GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1761, 11 October 1879, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Peibay, Ootobeb 10. The House met at 2.30. The new Mioistry occupied the benches to the right of the Speaker, vacated by late Ministers. NOTICBB. Mr Hall gave notice of the Redistribution of Seats Bill, and the Bribery and Corruption Bill. Mr McLkan gave notice of a motion tbat the Island of Kawau be included in a county for rating purposes. "WAST OF COHMDENOH. Mr Macanbkbw rose to give notice of a motion : —"That the present Government does not possess the confidence of the House." He asked the indulgence of the House whilst he made an explanation calculated to expedite the business of the House. The Spbakee said if the House objected, the explanation could not be made.

Objection was raised, and Mr Macandbew then formally moved the adjournment of the House, and speaking on the motion, said he hoped the business of the country would not go on until the motion of which he had just civen notice had been disposed of— [.Hear, hear, and laughter]-and that it would be brought to an issue as early as possible. If the Government were so disposed, he did not object to go on with the motion by asking for the suspension of Standing Orders for that purpose, in order that they might go to a division that day, and he might add his party were willing to abide loyally by the result of such division, whatever that might be. lie had no doubt of the result, although he did not forget the old adage that the best laid schemes, &c He was sure that he only spoke the mind of his side of the House, when he said the result would be loyally accepted whatever it was. It was perhaps too much to expect that they should go on with it at once and take a division, but if they would give him an assurance that it should be made the first order of the day for next week, he would be satisfied. If they did so he had reason to believe that it would be carried, and they were prepared to go on with the business without delay. He would therefore give notice of his intention to propose a vote of want of confidence. He had no wish to press the motion for adjournment.

THB FINANCIAL POSITION. Major Atkinson gave notice to introduce a Public Revenues Act, and in doing so took the opportunity of stating that the finances of the colony were not in a satisfactory condition, and it was his intention to ask the House for permission to suspend payments until the position of affairs had been thoroughly inquired into, whioh could not be done without a temporary suspension. PETITIONS. The petition of Sydney Taiwhanga against the election of Mohi Tawhai was presented, also a petition of certain Natives praying for a Lieut.-Governor. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr Pink obtained permission to ask the Government without notice what steps had been taken to provide for the proper administration of justice at Gisborne. Mr Rollbston said there was no duly appointed officer in the district, but steps would be taken to provide for filling up the appointment. Mr Sbddon presented a petition signed by 2000 residents of Hokitika and district, praying for the construction of a railway between Hokitika and Greymouth. The petition was unrolled on the floor of the House, and occupied the full length of the floor.

In reply to Mr Finn, Mr Rollbston said it was intended to throw open for settlement all available agricultural land at the head of Lake Wakatip at an early date. Mr Hall, in reply to Mr Seymour, said the Government proposed to give a site and subsidy of £SO per annum for a telegraph station to be opened at Renwioktown, without insisting upon a large money guarantee. Mr Bbyce, in reply to Tainui, said the report of Commissioner Young on Native reserves on the West Coast, together with all correspondence and minutes relating thereto, would be placed on the table in a few days. The Minibtbb pob Public Wobks, in reply to Mr Andrews, said that the question whether the Government would cause all railway passengers' tickets for use on the New Zealand railways to have the value of such tickets printed on the back must stand over. It was the intention of the Government to take steps to cause the whole of the officials on the Government railways to wear a distinctive dress or uniform while on duty.

The Commissionbb op TblegbaphS, in reply to Mr Hirst, said steps were being taken to erect a line of telegraph from Thornbury junction to Otautau, in the county of Wallace. The Minibtbb pob Public Wobks, in reply to Mr Hirst, said steps were being taken to re-lay the Riverton-Invercargill railway with 401 b rails, as recommended by the engineer. The Govbbnmbnt, in reply to Mr Bowen, said that instructions would be sent by the Land Tax Department to the deputy-commis-sioners as to the principle upon which valuations should be made. A copy of the instructions would be laid before the House.

