GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1707, 9 August 1879, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Fbiday, August 8. Mr Chambbbhk moved a motion—" That no further loans ought to be raised for public works in view of the danger of the working classes looking to Government for employment." # A very long debate ensued, in which the whole Public Works and Immigration polioy was discussed. Mr Chambbbun said that the loans would ultimately have to be repaid by people of small means, as all who made fortunes left the country. Mr Watebhousb characterised the action of the Government in introducing immigrants while many people were out of work, as coldblooded and contrary to the professions of Sir George Grey of his desire to benefit the working classes. Messrs Miller, Williamson, Grey, Wilson, Bobinson, and others spoke on the subject. Mr Peacock proposed as an amendment—- " That no further public works be undertaken whose reproductiveness was not first demonstrated to Parliament." After a long debate both the amendment and motion were rejected by 7 to 16. On the motion of Colonel Whitmoeb, seconded by Mr MiUiBB, an address of condolence to the Queen on the death of the Princess Alice, was carried unanimously. Captain Fbabbb moved for a return of the expenses of the Jackson's Bay Commission. He Baid a very heavy bill had been sent, with items for champagne and other luxuries. The return was ordered. HOUSE OF BEPEESENTATIVES. . Fbidat, August 8. The House met at 2.30. " HANSAED " EEPOBTING. The report of the committee appointed to enquire into the charges against the "Hansard" reporting was laid on the table. The report was read, and Beveral members spoke against ithe discretionary power which the report stated the "Hansard" chief reporter possessed. The report was ordered to be referred back to the committee for reconsideration of clauses affecting such discretionary powers. Several other reports were brought up. PETITION. The committee reported on Samuel Philips' petition, re his dismissal from the public service, stating that he had been harshly treated. It was ordered to be reported to the Government. THAMES -WATKATO BAILWAT. The freßh report of the Bail way Map Inquiry Committee was brought up. It was to the effect that no cause had been shown sufficient to alter the opinion of the former committee They reported that there was no evidence to show that the map in question had been altered since it was laid on the table. Mr Ebbs, in speaking on the question of the adoption of the report, said certain evidence asked for throHgh Mr Knowles, including papers bearing on the question, had been sent into the committee, but had not been dealt with by them prior to sending their report. These papers were sent to the clerk, but not laid before the committee. This was admitted by the committee, and the report was sent back in consequence of this suppression of evidence. It was in fact, notwithstanding this, that one of the papers had found its way as an appendix to the report. He contended that the committee was got together for political purposes, and they had deceived the Speaker, who was ohairman, in the manner of dealing with the papers, and in suppressing certain of them.

The Spbaebb said the Clerk of Committee was not to blame, because when he received the papers he brought them to his (tho Speaker's) room, but there was so much difficulty in getting a quorum that they were not laid before the committee. Mr McLean said the committee could not suppress what was never before them. They had the fact that only a flying survey was ordered previously (in 1873), and the report showed this. The Government could not get out of this job. Dr. Hodgkinbon said, having been on the second committee, he found that the question to be decided was whether a certain map had been altered, and there was no evidence to ■upporl! 'ffiaF"oh"irge." ' 'Buif tne' committee thought proper to go outside that question. She evidence showsd that the absence of

certain documents sent to the committee tended to damage the cause of the Government. That was his opinion after an impartial inquiry into the matter. The Public Works Statement gave the opinion of Mr Macondrew that the construction of the line from Waikato to Grabamstown would enhance the value of G-overnment lands. He thought that was sufficient to show that the Public Works Minister had this line in view, although the schedule did not correspond. Then the settlers of the Thames distinctly stated, in a communication to the House, that the line had been promised by a former Government, and these circumstances were in favour of Ministers rather than against them. Ho could not completely justify Ministers in the course adopted, and considered it should be a caution to them in the future. Mr Kichabdson said the document referred to by Mr Rees was added because it was referred to in the evidence, although not before them at that time.

