PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1969, 16 June 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

WELLINGTON, June 15. The expected debate on the financial statement, which had been fixed for to-night, was looked forward to'-with great interest, but it transpired during the morning that Ministers were considering the advisability of postponing it and taking the Native Bills instead, and an Executive Council meeting was held at noon, after which the Cabinet met and decided to adopt this course, on the ground that it was desirable that the correspondence regarding the floating and conversion of the loan should be printed and in the hands of members before the financial proposals were discussed. Another motive was that the Native Minister should have the opportunity of giving some explanation regarding Native affairs before the financial debate came off, as it might affect the result of the other. Accordingly when the House mot, Mr Bryce, on moving the second reading of the Native Land Sales Bill, made a series of disclosures which fairly astounded every one who listened to them, revealing an extent of corruption and profligate squandering of the public money exceeding even the wildest conceptions of the most powerful imagination. The proceedings in the Land Purchase Department were laid bare with merciless candour, and in a most able and lucid way, carrying conviction to all who hoard. The House was crowded in every part, all the galleries being densely packed. Mr Bryce’s remarks wore followed with intense interest. His revelations as to the bogus supplies to Maoris, and [the large dealing in blank vouchers, signed by the dozen by Natives, created a deep impression, and the Opposition appeared]staggered at the picture he drew, and the evidence ho adduced in support of his statements. After he finished, there was a general demand for an adjournment, in order that time might bo allowed to investigate and weigh his statements, and examine the documents quoted when they should be printed and laid on the table. This was agreed to, and the debate was adjourned till Friday. In the Legislative Council, the Hon. E. Whitaker proposed to introduce a clause in the Gaming and Lotteries Bill, legalising the totalisator if used by jockey clubs, and not more than three to be used at each race meeting. Another attempt was made to-day to hold an Opposition caucus, but failed.