The Colonial Tbbasubeb, in reply to a question by Mr Johnson, as to whether instructions would be issued making the Land Tax in each county payable at the .Post-office Savings' Banks within each county, said it could be paid by Post-office order at any office.

Leave was given to introduce the following Bill:—Mr Beeves, Bill to amend the Mines Aot, 1877; Mr Beeves, the Mining Companies Act, 1872, Amendment Bill; Mr Shrimski, the Oamaru Harbor Board Bill; Col. Trimble, the Waitara Harbor Board Grant and Loan Bill; Mr Bunny, Bill to amend the Masterton and Greytown Lands Management Aot, 1871; Mr Stewart, Bill to amend the Execution of Judgments against Heal Estate Act, 1867; Mr Fulton, Bill to amend the Hawke's Bay and Marlborough Kivera Act, 18fi8. MINISTEBIAfc STATEMENT. Mr HaliL said that on Wednesday he had asked for an adjournment of the House until Tuesday, as he was not prepared to go on with the business, and because such an adjournment would expedite the business, as he would then be able to go on without interruption. That permission was not granted, and he had now to do his best to make matters plain. He would first offer some explanation as to why Ministers were not sworn in on Wednesday in time to meet the House. It had been said that was done to avoid a motion of want of confidence, but there was no foundation for such a statement. The late Premier had given notice of an Imprest Supply Bill on Tuesday, and it was agreed to co-operate with him in passing that Bill, and it was found necessary to proceed with it on Wednesday. Their representative in the Legislative Council had not arrived, and was not expected until to-morrow, and the Legislative Council very properly refused to allow the Bill to pass through unless it was in the hands of a representative Minister, so that it was entrusted to the representative of the Government then in the Chamber, and that was the reason they were not sworn in until after the rising of the House and passing of that Imprest Supply Bill. [Cheers.] He would state what was the intention of the Government, although he could only do so briefly and imperfectly in the absence of the colleague to whom he had referred, and who was expected next day, and until the Hon. Colonial Treasurer had finished the investigation of the finances of the colony, upon which he was engaged, and which he had been busy with since he had been sworn in. He had found out that the financial position of the colony required the serious consideration of the House. More than that he was not prepared to state, but on Tuesday he hoped to be able to lay before them a full statement showing that condition. It was desirable it should be done as early as possible and that' was their intention. As to Native matters, his hon. friend the Native Minister had been engaged in making an investigation into those subjects calling for attention, but he found affairs in such a condition as to call for strict inquiry, and some delay would tako place in making his statement in consequence, but he would be able to state generally the condition in which he found the department, and the steps necessary to be adopted. The question of alienation of Native lands would be brought forward and an outline of their intentions given on Tuesday. He would also refer to the manner and extent of land purchases now going on. The question of electoral reform would occupy their attention. It had been the custom for some hon. members to throw doubt on the sincerity of his party respecting the advocacy of this question, but it would be seen that they intended to proceed with the question without loss of time, and to go on with other measures of a similar nature, and he hoped the hon. members opposite would throw no obstacle in the way, but allow them to go on. The Bill for the extension of the franchise was not introduced, but it was in type as left by the late Government, and proposals would be made with the view of improving it. He had given notice of his intention to introduce it on Tuesday. The Bill of last session was not in reality a liberal measure, and an amendment would be made by way of additions from the Bill of Mr Whitaker's. The Maori qualification would be so amended as to make it acceptable to the House. The Triennial Parliament Bill had been laid before the House, and its second reading would be at once proceeded with. He differed from the lato Government respecting this Bill in a remarkable feature. Their Bill was only to take effect after the dissolution of the present Parliament. They intended to be rarj generous, but did not intend it to affect themselves.

Mr Gibbobnb—The Bill was prepared for the last Parliament not the present. [Laughter.]