Mr Hislop said the fault lay in not publishing all the documents instead of selecting one only. He did not consider the committee had done their duty in this matter. Mr Bowsn said the hon. member for Invercargill had only told them that Government were not guilty, but had better not do ifc again. The report was then adopted, and ordered to be printed. NEW ZEALAND TTNIVBBBITY.

The Pbemieb brought up the evidence of Royal Commission on the University of New Zealand and College reports, which were ordered to be printed. STTBVEYS. Mr Thomson brought up the report on the surveys, which was ordered to be printed. THB LOAN BILL. The Loan Bill was reported from the Legislative Council by the Speaker without amendment. PETITIONS. Mr Casus moved that petitions not disposed of this session be dealt with by the House the first week next session. Carried. NATIVE BEPOBT3. Mr Sheehan laid on the table further reports from the officers in Native districts, which were ordered to be printed. BBIDQB OYEB THE OBEY. Mr Reeves asked the Minister for Public Works if it is the intenlion of the Government to place a sufficient sum of money on the estimates for the construction of a traffic bridge over the Grey River to connect Greymouth with Cobden. Mr Maoandbew said it was intended to place a sum on the estimates for the purpose. THB MANGBBB BBIDGB. Mr Hamlin asked the Ministor for Public Works whether he will have the Mangore Bridge inspected during the recess and repaired, so as to save it from impending serious damage. Mr Macandbbw said plans were on the way now with the view of setting the work right. boad. Mr Tainttc asked the Native Minister if the sum of £SOO has been placed on the estimates towards the completion of the road between Omato and Taiaroa heads. Mr Shbbhan said the amount could be placed on the estimates next session. THE TJPPBB THAMES. Mr Rows asked the Minister of Lands when it is probable the survey of lands in the Upper Thames district will be completed, and whether it is the intention of tb.e Government that blocks of the said land shall be available under the homesteads system and upon the^.deferred payment principle. He said ten years ago the Thames people were promised this survey, and thousands had gone away because they had no land to settle upon, although the survey was promised to be completed when present Ministers came into office.

Mr Thomson said 22,400 acres of the Aroha block had been survey od in sections of fifty to 300 aores, and reserves made for towns and villages, but a considerable portion of it wbb swamp, and Government were considering the advisability of draining it at once. Fart of it would be opened on deferred payments. lAND AT OHISEMUBI. Mr Howb asked the Minister for Lands if the Native title to lands which had been leased by several parties in the Ohinemuri district had been extinguished, and if so, when, and upon what terms the freehold will be offered for sale.

Mr Shekuan said almost a full title had been obtained, and when it was completed all persons would have the opportunity of getting the freeholds. MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS. Mr Tcenbull aßked the Minister for Public Works if he will lay before the House an inventory of things which had been lying for the last two years and upwards in the outbuildings attached to the Maori hostelry. Mr Macandbbw said it was obiefly filled with Parliamentary papers of former Governments. Mr Goldib asked the Government if they have taken any steps to carry into effect the recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee relative to the grievance of John Sherar, of Auckland. Mr Shbbhan said Mr Sherar had no valid grounds of complaint, but further inquiries were in progress. Mr Babff asked the Minister of Mines if he will lay before the House a copy of the report from the manager of the Waimea water-race, which, according to "Hansard," was referred to in the House on the 23rd ult., in reply to a question regarding the distribution of water from the Waimea waterrace. , The paper was laid on the table by the Minister of Mines. Mr Hamlin asked the Government.whether they will appoint an agricultural chemist in various provincial districts throughout the colony, with a view of instructing agriculturists generally as to the best methods of using the manures usually supplied. The Pbemieb said the Government would get an estimate of the cost, and recommend the appointment to the next Parliament. Mr Hamlin asked the Minister for Lands if the Government will oause a block of land, situated between the Bombay Settlement, Miranda, and Surrey Redoubts, to be thrown open for free selection under deferred payments. Mr Thomson said the Commissioner of Lands at Auckland had intimated that there was no objection to do so, but thought the price too high, and no applications had been made for such lands. Mr Gibbs asked the Minister of Land's when the reserve on oertain lands in the Aorere valley, county Collingwood, made for the purpose of applying the proceeds of sale of such land towards the construction of a tramway will be taken off, as promised last session by the Minister of Public Works. Mr Thomson said the land had been permanently reserved, and a Bill would be introduced next session removing the reserve. Mr Babfp asked the Premier if he will obtain, with a view of laying before Parliament next session, all correspondence containing instructions or requests from the Registration Officer, Hokitika, ;to the public officers or other persons to supply lists of names of persons on electoral roll for Hokitika district who had left district or changed their residence, together with lists forwarded to the Registration Officer, and list of his objections as published in a local paper. The Pbemibb said Government could not lay the original documents from such a distance, but would lay copies on the table. Mr Osmond asked the Minister of Lands whether the Government are awaro that in case of some of the lands sold on the deferred payments principle in the Seventy-five Mile Bush tho conditions are being enforced with unnecessary strictness, and whether the Government will cause an inquiry to be made, and relief afforded where the spirit of the conditions has been fairly complied with.

