GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1970, 17 June 1880, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, June 16. In the Legislative Council the TaonuiAhsuhuranga Bill was read a first time. All the correspondence from Sir J. Coode and others re the Timaru Breakwater was ordered to be laid on the table. The Hon. Mr Scotiand gave notice to move—" That for the credit of the colony and the interests of the two races all recognised claims to reserves by Natives on the West Coast should be acceded to as recommended by the Boyal Commission." The Council went into committee on the Gambling and Lotteries Bill. The discussion lasted the whole afternoon. The proposal to allow raoing elubs to übb the totalisator with the consent of the Colonial Secretary was ultimately carried by 11 votes to 9, the totalisator being rendered illegal to all others but clubs. An amendment was carried that art unions should only take place with the consent of the Colonial Secretary. The Bill was then reported, but ordered to be re-com-mitted next day, on the proposal to give resident magistrates the power to allow art unions instead of the Colonial Secretary. The Council rose at 4.45 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, Jttnb 16. The House met at 2 30 p.m. Mr Sutton presented a petition from thirtyone publicans and brewers in Napier, protesting against the beer tax. NOTICES OP MOTION. Sir W. Eox gave notice of a question relative to the payment of £3OO to Mr W. L. Bees by the late Government. Replying to Mr Turnbull, The Hon. Major Atkinson said that the money was advanced to the Waimea Railway Company on March 17th last, and will be repaid by the Annuities Department to the public works account in the course of a day or two. In addition to £40,000 of guaranteed debentures at 7 per cent., a mortgage was taken over the Company's line. Replying to Mr Pyko, The Hon. J. Halli said that in viow of the state of the Treasury he thought tho extension of !;he telegraph line from Cromwell to Lake Wanaia, which had been repeatedly authorised by this House, could stand over in the meantime. Replying to Mr Seddon, The Hon. R. Omvbb. promised to produce a copy of the correspondence between the Government and the Waimea Railway Company relative to the advance of the £40,000, also the terms and conditions on which the said sum was advanced. Replying to Mr Seddon, The Hon. J. Haho Baid that he hoped next week he would be able to introduce the Representation Bill. Replying to Mr Bowen, The Hon. W. Rolleston said that the percentage of female over male teachers was rapidly increasing, and in the natural course of eventß it was bound to increase. In theße circumstances he did not think it necessary to give any extra encouragement for the more frequent employment of females in that way. Mr Botven asked whether a Teachers' Pension Act has been under consideration of Government and what course they intend to take in the matter. The Hon. W. Roljleston replied that a Bill of the kind had been prepared, and was under the consideration of the Government. The Bill as it stood would not be satisfactory to the teachers as a whole. The 6 per cent, deduction would not be fair to all. There was a large preponderance of females over males, and as the former did not take to teaching aa a life-long employment, it would not be fair to have them all placed on the one footing as regards these deductions. The subject, however, was under consideration. Replying to Mr Wood, _ The Hon. Major Atkinson promised to fumigh a statement in detail of the reductions from the proceeds of the property tax (estimated last year to realise £470,000), in consequence of the extension of the exemption from £3OO to £SOO, of the exemption of agricultural implements, insurance polioies, furniture, or from further causes. Mr Wood asked if the Colonial Treasurer would state the amount demanded and collected on account of the duty of 6d per gallon on colonial beer duriog the first four days of the existence 0 f the tax —that is to say, up to Saturday last. s , The Hon.n^ or jamnrßOH replied that if the object was to ascertain the basis of his

calculation as to the amount that would be raised from the tax, the return would be uselees. He explained that the calculation was based on the amount of tax collected during the time it was in force in 1878. Mr Babbon asked if all land tax defaulters throughout the colony, [as shown by the return to June Ist, laid before this House, havo been summoned for the tax, and if not, why not? The Hon. Major Atkinson replied that the department had aoted leniently in the matter. They had, when they found no other course open, issued summonses, commencing with the letter A and going right through the list alphabetically. He hoped, however, that it would not be necessary to go right through the alphabetical list. R3plying to Mr Beeves, The Hon. R. Ouvbb said that the cost of tho survey of the railway from Bellgrove towards Roundell, on the Nclson-Greymouth railway was not known, and that the survey towards Tophouae is in progress, with a view to deciding upon the beßt route for the line.

