) That justice has not for a long time been administered in the Courts of the colony with fairness and impartiality. (2) That a barrister in the act of pleading the cause of a suitor was corruptly and vindictively imprisoned for one month by two of the Judges. (3) That the administration of justice in tho inferior Courts, and more especially in tho districts of Taranaki and Wellington, has for a long time been corrupt, and although tho matter has frequently been brought under the notice of the Government the officers complained of are still retained on the Bench without inquiry. (4) That, notwithstanding the evidence taken last session before the Gaols Committee, and the report of that committee respecting the misconduct of certain officials in tho police department, none of the guilty officials have been discharged from tho service or in any way censured or reduced in grade, while on the other hand certain witnesses in the employ of the Government, examined before that committee, have been systematically persecuted and degraded from their proper employment. (5.) That notwithstanding the judgment delivered by one of tho Judges of the Supreme Court, sitting as commissioner on tho “ inquiry into the Heretaunga purchase,” which judgment is published in the records of this House, no steps have been taken to remove or even censure tho Judge. (6.) That although this House, in view of tho great public exigencies at present existing, will not refuse to her Majesty necessary supplies for tho public services, it desires to say that had such exigencies not existed supplies would have been refused until such grievances had been fully inquired into, and the persons accused either acquitted of the charge or expelled from the public service. Mr Baeton then proceeded to give instances of extraordinary conduct on the part of the Judges, especially affecting Judge Kenny, of Napier (late of New Plymouth), from information furnished by one J. Jones. Ho then read extracts from the report of tho gaols committee of last session, showing misconduct on tho part of certain police officers. Ho continued at some length in a similar

Btrain in presence of a thin House. He then moved the clauses of the motion, with the exception of the words “ and Wellington” in clause 3.

Mr Db Lautodh suggested that the hon. gentleman was placing his friends in an awkward position when ho asked the public to believe certain matters as facts before they were proved to be so. In regard to resolution 5, the blame rested with the Government, but he did not think the hon. member should ask them to go into the lobby with him on mere statements.

Mr Stewaet supported the mover on some points of his motion, but deprecated bringing ex parte charges against persons in authority. Mr Ebbs said that when grave charges were made affecting men’s lives an inquiry should be made. He was surprised to hear the last speaker object to such an inquiry by the House, when he had proposed to a meeting of the bar in Dunedin that inquiry should bo made in Mr Barton’s case by the House. He asked that justice should be done in this case, and the guilty parlies punished. Mr Tubnbull concurred in the condemnation of the hon. member for Wellington, and said the House was to blame in not seeing that justice was done in the cas«s brought before the Gaols Committee, which revealed a state of affairs calling for interference.

Mr Whitakbe said that the charges made by Mr Barton were of the loosest description, and ought not to have been brought unless supported by strong evidence, and not more anonymous statements. It was first of all the duty of tho Government to ascertain if there was sufficient evidence to sustain the charges, and then it was the duty of the House to say if they agreed with the Government in bringing forward these charges. He did not see how the hon. members could vote for these resolutions, which set forth certain charges which they were asked to concur in, and at tho same time were told that they might not be able to sustain them.

Mr Sheehan said the indictment was of the wildest possible description, although he knew some charges wore true, but he did not think it right to make wholesale charges of this kind against Judges, when they might be misinformed. If such charges had been laid before him as Minister of Justice ho should have made inquiries, and, if necessary, he would have asked the House to inquire into them. He was not afraid to take up a proper course in these matters. If tho hon. member would lay these charges before him he would make enquiries, and lay the result before the House ; but they should be careful how they dealt with these matters, lest it should bo said the Government ruled the Bench, and not tho Bench the administration of justice. He hoped the hon. gentleman would withdraw the resolution and allow him to make enquiries into the matter, and lay the result before that House. Mr Moss said he looked upon tho conduct of this case as a species of special pleading. The motion brought forward by Mr Barton was then negatived. ADJOURNMENT. The Premier moved tho adjournment of the House till 2 30 p.m. on Thursday, when the Government propose to ask for a lump sum to last until 30th September. Major Atkinson asked if the Public Works and Consolidated Revenue were to be included in the Rill. The Premier said the sums would bo asked separately. Tho Committee of Supply was then made an order of the day for Thursday. Sir W. Fox suggested that no elaborate financial statement should be made, but merely such a statement as when an imprest was asked for. The Pbbmieb said that he had no intention of retarding the business of the country, but it was for him to make such statement as he thought proper. Mr MoLean hoped they would ask that the business be proceeded with at once without a day’s delay. fLeffc sitting.]

