GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1989, 9 July 1880, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION SPECIAL WISE.'] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, Judy 8, In the Legislative Council, in reply to the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, The Hon. P. Whitaker said a property tax officer at Invercargill, and a Government Insurance Agent at Dunedin, had lately been appointed, they not being civil servants. He promised that future vacancies should be filled by dismissed officers, if any were dismissed, as at the time of abolition. The Hon. Mr Taiahoa moved—-“ That Lake Ellesmere should not be drained unless the Natives deprived of fishing rights were compensated.” He said that the drainage was a breach of the treaty of Waitangi. The Hon. P. Whitaker said that as Government had bought the lake he presumed they also bought the fish. There was no intention to drain the lake, which would require enormous pumps, but merely to keep down its level and prevent the flooding of the railway and adjacent country. After discussion the question was adjourned to Tuesday. The Hon. J. T. Peacock gave notice of motion that Government should deduct from some other part of the estimates a sufficient sum to pay Legislative Councillors the usual honorarium. The Hon. Mr Taiahoa gave notice to ask the intention of Government re the trial of the Maori prisoners; also, if any prisoner should die while waiting would the Government hold themselves responsible. The Governor’s assent was received to throe small Bills. The Thsmes Water Supply Transfer Bill was read a third time, and the Native Succession Bill was recommitted. A large number of amendments were made in the Native Reserves Bill partly passed through Committee. The Council again went into Committee on the Deceased Wife’s Sister Bill, and the Hon. Col. Whitmore moved that it should be thrown out, saying that he would abide by the result, of the division. Fourteen voted for the Bill, and thirteen to throw it out. The Hon. Col. Whitmore moved an amendment—“ That all marriages already entered on should bo validated and the children legitimised.” Several other amendments were proposed, and ultimately consideration of them was deferred to Tuesday. The Hon. Mr Peters moved the throwing cut of his Deceased Husband’s Brother Marriage Bill. The Bill was thrown out by 23 to 13. The Council rose at 5 p.m. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, Judy 7. The House met at 3.30 p.m, NOTICES OE MOTION. Sir G. Grey presented a petition from L. Ebrenfricd, praying for an inquiry into the circumstances connected with granting licences at the Thames,'; and gave notice of motion for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the same. Mr McOaughan gave notice that he would move that the next session of the Assembly meet at Christchurch, and that an address be presented to the Governor praying him to place the sum of £20,000 on the estimates to defray the cost of securing the necessary accommodation. Mr Mooehouse gave notice of a question as to whether the Government had authorised the Agent-General to attend and take part in meetings held in England on the unity of the empire. Mr Jones gave notice that he would move that copies of all correspondence be produced relative to the appointment of Mr H. Houghton to a position in the Government Assurance Department. questions. Replying to Mr Mason, The Hon. W. Rollebton said that without committing itself to any absolute rule on the point, Government considered it was desirable to keep steadily in view the introduction of a uniform system of instruction in the primary schools of the colony, but would not make any sudden change. Replying to the Hon. W. Gisborne,

The Hon. J. Hall said that the fines imposed on officers and others in the Telegraph Department were paid to a special account, and were not subject, like other revenue, to appropriation and audit, but were dealt with according to certain regulations. Replying to Sir W. Fox, The Hon. R Olivee said that an agreement was made with Mr Conyers, Middle Island Railway Commissioner, by the late Government, in 1877, that ho should receive £9OO a year, and if the working of the lines was satisfactory he was to receive a bonus of £SOO. Last rear the bonus was paid on the authority of the then Government. Replying to Mr Stevens, The Hon. R. Oliveb said that the report of Colonel Soratohloy on the defence of the colony would shortly be produced. Replying to Mr Bowen, The Hon. J. Bbtcs said that instructions had boon given to the Agent-General to enter into a contract for the supply of suitable firearms for cadet corps, with a view of encouraging military drill in schools. BONUS TO ME CONYBBB, Sir W. Fox gave notice that he would move for the production of the correspondence between Mr Conyers and the Government relative to the payment of a bonus of £SOO. NEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and road a first time :—Peace Preservation (Hon. J. Bryce) ; Local Public Works Rating Act 1879 Amendment (Major Atkinson.) SECOND BBADINGS. On the motion of Mr Bain, the Invercargill Drillshed Bill was read a second time. On the motion of Mr Stevens, the Sydenham Borough Council Empowering Bill was reid a second time. On the motion of Mr Bain, the Bluff Harbor Foreshore Bill was read a second time. GOVBENMENT WORKSHOPS. Mr De Lauioub moved—“ That it is desirable that the Government workshops should be made available for the practical instruction of boys receiving instruction for half time at one or more of the primary or secondary schools in their districts; that primary or secondary schools, or some of them which may be so situated as to enable boys receiving instruction therein to attend half time at any Government workshops, should be organised, with a view of engrafting instruction upon the educational system at present by law oarriedjjout thereat.” He said that his object was to enable a practical training to be afforded to the rising generation. He merely wished to bring the subject before the Government, with a view of getting a scheme of the kind initiated. The great difficulty in England was the want of technical education. That difficulty was now being obviated. In a country like this, where apprenticeship was a difficulty, a great deal of inconvenience was occasioned to parents as to what to do with their boys. The Hon. W. Rollbston agreed with much that had been stated. It entirely coincided with his views. So far as ho could gather, the workshops at present wore not adapted for the purpose, but as a suggestion the motion was worthy of consideration. As he understood it, they were not asked to express a decided opinion on the point; still, it was a subject which Government considered well worth their attention.

Mr Mohtqomeet agreed that their State education should not be allowed to remain where it was, but that it should aim at what was indicated in the resolution. In Christchurch the matter had not been overlooked. Orders had been sent home for models, with a view of establishing a school of design. He should like to see all parts of the colony taking an interest in the matter with a view of making the movement general. He hoped that tho Minister for Education would take the matter into his serious consideration, as he felt sure that tho motion, if acted upon, would produce valuable results. Mr Macandeew acquiesced throughout. The Government Printing Office should be utilised in this way. A great many youths might be trained there. Mr Mubbay acknowledged that the motion was the introduction of a great principle. It was a subject which might very fairly _be left to be matured by commission during the recess.

Mr Thomson said that they should try to induce the rising generation to take an interest in trades and manufactures, and this was a step in that direction. Hitherto tho tendency hod been to get lads into shops and offices, the result being that these paths of life were too much crowded. The Museum at their doors was not doing the service it ought. Ho contended that for a purpose of this kind it might very well be more largely employed. Mr Andeews supported the proposal. There was a disposition on the part of a great many artisans not to give the rising generation a proper amount of instruction in the arts of trade. A scheme like that proposed would to an extent remedy this. The motion was put and carried. BBXtTBNS. Mr Andeews moved—“ That there be laid before the House a return showing the number of clubs registered, classifying them under their respective heads, as Working Men’s, &c., in each provincial district.” The motion was agreed to. Mr McOaughan moved for a return of all sleepers purchased from Mr Angus, or Angus Smith, at Caroline Saw Mills, within the last three years, for the construction department of the Middle Island Railway. Agreed to. BOEBOWINQ. The interrupted debate on the question—--11 That this House is of opinion that Government should cease to borrow further, either for tho purpose of carrying out the immigration and public works policy, or for the purpose of defraying a portion of tho ordinary expenses of Government ” was resumed by Colonel Thimble, who said that the motion appeared to him unnecessary. Government did not propose to borrow more, and if they did they would first have to come to the House. When they did so, it would be time enough to consider the point. Mr Swanson moved the adjournment of the debate. The motion was carried. On a motion that it be adjourned till that day fortnight, an amendment was moved that it be adjourned till that day six months. On a division the amendment was carried by 28 to 23. MISCELLANEOUS. The following motions were put and carried : By Mr Tainui—“ That tho reports of the Rev. Mr Stack on Native schools in the South Island bo laid before the House.” By Mr Tainui—“That the suggestions contained in tho report of the Native Affairs Committee last session on the petition of Tikini Pahau be carried into effect.”