Mr Hall could only say that the Bill was sent up from the printer as one to be laid on the table and circulated as such. [Cheers from the Government side/] Mr Montgombby said he hoped there would be nothing like reflections imputed to the late Ministers in the statement of the hon. gentleman. (Question.) Mr Hall said he had no intention of doing anything of the kind. Mr Gisbobnb said the Bill had not been settled upon by the late Government. Mr Hall continued—He would accept the explanation, and would go on with the Bill for them. The representation distribution arrangements would differ from those introduced by the last Parliament without disfranchising any portions of the colony, as would have been done by the measure intended to be introduced last Parliament. As to the land, it was to the interest of all that it should be settled as speedily as possible, and they would take steps to promote that end. An improvement on the present law would be introduced. Statistics showed that settlement had taken place in a rapid manner, but further facilities were required. In connection with the deferred payment system, the price charged on this plan was excessive, and was regulated by the Land Sales Act. They would bring down liberal and well considered proposals on this subject at once. This was all he could state on the subject of their intentions at present, but he would be prepared with a fuller statement on Tuesday next. He expected his hon. colleague to arrive to-morrow. He would ask the House to go on with the business in order that hon. members might not be detained for a longer time than necessary. tbibnnial pabliambnts bill. The order of the day for the second reading of the Triennial Parliaments Bill was then called on. Sir G. Gbey said he rose to ask in whoso hand this Bill was at present. It had been in his custody. The Speakke thought it was in the hands of the new Government. Mr Hall said no disrespect was intended to the hon. member in taking over the Bill, which was now in his hands. He spoke in support of the Bill, and moved the second reading. Mr Shebhan said he was not ashamed of the position he now held. He had been there before, and hoped not to be there long. They were told that speech was silvern, but silence golden. He thought the speech of the present Government was only brass, and bad quality, and they could not go on with business on Wednesday when asked, but were now prepared to go on with anything except the resolution of his hon. friend the member for Port Chalmers. If they meant to Bhut his party out of debate they would not succeed. order that they might have an opportunity of debating this matter he should move the adjournment of the debate until Tuesday next. Mr Whitakee regretted to find his hon. friend rising to discuss the adjournment of a Bill in favor of which he had spoken so earnestly on other occasions. He contended that the Bill was brought forward by the party to which [he ihad the honor to belong, and should not now be opposed by those who professed themselves so anxious to see it carried, and to see the measures of the country proceed without obstruction. They were prepared to bring down the Electoral Bill and to proceed with the whole business without any delay. He considered the motion for adjournment a bad move, and deprecated any intention on the part of the Opposition to obstruct business or drive their supporters into the lobby like a flock of sheep. He trusted they would give way, and allow the business to be proceeded with. Mr Tubnbull said the question was simply whether they should proceed with the business or take the discussion of the motion of the hon. member for Port Chalmers first. They could not be said to object to the Bill before the House simply because they asked the adjournment of the Bill till Tuesday. Mr McLean said he intended the present occupants of the Ministerial benches to have an opportunity of examining into[the accounts of the country before they were put out of their seats, if they were to be removed. He supposed the hon. member for Timaru did not want the Triennial Parliaments Bill, but wanted to shuffle out of it, as he had done out cf other things lately. He and many others did not want the Bill, but as it had been introduced he would support it, and challenged others to do so, instead of now attempting to get out of it. He knew the hon. member for Port Chalmers objected to it, and others had gone into the lobby against it. Mr Swanson said he for one was prepared to go on with this Bill at once, if the Opposition would then promise to proceed with the business, and have it fought fairly out. He was prepared to sit up all night if necessary, in order to see this matter fought out, and all the measures then proceeded with, whatever party was in power. Mr Bowbn wanted to know what what the hon. member meant by fighting it out fairly, when they had already disposed of the matter. He maintained that to oppose this Bill was a factious interruption of the business of the country. If the adjournment was carried the responsibility wonld rest with the Opposition. Mr Wood said that whatever there was unconstitutional in the course adopted, it arose from the Government refusing to allow the motion of the member for Port Chalmers to proceed. Mr McLean rose to a point of order, and was supported by Mr Wakefield, who asked the Speaker to define to what members could speak under such circumstances. The Spbakeb said members must not touch upon a matter which could not come on until Tuesday. Mr Wood continued. H 9 maintained that the measures to be introduced were claimed under false pretences, because they were Liberal measures of his hon. friend the late Premier. The hon. member for Selwyn ought to have attempted a reconstruction of the late Ministry, if he had carried out the intention and spirit of the former vote, instead of surrounding himself with men of the old continuous Government who sat for seven years, and did incalculable injury to the country. They had disgusted their supporters by doing so, and would do so Btill more, if they kept the motion of the hon. member for Port Chalmers low down on the list, and defied a House which had no confidence in them.