Mr Thomson said he had communicated with the Hawke's Bay Land Commissioner in order that he might be able to answer the question, and he found that the conditions of residence had not been complied with. The Government would seek to act within the spirit of the law if communicated with. Mr Objiond asked the Government whether an appointment of Deputy-Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for Woodville and the adjacent districts will be provided Mr SheehAN Jsaid the suggestion would bo acted upon. , Mr GbobGß asked the Commissioner of Customs if it is the intention of the Government to grant an inquiry as asked for by Captain McKersie, late of the Government steamer Stella, into charges made againßt him through the Marine Department, such charges being as follows :—" That he appropriated for own use certain medicines presumably ordered for the Government steamer Stella, aad that he did also demand a commission from tho chemist who supplied them, .these

being the charges upon which he has been dismissed from th. 9 Government service, and which he alleges to be untrue. The Pbbmibb said the Government had granted an enquiry, and the report would be forthcoming. Captain Rr/SSBLL asked the PostmasterGeneral why the interest on advances out of the Government Life Insurance policies is payable in Wellington only, and whether he will cause such instructions to be issued_ as will enable local agents henceforth to receive interest on advances as well as premiums.

The Pbemieb said the interest was so payable to local agencies for the last half year. Ciptain RtTSSBHi asked the PostmasterGeneral whether he will endeavor to arrange with the directors of the Union Steam Shipping Company, that one of their steamers shall be despatched from Auckland southwards, by the East coast, with the English mails for the ports on the east coast of the North Island, immediately after the arrival of the San Francises steamers, so as to avoid the unnecessary delay and confusion which now constantly occurs in delivering letters. Mr Fishbb said the department had no objection to make such arrangement if met in a liberal spirit, and a sum could be placed on the estimates for the purpose. Mr Swanson asked the Minister of Lands whether he has received a report from the Waste Lands Board of Auckland on the petition of John Mullen, referred to them for enquiry by the House last session, and if so, what action is to be taken in the matter ?

Mr Thomson would comply with the request re the settlement of this matter. Mr Muebay asked the Commissioner for Telegraphs if the Government have taken into consideration the advisability of establishing a system of postal telegraph cards, and if not, if they will cause a report on the subject to be prepared by the Postal and Telegraph Department, and laid before this House. Mr Fisheb said he did not consider it advisable to do so. Mr J. C. Bbown asked the Minister for Public Works whon a shelter shed will be erected at Forsyth, on the Lawrence railway. Mr Macandbbw said a sum had been put on the estimates for the purpose. Mr Wakefield asked the Premier whether any further correspondence besides the memorandum already laid on the table has passed between his Excellency the Governor and M.risters relative to a dissolution of Parliament, or any matters connected therewith, and if to, whether he will forthwith lay it before the House. The Pbbmibb said the former memo had been placed on the table at his Excellency's wish. Since then further advice had been tendered, but it was not advisable to lay the correspondence on the table. He would say that the result, he believed, would be satisfactory to the House. Mr Swanson asked the Commissioner of Telegraphs if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the expediency of reducing the charges on telegrams for short distances, and if found to be consistent with the efficiency of the department, whether he will give effect to it.