By Major Te Wheoeo —“That the report dated 26th July, 1876, from the Native Affairs Committee, on the petition which alleged interference of the line of Waikato railway with an old burial place situated at Taupiri Gorge, be acted upon ; also, that the grant of land asked for in the petition be made, as per recommendations of the said Committee.” By Mr Reeves —“ That there be laid before the House a return showing the number of breweries in New Zealand ; number of barrels of beer brewed by the several breweries, and a description of the material used in browing, as provided for in the Distillation Act, 1878.” By Mr Pitt—“ That all correspondence during the months of May and June relative to the suspension and return to duty of Lieut. McCrodio, D Battery, Now Zealand Regiment of Artillery, bo laid before the House.” Mr J. C. Beown moved—“ That condiditionally on the residents of Waitahuna or some acknowledged person on their behalf, becoming responsible for any deficiency arising out of the maintenance of the Post and Telegraph Office at that place, the said office be opened without further delay.” Mr Brown and Mr Maoandrew stated that reliable men wore willing to give the required guarantee. The Hon. J. Halt, objected, stating that the office was unnecessary, that the guarantee proposed was unsatisfactory, and that it was very seldom that guarantees wore worth anything. There was already a Post and Telegraph station within a quarter of a mile, and if the now office were opened it would divide the work. Mr Hubst opposed, and Mr Ptkb supported the motion. The debate was interrupted by the 5 30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr Hutchison moved the second reading of the Chinese Immigration Bill. He thought this was a favorable time for bringing in the Bill. It was a time of comparative quietness on the question, and consequently favorable for calm deliberation, Wero halt a million

Englishmen to direct their steps to China ho opined that the Chinese authorities would put a stop to the movement. It was not good for the population for a horde of aliens of any nation to settle among them. The settlement of Chinese in this country was not settlement in the proper sense. They came unaccompanied by any domestic relationship. Good government was an adaptation to circumstances. A man with a loathsome disease might insist that he had a right to go and settle wherever he chose. The inhabitants of that place might, however, object, and those inhabitants being many had a right to have their opinion on the subject as against that of an individual. The Chinaman was an undesirable immigrant. He believed in an autocracy ; he had no care for electoral rights of any kind. If he got these rights he became simply a tool in the hands of some other man. His introduction was calculated to introduce a servile race. They were a lower caste, with lower feelings and a narrower heart. It was most undesirable to introduce a class of this kind. They should not undertake the education or training of this race. It was a race not seeking to rise in the social scale. They were capable of reducing the rale of wages to a figure on which a European could not live. As a community we should not be pitted against a race whose instincts and aspirations were diametrically opposite to ours. The 1 Bill did not propose to interfere with Chinamen already in the colony. All it designed was to prohibit further immigration to the colony. Sir Q-. Grey seconded the motion. Dr. Wallis said that this Bill concerned one-third of the human race. Ho entirely disagreed with the Bill. He would support a measure to restrict the number of Chinese imported to the colony, but the Bill before the House proposed entire prohibition. It was one of those measures which they found representing the ignorance and prejudice of its author. This was an adaptation of a protective system, which had its origin in America. He would not like to see the country Hooded with Chinese, but it was absurd to ask them to out off all intercommunication with a third of the human race. The Chinese as a class were a hard-working, in dustrious race, and as servants they wore much more civil and obliging than Europeans. They were indebted for the cry against Chinamen to a few lazy loafers in America. The Native race of New Zealand were more closely allied to the Chinese than they were to us. They were told about the demoralising influences of the Chinese, Suppose the member who introduced this Bill was to be sent as Governor to Hong Kong at a salary of £SOOO a year, he would think very little about demoralisation ; it would be the money that would attract his attention. He argued at considerable length that the Chinese, as a race, were more civilised and in many respects superior in sobriety and practical application. He moved that the Bill be read that day six months. The Hon. J. Hail agreed with the last speaker. It was