GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1782, 6 November 1879, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, Notembeb 5. It was stated in reply to a question that the Maori prisoners would be tried at next sitting of the Court. The Government would not this session alter the Supreme Court procedure. The Judges dealing with the matter had already made progrees regarding reformation and expenditure. HOUSE OF EBPBESENTATIVEB. Wednesday, November 5. | A Select Committee on public accounts was appointed. Mr Hamlin gave notice of motion for the attendance before the Lands Committee of G. B. Worgan, now in Wanganui Gaol. A similar request was made by the Lands Committee to the Premier, but he considered the repuest unusual, and asked time to inquire into the case. Colonel Thimble considered the House was asked to pursue an objectionable course. More information should be furnished. Messrs Muebay and Kelly thought the discussion had better be adjourned until the House knew more about the matter. Mr Hutchison said they could not be better occupied than in seeking justice for the poor and oppressed, and this was not the .oase. Mr SHEEHAN wanted an assurance that the matter would he taken next day. Sir G. Qbby said that reason and justice demanded that the matter should be pressed on. Mr Rolleston said the Government wished ■to conform to the wishes of the House, but the question was very important, and it behoved them to knew something about it. Mr Db Lauxoue said it wag not the duty of the Government to know anything of the case until the committee reported. Major Atkinson eaid it was time that the powerof committees to summon witnesses from all parts of the colony was taken away. It led the country into great and unnecessary expense. Ha would like to see the matter come on to-morrow, but felt that the Government were only doing their duty in asking for an adjournment. Messrs Montgomery, Turnbull and Gisborne urged the carrying out of the wishes of the committee. Mr McLean said a reason should be given why the request was made. Ultimately the adjournment was carried by forty-six to twenty-six, and three o’clock to-morrow was fixed for the debate. Mr Oliteb said at present it was impossible to authorise the sale of railway tickets at post offices. Several Bills were read a first time. A committee was appointed to inquire what facilities can be given to the Press for the use of the telegraph. A return was promised of the revenue and expenditure of each branch line connected with the trunk lino of the Middle Island. Mr Murray’s motion, “That the House sit on Monday,” was withdrawn. Mr Saundbbs asked why the £IOO,OOO due to Canterbury County Councils and Road Boards, and ordered in October last to be paid, had not been paid, and what provision was made, as stated by the late Treasurer ? Major Atkinson said the money had been kept back, but should be paid. The only provision he knew of respecting its payment was the one contained in the schedule to the Act authorising the five million loan of last session. He could not say when the money would be paid. It was dependent upon the loan authorised being raised. Mr Hvbbt moved for a commission to enquire into the operation of the present tariff as regards fostering local industries now established in the colony. The debate was carried on till 5 30 without eliciting or leading to anything material. EVENING SITTING. In Committee of Supply, Mr Olivee asked for an appropriation of £50,000 for necessary works, and to afford work for the unemployed. Mr Macandbew Baked what were the particular lines. Me Olivee said those commenced by the late Government, the Otago Central and Woke Pass. Major Atkinson said those votes had lapsed, and they asked authority to continue the expenditure thereon. It was illegal to do so without permission under the Railways Construction Act. Mr Macandbew said it would be beat to sweep away the Act. Mr Hislop said the resolution was brought down to curry favor with the unemployed. Mr Rollhston said they only asked power to deal with an exigency. Sir G. Gbby eaid the hon. gentleman who had just sat down never was in favor if finding work for the unemployed, or admitting the claims of working men. That gentleman resisted every effort to decrease their taxation, and lay it on that class beet able to bear it. Colonel Tbimblb denounced Sir Q. Grey for obstructing business and speaking to the ,gallery.

An animated debate followed, Sir G. Grey taunting Colonel Trimble. Mr Rolibston referred to Sir G. Grey’s telegram asking for 6000 immigrants from England as an instance of the way in which the business of the country was conducted by the late Government.

Sir G. Geby said the telegram was intended to show the sympathy of the colony with the distress at Homo. He accused Mr Ormond of making insulting remarks. The vote was then passed and reported to the House for approval. The following Bills passed:—Lyttelton Harbor Board and Ashburton County Council Waterworks. Sir Geobge Qeet moved the second reading of the Native Reserves Vesting Bill, the object of which was to vest all Native reserves in the Public Trustee. Mr Beyce urged the withdrawal of the Bill for the present. Mr Sheehan suggested the adjournment of the debate for a week to enable the Maoris to become acquainted with the Bill. Messrs Pitt and Sbddon opposed the Bill and the adjournment. Messrs Masters and Gisboenb supported the adjournment. Mr Tomoana moved—" That the Bill be read that day six months.” Mr Tainui seconded this. The debate was adjourned for a week. The remaining business referred to Auckland and Wellington privateißills. The House adjourned at 1.10 a.m. The whole evening has been wasted in a wretched wordy war on Sir G. Grey’s merits, especially re the 6000 immigrants and their families. Sir G. Grey and Mr Rolleston were the chief orators, but of course Messrs Seddon and Lnndon could not keep their light under a bushel, and members had to leave their seats in dispair of getting on to business, or doing anything they came here for.