Mr Fishbb said enquiries had been commenced, and a reduction would be probably made.

Sir W. Fox asked the Minister for Publio Works in what newspapers advertisements have been inserted during the last year inviting tenders for sleepers in those districts in which the largest supply of suitable timber exists. Mr Maoandbbw said he could not get the information in time to lay it before the House, but would bring it down next day. Sir W. Fox asked if any letter had been received from Sir J. Vogel by last mail, and was answered in the negative by the Premier. In reply to a question, Mr Sheehan said the rolls will be all ready in time for the election.

ADDBBSS OF CONDOLENCE. The Premise, moved the adoption of the following address of condolence with her Majesty on her recent bereavement:—" We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects of the House of Representatives of New Zealand in Parliament assembled, take the first opportunity of humbly submitting to your Majesty the expression of our sincere condolence for the loss which your Majesty has sustained by the death of her Royal Highness Princess Alice. We humbly beg to assure your Majesty that our feelings of devoted loyalty to your Majesty's throne, and of affeotionate attachment to your Majesty's person bid us to feel deep interest in all that concerns your Majesty's domestic relations and to pray earnestly for the happiness of your Majesty and your Majesty's family." That an address be presented to his Excellency the Governor forwarding the above address, and praying him to transmit the same to her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, to be laid at the foot of the throne.

Sir W. Pox seconded the motion, which was carried. AITEEATION OF STANDING OEDBB. Sir G. Gbbt moved—" That this House will in future go into Committee of Supply and ways and means at the commencement every seisiou, so soon as an address has been agreed to in answer to tho Governor's speech: that it be instruction to the Standing Orders Committee to amend the Standing Orders in conformity with this resolution." Carried. 6UPPIT. The order of the day that the House go into Committee of Supply was then called on. The resolution of the previous evening was brought up and conformed to. The Pbemieb said his Excellenoy recommended an increase of the vote for sohool buildings to the amount of £75,000. Sir W. Fox asked the Premier if he had advised his Excellency to give any reply to the address from that House on the subject of the dissolution of the House, fixing the date of the elections and the re-assembling of the House. The Pbemieb said he intended to answer that question. The Government had advised his Excellency on matters which would form the ground-work of the reply, and he had no doubt it would be satisfactory to the House when laid before them. Major Atkinson said he hoped the Premier would deal more frankly with them. The Pbemieb said the Government had tendered advice to his Excellency, but did not know if it would be acoepted, and could only say they believed the reply, when received, would be satisfactory, and that it would bo laid before the members. The House then went into Committee of The vote for Bchool buildings was increased by £75,000, making the total vote £125,000. Mr Stevens raised several points of discrepancies in the figures in the Financial and Public Works Papers laid before the House, to some of which Ministers replied. Sir W. Fox moved that the figures be reported and leave asked to sit again, in order that a memo, from his Excellency may be laid before the House at the 7.30 sitting. Carried.