undesirable to flood the country with Chinese. The way to deal with the question was to wait until the Chinese had attained a certain number and then apply a restriction. The Chinese population was decreasing, and he thought that the House might bo more usefully occupied than by discussing the Bill at present. Mr Bowen spoke oganast the Bill, but at the same time he did not go the length that Dr. Wallis had gone. He did not think that, belonging as they did to a nation who had compelled the Chinese at the point of the bayonet to admit Europeans into their territory, they would be tight in pasting a measure of this kind. He disagreed with the suggestion that English civilisation had any need to be afraid of the Chinese. It was enough that the English Government had entered into treaties with the Chinese Government on this subject. Moreover, he did not believe that they were entitled to, or would be allowed to, pass a measure of this kind. He did not see that the Chinese in New Zealand hod done anything to alarm them or make their presence distasteful. They had picked up a few scraps of gold from tailings left by Europeans. They bad taught us valuable lessons in market gardening. They heard of no unemployed among the Chinese. Measures of this kind should be brought down by the Government and not by a private member. The Hon. W. Gisboenb would vote for the amendment if a modified measure could be introduced this session, if that were not possible he would support the motion, in order that the spirit of the measure, as far as the question of restriction was concerned, might be asserted.

Colonel Teimble protested against • the principle of the Bill. No country could prosper that prevented immigration to its shores. One secret of their greatness as a nation was tho freedom hitherto observed in this respect. Had those who denounced the Chinese as a degraded race visited China they would find themselves in the midst of a people of intellectual attainments, from the highest to the lowest. What were the inferior instincts these people brought with them ? Were they less sober, less frugal, or less capable for business than Europeans. No one could assert that to be the case. He was ashamed to hear a man who professed a liberal creed talking as he did about an inferior race. Was it not a fact within the knowledge of every Irishman in the House that by a certain class they were denounced as an inferior. Had. they never heard of the advertisement with the tail, “No Irish need apply.” Then, again, tho time was when an Englishman looked on his Scotch neighbor aa belonging to an inferior race. He, therefore, hoped that Government would not countenance theory. Mr Seddon took exception to members comparing Chinamen to Irishmen. Such a comparison was not to be tolerated. He contended that they were a far superior race, and that the presence of the former in the colony had been demoralising and otherwise unproductive of good.

Mr Reid took a much more moderate view. They could do with a few more Chinamen in the colony. On the West Coast there was an opening for a few hundred. They would bo able, without interfering with anyone, to make £3 a week. Major Te Wiieoeo spoke against the Bill. There was, he understood, a treaty between Great Britain and China, by which Europeans were admitted into China, and he could not see the justice of breaking it. If they broke that treaty ho saw little chance that the treaty of Waitangi would be respected. The Maoris saw no evil in the Chinese, Mr Reeves contended that Chinamen were not desirable colonists in any sense of the word. They had no moral sense, and when they wore isolated from the world working in some back gully, they had opportunities for practising their demoralisation. He would support the Bill, although he had no hopes that it would be carried. The Hon. G. McLean said this was a mere hustings cry, one popular at an election time. The hon. gentleman had introduced a Bill which could not be assented to if passed, therefore he must be a friend of the Chinese instead as he professed an enemy. He (Mr McLean) had no desire to see the country overrun with Chinamen, but the fact was that there was not the slightest appearance of that. There were more going away than coming. In small numbers they were a desirable class; they picked up all manner of scraps, such as iron, sending it away to China, getting tea back in exchange. The European sent away cash when ho wanted a supply of tea, but the Chinaman knew better. Ho utilised cast-off articles and saved his cash. It was a mistake to say that an Act like this had been passed in Victoria or Now South Wales. It was quite a different Act from the ono before them. If Chinamen were pouring into the country he would be ready to assist in chocking the flow. In 1871 a select committee wore appointed to enquire into the question, and the decision arrived at was highly favourable to the