Major Atkinson said the member for Port Chalmers and member for the Thames who moved the adjournment of the debate were always opposed to this Bill, and that would account for their action on this occasion. He might tell them that although the late Government occupied office for two years, those liberal Bills of which they had heard so much, were in a disgracefully unfinished condition, which showed the insincerity of their loud liberal professions. On a former occasion, which some hon. members would remember, a motion of want of confidence was shelved until the Government then in power had an opportunity of bringing down their measures. he maintained, was a constitutional proceeding, and one which they were entitled to follow. They knew the hon. gentleman at the head of the late Government was incapable of carrying out the liberal measures he had trumpeted to the country, and there were not eight men amongst them who had confidence in him as a leader. But what were his claims to the authorship of the Bills before the House ? The only claim was his having flourished them before the country to gain popularity. He would ask members of the new House to give the Government an opportunity of introducing their measures and policy, and if they were not then satisfied they might put them out. But he asked them not to assist the late Government in adopting a course solely intended to cover up their delinquencies, and keep back matters which ought to be known before tho present holders of office relinquished their places. [Cheers.] Mr Macandbew said it was true, as stated, that he voted against the Triennial Parliament Bill. Although he was not in favour of it a few years ago, the fact was they did not oppose the Bill, but asked for its adjournment until the motion of which he had givon notice had been disposed of. They were determined the Bill should bo carried through, but also determined that the challenge should be accepted in a constitutional manner.

Mr Hall said that was precisely what they wished to do. They could only condemn them, because they wished to take their seats. The Ministry and the country were entitled to ask that those gentlemen who were called to occupy the Ministerial seats should have an opportunity of bringing down their policy. Instead of limiting them to Tuesday, when they would not have an opportunity of speaking to the country, he asked them to give Ministers time to prosecute their inquiry into the finances of the country, and they would not shrink from any resolution as to the confidence of the House. What would be gained

by postponing the Bill before the House ? That would not compel them to give precedence to the motion of the member for Port Chalmers. Mr Mobs did not see that objeotion could be taken to the motion for adjournment. No advantage could be taken of any discovery they might make by ransacking pigeon holes, so long as the motion of the hon. member for Port Chalmers was before the House.

Major Atkinson quoted from "Hansard " of 1875 to show that Mr Macandrew had voted againßt the Bill before the House, and Mr Bryce and himself in favor of it. Mr Gisbobne said the hon. member had given an instance of his own insincerity, because in 1878 he had voted against the Bill. He maintained that the question was one of confidence in the occupants of the Benches, and not affecting the measure before the House. He hoped members would not be led away by any threatß respecting the opinion of their constituents if they opposed this or any other Bill, because the real question at issue was whether the Government possessed the confidence of the House. Mr Da Latoub spoke in favor of the adjournment. Mr Rolleston objected to take a vote of want of confidence on a mere question of adjournment. Mr Eei.lt also spoke, and was still speaking, when the debate was cut short by the dinner hour adjournment at 5.30 p.m.