GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1781, 5 November 1879, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNOIL. [BY TeLEGBAPH.] Tuesday, Novembbb 4. In the Legislative Council it was stated that the Government would take no steps towards amending the Reprint of the Statutes Act until after consultation with the Judges. Mr Whitakkr said the expenditure on the West Coast through the Maori troubles was about £S6CO per month; 602 armed constabulary were there. The Suppression of Gaming Bill was read a second time. HOUSE OE BEPEESENTATIVES. Tuesday, Notembbe 4. Sir G. Gbby gave notice to introduce a Bill to establish an elective Upper House. Mr MoNTGOirisBY gave notice to amend the Electoral Bill, rendering it impossible for an elector to have his name on more than one roll in the oolony. Mr Moss gave notice to ask whether the tender for the first contract of the WellingtonPoxton Railway, for £66,000, was accepted. Mr Beeves will ask whether the Government will authorise the sale of railway tickets at Poßt offices and bookstalls. Several new Bills were introduced and read a first time.

On the motion that the House go into Committee of Supply, Tamoana asked about the Maori prisoners, saying that last session a Bill was brought in, and it was stated that they should be tried within a month. He wished to know if the; were still legally detained. He thought something should have been done for the Maoris before this. He thought they were illegally detained. Those against whom charges had been proved were taken to the other island, and why were not the others also taken, or sent back and given the lands promised to them ? Tawhai spoke in a similar strain. Mr Rolmston said while the Government were anxious to do what was right, they were unable at present to say what course they will pursue. Mr Shbehan said the welfare of the colony rendered a trial necessary before the prisoners could be released. Sir G. Gbby said before the House went into Committee of Supply, the Redistribution of Seats Bill should be considered. The Speakks said the business of the House must come in its proper order. Sir G. Gbby wished to put matters in form.

The Bpbakkb again overruled him. Ater some discussion and explanation, and an assurance satisfactory to the Speaker being given, the ques ion was allowed to be put—- " That the House do all in its power to secure the introduction of a Bill providing for a redistribution of representation this^sesßion." The question was then put that the amendment stand part of the question. The result was —Ayes, 65 ; noes, 5. The noes were Messrs Brandon, Hislop, Kelly, Ormond, and Shephard. A supply of £300,000 was granted. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

In reply to Mr Giaborne, Major Atkinson said that* the financial statement would be brought down as early as possible. THB MAOBI~BBPBBSENTA.TIOir BILIi.

The Pbbmibe moved the second, reading of the Maori Representation Bill. He said the question was a difficult one. The Constitution Act gave the Maoris nominally the same privileges as Europeans, but practically there was a distinction, because non-ratepayers were exclnded until an Act making special provision was introduced. The intention of the Government was to give them equal represent tative rights with Europeans. Mr MACiNDBEtr complained that the Bill would double the in the House. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. Mr Kbily continued the debate. He said the question should not be considered a party one. He thought the debate should be adjourned till Government had had an opportunity of looking the question fairly in the face.

Mr Geoegh opposed the adjournment as well as the second reading. Tawhai disapproved of the Bill. It would be hard to carry out its provisions. Pass this Bill and there would be not more than 500 Maori electors in the colony, while the Census showed the Maori population waß 45,000. He asked that the Bill be postponed. The Maoris should possess the dual vote. Tb Whbobo disapproved of many of the clauses.

Mr Buycb disapproved of the present system, and would like to seo it altered grodua ly into a new one. . Sir G. Gbky considered that it would inflict a great injustice on the Natives, as it sought to create them into ao inferior people by depriving them of the great privileges which their Enropean fellows enjoyed. Mr Rolleston defended the Bill. It was a carefully considered measure, but before its time.

Mr Bamancb wanted tho Natives to be placed on the same footing as Europeans. The Bill ought to be dropped, and a " Qualified Electors Bill " introduced first.

Colonel TaistiJiß objeoted to Maoris having the right to vote for Europeana, except when they were ratepayers. After a long disoussion, tho debate on the Maori Bepresentation Bill was adjourned zcr a week. THE TRIENNIAL PARLIAMENTS BILL.

This Bill was then committed. Mr Mubbay moved that the- word " triennial " be struck out in whatsoever part of the Bill it occurred, and that there ho substituted the word " quadrennial." The motion was lost on the voices.

Upon clause 3 Mr Shepherd moved — That the present Parliament be dissolved on the 28th of February, 1883, unlesß for some cause it had been previou»ly dissolved." The amendment causod a long discussion, and a motion that progress u 9 reported having been defeated,

Mr J. T. EiSffßß proposed that 18S3 be struck out, substituting 1882. The House divided on the question—" That the figures proposed to be omitted stand part of the question." Ayes, 26 ; noes, 34. The figures 1882 were then substituted. The other amendments were ordered to be considered on Friday, and the House adjourned at 2 am.