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS. [By Telegraph.) [“ PRESS ” COBBEBPONDENTB.] WELLINGTON, August 5. Last night Major Atkinson made a short but very clear statement of figures, contradicting the statement that he and his party had refused to grant Sir Geo. Grey all that he asked for public works, and Major Atkinson showed that on the contrary Sir George had actually only asked for £1,500,000 for public works, and the Opposition had agreed to give him £2,200,000. The only reason that the total amount of the loan was reduced from £4,000,000 to £2,500,000 was, that Sir George had that £2,500,000 was wanted to pay off existing liabilities, and tho House found on examination that this amount could bo better raised under the Loan Act of 1876, and the Inscription of Stock Act, 1877, so that it was the Premier’s own misapprehension of tho financial position of the colony, and not any action of the Opposition, that had caused the redaction of tho amount of the last loan.

Sir Geo. Grey in reply was unable to touch one of Major Atkinson’s figures, and was unwise enough to prove his anxiety to do so by getting up and attacking the Major on some other and entirely immaterial part of his speech, leaving his figures untouched. Through the same ignorance of financial business, the Loan Bill circulated last night was such an utter abortion that another one had to bo printed to-day as sent down last night. No money could have been raised under the first. The Bill has passed just as the Opposition chose, the Government fighting for nothing except over a clause to clearly define that it was not an Appropriation Bill, and that none of the money could be expended without appropriation by Parliament, and on that they determined to divide, though it gave a grand opportunity to Mr Gisborno to show how wonderfully little he knew about what ho was talking. The deficiency for the year is something enormous, probably over a million, and thoce are some wonderfully shaky transactions leaking out, especially as to the enormous amount of rails purchased in England by Mr Larnach. Bails, locomotives, and all such transferable things have been systematically charged to Canterbury, whilst anything charged to Otago is not of a transferable character. It is qnite time that someone with a good nose for shaky transactions took charge of our public works. Every eff»rt having been made in vain to get a definite promise from Sir George Grey as to when the New Parliament should meet, Mr Stewart has givoa notice of a resolution to give an expression of opinion of the House as to what they expect the Governor to do. Tho land revenue receipts for the year ended 30th Juno, 1879, were as follows :—Total land sales, .£707,691 ; depasturing licenses assessment, 4192,009; rents and miscellaneous, .£10,025 ; total, ,£869,729. It appears that some time ago Sir J. Vogel, foreseeing the necessity for the colony raising another loan, wrote out to a friend in the House stating that tho best thing New Zealand could do would be to go for a ten million loan at once, and advance railway works as far as possible, adding that when that was accomplished they could easily dispose of their railways to companies formed in England, who would make them pay better than the Government. He expressed his belief that tho proceeds of the sale of the railways would wipe off the indebtedness of the colony and leave a surplus. There is very little doubt that Mr Hunter will offer himself for the city, but in conjunction with whom it is not certain. Mr Pearce, his old colleague, is talked of, but as he is on the ocean and a hard fight is certain, some candidate must be selected who is on the ground. The most likely one is Mr Levin, who is wealthy and popular, has good natural parts, and. has not lived long enough to make many enemies. Of course a host of other names are mentioned, hut most of them will have ceased to be talked about when nomination day cornea on. Already a little quiet canvassing is being done on behalf of Mr Levin. Mr Hunter is always sure to poll well, and if he runs with Mr Levin, neither of their politics being Greyite, and organise a good committee, they will require a deal of beating Mr Hutchison, the Mayor, is certain to come forward and poll well. He has to a great extent identified himself with the Grey party. _ There is a difficulty in finding a suitable candidate to bracket him with.

Rumours are still floating ihat Sir George will even yet resign in response to the steady pressure which has been brought to bear on him of late. The rumour has been mado the subject of bets.