EVENING SITTING-. The House resumed at 7.30. the govbbnob's mbmobandttm:. The Pbbmiee said ho would move that the memo, from his Excellency, which he had now to lay on the table be read. The - correspondence was then read as follows:—" Memo, for the Premier—The Governor has received from the Speaker of the Legislative Council and from the Speaker of the House of Kepresentatives, addresses, which have been adopted by each House of the Legislature in effeot enjoining (?) the Governor to insist upon the faithful fulfilment of the stipulations which he attached to the promise of dissolution, namely, that the new Parliament shall be called together at the earliest moment at which the writs can be made returnable. In view of these circumstances and of the fact that Ministers have been condemned in both Houses of Parliament, having regard also to the critical state of Native affairs, the Governor considers that it is his bounden duty to take every possible precaution that he shall be in a position to recur to the advice of a new Parliament at the earliest date allowed by law. The Governor desires, therefore, to inform the Premier that before proroguing Parliament with a view to dissolution, he must reoeive from the Premier a written assurance, whieh shall appear to the Governor satisfactory, as to the date upon which the Premier will advise the issue of the writs, and the date upon which he will advise that they may be made returnable. (Signed) Hebotobb Robinson." " Memo, for his Excellency. Sir G. Greypresents his respeotful compliments to Sir H. Robinson. In obedience to the terms of the directions contained in the Governor's memo of the 7th instant, Sir G. "Grey gives a written assurance that he will advise that the writs summoning the new Parliament shall be issued within two

days of the dissolution, and that they shall be made returnable within thirty days aiter their issue, and Sir G. Grey trusts that this assurance will be satisfactory to the Governor. (Signed) GbobGE Gbby."

" Wellington, August Bth. Memo for the Premier. The Governor thanks the Premies for his memo, of this date, and, in reply, has much pleasure in informing him that the assurance which it contains is quite satisfactory. If the Premier sees no objection the Governor would be glad if he would communicate to the Legislative Council and House of Representatives the Governor's memo, of yesterday with the subsequent memo, on the subject, as showing to both Houses the action taken by the Governor upon their addresses. (Signed) Hbbctjleb Robinson." August Bth. Sir W. Fox, in seconding, said there was a date omitted, that between prorogation and dissolution, which left a vacuum they wished to see filled up. The dissolution should take place immediately after prorogation, or any time might elapse which the Premier thought proper. Nothing short of an assurance that the dissolution would take place within two days after prorogation would satisfy them. _ Major Atkinson asked for an explanation of the dates in the Governor's memo. After a pause, Mr Wakefield Baid he should move the adjournment of the House for half an hour if the Premier did not answer.

The Pbemibb said it was proposed that the new Parliament should meet on the 20th September, so that there could only be a difference of a few days. The right of dissolution rested with the Governor, and he had a delicacy in interfering in such a matter, but it could only be a question of a few days. The matter of a dissolution was not put to him, and therefore not through him to the Governor. It was his desire that the House should meet again on the 20th of September.

Messrs PrKE and Reeves said a longer time should be given for the returns from the inland districts.

Mr Tr/BNBULL said this looked like an attempt to govern the Governor. It was frivolous cavilling over a day or two. Mr BOWBN said an adjournment would save time, because each side wanted to know the other's intentions. He hoped the House would adjourn. Mr Baeton hoped this matter would be left in the hands of the Governor.

Mr Swanson said he had packed his traps and wanted to get away, but it looked as if he never would get away. The question of an adjournment for twenty minutes was carried.

On the House reassembling, the memorandum from his Excellency was ordered to be printed. The Pbemibe said he could not name any date for the dissolution, but would repeat that it should take place within two or three days of the House rising. Sir W. Fox asked if he had the assurance of the Premier that the dissolution should take place within two or three days after the prorogation. If they had a clear understanding to that effect they would be satisfied. Several members objected to the demand of the last speaker. Mr Macandbbw said the Premier had told them the writs should iasue in three days after the dissolution, and the now Parliament assemble on the 20th September. What more could be asked from him ?

Mr Moobhotjse said for his part he would feel perfectly satisfied if the Premier would pledge himself that Parliament should be in session even on the 30th September. Mr Rebs said the documents before the House set the matter at rest.

Mr Whitakeb said they were to understand that the writs would issue on the third day after dissolution, and, so far as he could say, the House would re-aßsemble on the 20th September. They would be perfectly satisfied if the Premier would re-assure them on this point. The Peemibb said totally different questiens had been raised, but he had told the House that the writs should issue in three days after dissolution, and the House return as the Governor directed. But he had been asked to fix a date for Royalty. The fact was he could not do so, because it was not in his power, and he had no right to be asked to assume the functions of his Excellency. The subject then dropped, and the House went into Committee of Supply. SUPPLY. Item, £200,000 for liabilities outstanding on 30th June.