Sir W. Fox asked who was the chief for whose marble bust £7O was paid to Thomas Miller in August, 1879, and who was the chief for whose marblo bust £6O was paid on account to Thomas Miller in July, 1879 ; also for what Native a headstone coating £35 was paid for in September, 1879 ; where such busts and hoadßtone now are, and to whom they belong; also, where are the five volumes of " Bancroft's Races," for which £6 10s was paid in August, 1879, and by what officer of the Government were such charges respectively authorised, as stated in the return of contingent expenditure of the Native Department laid before this House ? Tho Hon. J. Bbyob replied that £2OO was authorisnd by the late Government for the bust of Hapuka, which was sent to Sydney to the Exhibition there, and from Sydnoy it would go to the Melbourne Exhibition. The tombstone was authorised by the late Native Minister over the grave of a distinguished ohief. The volumes of "Bancroft's Races" were got for Mr White, who was preparing a work on the subject of tho Maori raoe. The bust was the property of the Government. Replying to Mr Hutchison. The Hon. T. Dick said that the Government was aware that an auctioneer in Blenheim named Griffiths was receiving £SO a year for acting as clerk to the sheep department there when the Sheep Act came into force. His services were continued by the late Government. He had held the appointment previously, but it was thought that they would soon be able to dispense with his services. All the correspondence on the aubiect would be produced. THB PBOrEBTT TAX. Leave was granted to Sir George Grey to introduce a Bill entitled a Bill to repeal the Property Assessment Act, 1879, and the Property Tax Act, 1879. Sir G. Gbbt moved that it be road a second time to-morrow week. The Hon. J. HaMi submitted that the Bill was tantamount to a vote of want of confidence, and should be brought on for the second reading at once. He moved as an amendment that it be read a second time tomorrow. Sir G. Gbbt said that he thought he was consulting the convenience of the Government by making it to-morrow week. He would, however, be prepared to go on with it to-morrow night. The amendment was agreed to. NEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and read a firßt time—The Otago Rivers Bill (Mr Fulton) ; the Sydenham Borough Oounoil Empowering Bill (Mr Stevenß) ; theTaranaki Iron Smelting Works Land Aot, 1874, Amendment Bill (Mr Stewart). HOPBS OP SITTING. Mr Setmoitb moved the adoption of the report of the Standing Orders Committee, recommending a sessional order that the House rise at 12 30 every night, and other alterations in the Standing Orders. Hon. J. Hall supported the motion generally, but opposed the proposal for the adjournment of the House not later than 12.30. It would be a hindrance to the work of tho session, and he moved that that be struck out of the motion. Mr Maoandbew supported tho report. He urged that it was physically impossible to go on as they had been going for some sessions, sitting up to all hours of the morning. He would prefer remaining a month longer in seesion than remaining up all night and seeing the work hurried, through with the small houses they usually had after midnight. On being put, the original motion was carried on the voices. BBTPBNS. Mr Hamlih moved—" That a return bo laid before the House of all the correspondence and telegrams that have passed between the Defence and Public Works department and their officials in Taranaki relative to the construction of that part of the road lying between the Werekino and Waiweremie rivers." The Hon. J. Bbyce hoped that he would not be called upon to produce the confidential correspondence passing between him and the head of the defence force now on the Weßt Coast. The motion was put and negatived. SETTLEMENT OF THE LAND. Mr Hutchison moved—" That a Select Committee, consisting of Captain Russell, Mr Macandrew, Captain Colbeck, Messrs Shephard, Masters, Montgomery, Kenny and the mover, be appointed to consider the beßt moans of encouraging the settlement of the industrial classes upon the waste lands of the colony, and further what help and encouragement may be properly extended by the Government to those who are desirous of [taking up small sections of land ; to report in four weeks." TheHon.W.RoLLESTON Baid that as Minister for Lands he was quite alive to his duty in regard to bona Jide settlement on the lands. He did not think it would be wise to create another committee to consider this point. The Waste Lands Committee was the proper quarter to refer this question. It was a body already in existence, and the subject of the motion was quite within its functions. Mr Ballance charged the Government with having shown a feeling of hostility to the special settlement clauseß of the Land Act of last session. The Minister for Lands had said that the intention of these clauses was the introduction of foreign capital. He denied that such were the faots of the case, and quoted from tho Minister's own speech on the occasion of the passing of the Aot to show that the primary object was to afford facilities to working men's olubs and other combinations of that kind. If working men were bound to show a large capital before the Government would enter into negotiations with them, as had been alleged by the Minister for Landß during the recess, in answer to an application by a working men's club, then these special settlement clauses were a mere delusion. What he complained of was that these concessions were readily granted to men who could command foreign capital, and who did so for their own personal aggrandisement, while working men in the colony who could command a small amount of capital would not be treated with at all. He did not think that thiß committeo would do muoh good. If they had not men at the head of affairs enthusiastic in the matter of settlement, all the committees in the world would not be able to promote it. The Government had tho facilities for providing the Wellington and other associations with what they required in the way.of land for special settlement purposes. The Hon. T. Dick moved, as an amend- ' ment, that it be an instruction to the Waste Lands Committee to consider and make a recommendation on the subjoct referred to in the motion. The discussion was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. SECOND HEADINGS. Mr Pxkb moved the second reading of tho Party Processions Bill. It was a Bill for the better preservation of tho peace. It aimed at all bodies whose proceedings were likely to be regarded by any section of the bb being obnoxious. Ho referred to tho faction fighting whioh lately took place at Christchurch and Timaru as evidence of the necessity that exists for tho meaßuro. They did not wish to revive tho memory of the wretched past in this young community. It was not the procession that waß constituted an offence, unless accompaniei by preparations for offence, and even then it wsb left to Justices of the Peace to say whether or not these preparations were of an offensive • character. It gave magistrates the option of commuting the offence into one for a monetary penalty instead of imprisonment. ! In that respect it differed from a similar i measure passed in one of the other colonies. The Hon. J. Hall was understood to say ! that the Government was disposed to regard i the Bill as, to some extent, an interference

