GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2013, 6 August 1880, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[BEE PRESS ASSOCIATION SPECIAL WIRB.J

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, August 5. In the Legislative Council, The Hon. R. Campbell was given ten days leave on urgent private affairs. On the motion of the Hon. Capt. Erases, a copy of the Kumara sludge channel contract was ordered to bo laid on the table. On the motion of the Attorney-General, the Hons. Waterhouse, Wilson, and Whitaker wore appointed a committee to confer with a committee of the Lower House as to the amendment of the Council (one Judge instead of two) in the Election Petitions Bill, to which the Lower House disagreed, and the Council insisted upon. The Pharmacy Bill was road a third time and passed, after a discussion, in which the Hone. Colonel Whitmore and Messrs Reynolds and Wilson opposed the measure, and the Hons. Messrs Waterhouse, Whitaker, Mantell, Dr. Grace, and Sir P. D. 801 l supported it. The Hon. Colonel Whitmore moved the printing of a return of expenditure for last year. lu a speech in support of the motion, the mover stated that though the Grey Government passed 11J millions through their hands in two years, it was nearly all fixed charges over which they had no control, lees than three millions being for public works, against over four millions of loan money spent by the Atkinson Government in its last two years of office, and over two millions to bo spent by the present Government this year. Colonel Whitmore also stated that there were over three millions of the £5,000,000 still unexpended, and the only liability was a million for Native land purchase, which the Government did not intend to carry out. The return was ordered to be printed. The Native Reserves Bill was recommitted and amended after some debate, and was then read a third time and passed. The Hon. G. M. Waterhouse moved the second reading of the Public Health Amendment Bill, The Hon. Dr. Pollen moved that the Bill ba thrown out. Tho Hon. J. T. Peacock supported the Bill, which, however, required amendment. The Hons. N. Wilson and Acland also supported the Bill, which was read a second time. The Invercargill Drill Shed Bill was read a second time. The Port Molyneux Reserves Leasing Act, Amendment Bill passed through Committee. Tho Council rose at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, August 5. The House mot at 2 30 p.m. correspondence produced. Tho Hon. T. Dick laid on tho table correspondence relative to the defective railway waggons, called for by the member for Cheviot. notice op motion. Mr Reader Wood gave notice that in Committee on the Native Lands Sales Bill he would move that section 3 be amended so as to make the clause read “at their own option,” and that section 19 be struck out altogether. REPORT. Mr Fisher brought up the report of the Goldfields Committee, on the petition of Henry Rowe and others, stating that the committee had no recommendation to make, and reprobating grave charges being made against the Warden and Resident Magistrate at tho Thames, without any evidence being forthcoming in support of the same. PETITION. Mr Stewart presented a petition from residents of Dunedin, protesting against sect. 78 of the New Licensing Bill. On being read, it was found that tho petition spoke of the measure before the House as tyrannical, unjust, and unconstitutional. The Hon. T. Dick asked the Speaker to rule if tho language was respectful. The Speaker said that the course was to move that it be not received.