' Major Atkinson 1 said ho would like tome explanation re Civil Service and votes for Native purposes. The Pbbmieb and Mr Shebhan replied, and the vote for liabilities to the 30th June was passed. Item, £SOOO for provincial liabilities. Passed.

Item, £500,000, miscellaneous. MrßlCHAßDSONoriticisedthe amounts, particularly the liabilities stated re the WaikatoThames railway, £53,372, whereas the vote was for £30,000 only. Another railway in the North Island showed a similar position, the liabilities being £13,000 and the vote £SOOO. With regard to certain reclamation works, for which £60,000 was proposed, he thought it was not urgent, and should be held over until the meeting of the new Parliament.

Mr Maoandbew defended the proposed work, which was urgently needed to improve the harbor at Port Chalmers.

Mr. Mandbbs said that he knew from experience that the requirements of both Port Chalmers and Ljttelton harbors were very great, and was sure they fully taxed the energies of the Hon. Minister for Public Works. Mr Rollbston animadverted very strongly upon the action taken by the Q-overnment with reference to the Waikato-Thames railway. He should take the feeling of the House as to the desirability in a certain clause of restricting the expenditure ef monies voted.

Mr Maoandbew said the action of the Government respecting getting the Governor's assent to plans was merely a formal matter, and if they had always waited for it before taking aotion, many works would not yet have been started. Mr McLean said at the rale proposed, the expenditure would reach £3,000,000 a-year, which would soon exhaußt the loan. The present time was not propitious for letting large contracts, owing to the state of the money market. He referred to certain works performed by parties of unemployed, and said they would compare favorably with works done by contract. He would advise that the many good men now seeking employment Bhould be so employed on Bmall contracts. " Mr Maoandbew said that the rails now being replaced in certain parts were being used in other parts where traffic was not so heavy. With regard to what the hon. member had said about certain sections, he must say that the wages men required to maintain them were exactly double the number on other sections. He also said that the contracts had been fairly carried out. Mr TußNßriiii criticised what the member for Waikouaiti, who perhaps claimed to bo the financier of the House, had said regarding this being a bad time for letting contracts, owing to the difficulty in getting money. Labor was now admittedly plentiful, and there could not be a better time for letting contracts. The House adjourned at 10 p.m. for half an hour, and resumed at 10.30. The item £500,000, miscellaneous works, was passed. Items, £263,700 for services not previously authorised, including contingent defence, £BO,OOO Native land purchase, £50,000 immigration, £50,000 liabilities under section 16 of the Immigration and Publicl Works Appropriation Act, 1878, £50,000; Cook Straits cable, £24,000; reclamation of {railway Btation at Pipitea, £1000; branch from Greytown to main line, £1000: surveys to open up lands before Bale, £1000; Waitahuna road, £600; public buildings, postal and telegraph offices, £3500 ; lunatio asylums, £2500 j local bodies' contingencies, £IOO, were passed. Major Atkinson desired the Native Minister to state the course he intended to adopt re Native affairs. Mr Sheehan said that he would not countenance the consideration of any Bill which Bhould contemplate making any particular action punishable by law to operate retrospectively, bo as to secure condemnation of any persons under arrest. The Maori prisoners would be fairly tried under the law as it now stands. But he fully recognised the fact that, if perohance they were acquitted and returned to their homes war would inevitably result. He proposed to get an Act passed so as to extend the time for bringing the Natives to trial. The Bill would probably be introduced to-morrow, although there would be time to pass measures after the new Parliament met.

Major Atkinson fully coincided in the Son. Native Minister's statement that the acquittal and return to their homes of the Maoris now in custody would at the present juncture be disastrous, and he hoped that the Bill proposed would be brought down tomorrow, and passed through all its stages without delay.