with the liberty of the subject. The late disturbance breught down upon the offenders such an amount of condemnation as would prevent a recurrence of such a proceeding. Such being the case, he did not think it was at all necessary to invoke the strong arm of the law. He hoped the mover of the motion would be content with having direoted attention to the subject. It would give all ooncerned to understand that the Legislature would be prepared to interfere if the force of public opinion were found not strong enough to prevent a recurrence of theßO disgraceful proceedings. Mr Seddon held an opinion similar to that of the previous speaker. Mr Stbwabt argued that if the matter was not required, as some speakers had said, then tho measure would remain a dead letter. If it was required then they could bring it operation at once. He therefore thought the Bill should be passed. Mr Bowbn argued that the law as it stood was able to vindicate itself, consequently there was no real necessity for tho Bill. The offenders in tho caws alluded to were men who had come red hot from tho place where these feuds were traditionary. When they found that these things were not countenanced in this country they would soon come to forget their early traditions. The mistake the Bill made was that it attempted to prohibit persons wearing certain emblems instead of providing punishment for thoße who could not restrain their pißßions when they saw such emblems.

Mr Andbbws condemned the Bill, and said it was altogether uncalled for. Mr Stevens moved that the Bill be read that day six months. Mr Pvkb in replying said that gentlemen on all sides had congratulated him on the Bill, and promised support. Ho folt very considerably sold, and would be chary in future in leaving his honor in such hands. It there was blood shod hereafter thoie who opposed this Bill would be responsible. On being put, the motion tor the reading that day Bix months was carried on the voices.