Chinese. It was shown that they had taken gold out of ground that would not have been worked by Europeans. They were making attempts to get China and Japan to take their wool. In that case it was most unadvisable for them to attack or annoy the Chinese. Legislation such as this Government should be responsible for. Ho described the Bill as a piece of humbug, and ho would always vote against humbug. Sir Q-. Q-hbv Baid that the Bill was for the public good. The first question was had they power to legislate. The treaty referred to had nothing to do with the question ; it did not permit either one party or another to pour into the country a great horde such as would be injurious to the interests of the country. They were told that the measure would not bo assented to. It was necessary, and there was no doubt but that it would be assented to. Similar measures passed by the other colonies hod been assented to. It was their duty as a separate legislature to indicate to the mother country what was essential to their interests. There web no analogy between this country and the United

States. Their estate was limited, whereas the United States had unlimited territory, therefore it was necessary that we should conserve it for a desirable class. Then again, they had to look to the fact that they were isolated ; their surrounding neighbors, with the exception of the British colonies, were peopled by a barbarous population, They should be careful to guard against an increase of these classes. If the Chinese were allowed to come here, a good many of them would become permanent settlers. They would intermingle with Europeans, and the result would be an evil similar to that of the negro in America. They would find that Europeans would be dragged down to a state of barbarism. They would be “ mean whites.” That was inevitable in consequence of an admixture of such races. Again, he looked on the unemployed cry as an appeal to them to keep out the Chinese, was no hardship to prevent them coming to New Zealand. There was a demand for them in other places, especially in sugar growing countries. It was a mistake to say that the climate of New Zealand was not favorable for Chinamen. What future race was to inhabit New Zealand was the question of paramount importance. It was of the utmost consequence that they should indicate this fact to the Home Government, and submit to nothing that would destroy their prospects in that respect. Mr Shbimski thought that the Bill was necessary to the interests of the colony. It ought, however, to have been introduced by the Government, Mr Toib quoted from the treaty entered on with China to show that the present Bill was not ultra vires of that treaty. Regarding the Bill itself he could speak quite disinterestedly. He believed that there was not much need for the Bill, but looking to the future as also to the fact that they had had petitions about this question, he would vote for the Bill. The motion was then put and carried. Ayes, 31 —Messrs Adams, Allwright, Atkinson, Bain, Ballance, Brown, DaLaufour, Fisher, J. T., Finn, George, Gisborne, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Hirst, H., Hurst, W. J, Hursthouse, Hutchison, Levin, Macandrew, Masters, MoOaughan, McDonald, Moss, Reeves, Reid, Russell, Seddon, Shepherd, Stevens, Tele, Tomoana, Jones. Noes, 12 —Messrs Bowen, Fulton, Gibbs, Johnston, Lundon, McLean, bhrimski, Studholme, Trimble, Wakefield, Wallis, Wood. SECOND BBADINGS. On the motion of Mr McDonald, the Native Law Suits Bill was read a second time. Mr Stevens moved the second reading of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Endowment Bill, Mr Babeon supported th® Bill. The Hon. W. Kollebton said that as the Bill had only been distributed that day, and as it involved a large question of policy he would ask the adjournment of the question, to enable them to consider the matter more fully. Mr Bowen reminded them the House had already affirmed the principle of charitable aid being provided for out of waste lands. The second reading was adjourned till Thursday. Mr Stevens moved the second reading of the Fire Brigades Bill. The Hon. J. Hall thought that further time should be allowed to those affected to consider the Bill. Mr Speight concurred in this view. Mr Stevens, in reply, said he believed that all parties concerned were satisfied with the proposal. The Bill was read a second time, and ordered to bo committed that day fortnight. The second reading of the Otago Rivers Bill was moved by Mr Fulton, and agreed to after a short discussion. THE OAIIAEU HABBOB BILL. The House went into committee on the Oamaru Harbor Bill, which was opposed by Mr Mubeat, Mr McLean, and Mr Fulton, and condemned by the Hon. W. Rollbston as dangerous if it were not useless. As he thought it useless it was not worth opposing. Mr Macandeew and Mr Sheimski supported the Bill. The debate was interrupted by the 12.30 adjournment.