Sir G. Gbby moved the second reading of the Moorhouae Services Recognition Bill. He stated that in 1868 as Governor of the colony he visited Canterbury, and found Mr Moorhouae, the then Superintendent of Canterbury, administering tho nffnrs of that province with great ability and foresight. His efforts in promoting tho Lyttelton tunnel in order to connect Chriatohurch with the port were alluded to in flattering terms. What he asked was that a medal ahould be struck and be in the hands of Mr Moorhouae, his heirs and their heirs in all genera, tions, recognised as a free pass on all railways. This effort he looked upon as a move in a direction of entering upon a new field of rewards, superior to any knighthocd or peerage. Although between him and Mr Moorhouae tho utmoßt friendly feeling existed privately, in political life they had never voted on any occasion together. He hoped that fact would go to show that merit could be acknowledged freely by all parties independent altogether of political predilection. The Hon. J. Eali seconded the motion. He could not agreo with the speaker in hiß remarks that this was a kind of protest against the opinion that the Imperial authorities were alone capable of being entrusted with the reward of their distinguished men. He agreed with the warm eulogißm expressed upon Mr Moorhouse's public career, more especially in the indomitable purseverance he had shown in carrying out the Lyttelton tunnel scheme. It reflected great credit upon his foresight and sagacity. He recognised the appropriateness of the recognition proposed to be conferred on Mr Moorhonße.

Mr MACANBBBWaIso concurred, and hoped that the Bill would pass without a disaenting voice. He looked upon the toatimonial not only as a compliment to Mr Moorhouse but to the Pilgrim Fathers of Canterbury. Mr Bowen bore witness to the extreme earnestness and aiixiety with which Mr Moorhouse carried out the tunnel work, as also the other valuable services he had rendered to Canterbury. Mr Ibeland objected that in a young country they Bhould establish hereditary honors. He believed in rewarding merit, and that was enough. It should not be made to descend to the children.

Mr Tcbnbuxli thought that they had no right to saddle the future generation with an exemption of this kind. It was a trifling exemption in this inetanoe, but it opened the door to a more serious question.

Sir G. Gbet, in reply, said that the Premier had been mistaken as to what he meant by his reference to the Imperial authorities. What he meant to assert was that they should show that they were able, independent of political strife, to recognise and reward merit as they found it existing amongst themselves. If it was thought that they were going too far in making the medal a railway pass in all time coming, let some other member move for the striking out of theße words. He would not object, but at the same time he denied that this was an hereditary honor in the usual acceptation of the phrase. The mptipn was put and carried on the voices, and tne Bill committed at once. In committee, Mr Mpbbat moved that the words " and to hi* descendants be striiok out. A division wbb taken 'on the amendment, which was lost; ayes, 42 ; noes, 9. Mr Mtjbbay protested against the result as an attempt to create in New Zealand a nobility. Mr Stbwabt moved that the words " the eldeßt heir in a direct line for the time being" be inserted, instead of the word "descendants."

Mr Andbews denounced the course sought to be pursued, and Btated that if returned a member of that House he would time after time move that the motion be struck off the records of the House.

Mr Seddon expressed surprise at the opposition coming from the quarter it did. It showed what might be expected if it were left to tho people of Christchuroh. Mr Stewart's amendment was then put and carried, and on resuming the Bill was reported with the amendment.

Mr Mubbay again protested, stating that the proceeding was opposed to those demooratio principles which the House professed to support. Tho Bill was then read a third time and passed. The Houbo then went into committeo on the Execution against Real Estate Bill, and on resuming the Bill was reported with the amendments, and was ordered to be considered to-morrow.

The Houee went into committee on the Election Petitions Bill. The number of Judges before whem the petitions should be tried was altered from one to two. Other trifling amendments were made, after which the Bill was reported with the amendments. At 12.30 the House adjourned.