On the question being put that the petition be received, the response was in the affirmative. MORNING SITTING. The Hon. J. Hall moved that the House sit to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock for the purpose of disposing of certain Bills. Mr Macandbew suggested that they should meet on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, at eleven o’clock, and adjourn not later than 10 p.m. on those days. He complained of the late hour to which tho evening sittinga were protracted. Mr Kelly objected, pointing out that it interfered with tho sittings of committees. The whole principle, he contended, was wrong; they wore attempting to do the work of six months in three weeks. The work had never been carried on on any previous occasion as it had been this session. He suggested that the morning sitting, if insisted upon, should be Monday. Mr Adams suggested that they should fix two mornings a week for sittings. Mr Shrimski said that the proposal came with a bad grace from the latter speaker, who was always now and again faking a trip to Nelson for the good of his health. The Hon. J. Hall said that tho suggestion about two mornings in the week was worthy of consideration. Tho suggestion ot the member for Port Chalmers was impracticable, inasmuch as it proposed to adjourn at 1030 p.m. Tho motion for sitting to-morrow morning was put and carried. COMMITTEE SITTINGS. Mr Brown moved that all committees bo allowed to ait during the sitting of tho House. The Hon. J. Hall said that there could be no objection to committees sitting, provided that when members at work on committee heard the bell ring for a quorum they would come down to the House so as to keep it together. Mr Thomson said that, the suggestion just now made by the Premier was a most shameful one. It meant this, that they were to go through their work in a sort of haphazard way, without tho opportunity for sufficient deliberation being provided. The motion was put and carried. QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr Adame, The Hon. T. Dick said that ho expected to proceed with the Licensing Bill in a very few days. Replying to Mr Fulton, The Hon. R. Oliver said that the claims for compensation for land for railway purposes. North Taieri were in course of being adjusted. Many of these claims, however, were of a most extravagant nature. TARANAKI IRON WOBKB. The Taranaki Iron Smelting Works Land. Act 1874 Amendment Bill web rep rted. On moving that it bo road a third time, Mr Stewart said that representations had been made that the company’s shares had been bought up in anticipation of this Bill passing. Ho had received a statement from the secretary, showing that none of the shares had been bought up and no transfer registered since 1875. The Bill was read a third time and passed. WELLINGTON RACING CLUB. The interrupted debate on the Wellington Racing Club Bill was resumed. Mr Hutchison moved, as an amendment, that the Bill bo lead that day six months. Sir W. Fox supported the amendment. Ho made some very severe strictures on the racecourse. It was resorted to by very questionable characters for equally questionable purposes. Ha denied that it tended to improve the breed of horses —adding that if it did improve the breed of horses it destroyed the breed of men—but it did not improve the breed of horses. As a matter of fact, the breed was every year deteriorating. They could not find anything but mere scrubbers nowadays that could do no more than 30 miles a day. That showed that, despite all that had been said to the contrary, horse racing was doing nothing towards improving their horses. It was not horse racing that attracted the masses, it was the saturnalia attending horse racing that attracted the crowd. Criticising the Bill, he pointed out that the club might appropriate the land for the purpose of paying its debts; in other words, to discharge all the questionable liabilities it might choose to contract with thimble-riggers, blacklegs, jockey boys, and other questionable characters who frequented these racecourses. Mr Ireland supported the amendment, and in doing so described horse racing as an “immoral purpose.” In reply, Mr Levin said that in looking over the files of Wellington newspapers of 1857, he was astonished to find the name of Mr Wo. Fox, a prominent steward and member of the race club. That Mr Fox and Sir Win, Fox, whom they had just heard denounce this sport in such graphic terms, were, strange to say, one and the same person. He alluded to the fact to show the value of the elegant denunciation they had heard against horse racing. Tho motion for the second reading was carried on a division by 23 to 16, and the Bill was read a second time. SECOND READINGS. The following were read a second time ■ Inohclutha Act 1878 Amendment Bill, Christchurch District Drainage Act 1875 Amendment. STATUTE LAWS. Mr Murray moved—“ That it be an instruction to the Standing Orders Committee to take into consideration and report as to the advisability or otherwise of framing a standing order to provide that to secure greater uniformity, simplicity and usefulness in the statute law of the colony, a Parliamentary Committee should be appointed to act jointly or separately with a similar Committee of the Legislative Council, and to be known as the Legislative Committee, to which shall be referred for consideration and report all Bills or proposals to amend, alter, or add to tho statute law of the colony ; and that before any such Bills puss through their final stage in the House, which shall be the last to consider tho same, they should be again revised by the joint committee.” The motion was carried. MISCELLANEOUS.

Mr Wright moved for a return showing the nature of the existing arrangements for the purchase of materials in Groat Britain or elsewhere on account of tho Public Works Department, also the amounts paid daring the last two years under such arrangements by way of salary, foes, or commission, and tho names of the recipients. The motion'lwas carried. Mr Wright moved for a return of tho correspondence between the Stores Department, Christchurch, and Mr Conyers, Mr A. D. Smith, and Messrs Guthrie and Larnach relative to tho supply of galvanised iron. Carried. Mr Andrews moved—“ That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the circumstances under which Dr. Skae’s report on tho lunatic asylums was obtained by the persou who acts as correspondent to the Christchurch Press and other journals, with power to call for persons and papers, such Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr Dick, Mr Saunders, Mr Barron, Mr Murray, and the mover.” The Hon. J. Hall opposed tho motion, as this was a thing of constant occurrence. The motion was withdrawn. The following motions were put and carried : Mr Seddon —For all papers and evidence in connection with the Coroner’s inquest held on the late fatal accident at the Kumara sludge channel. Mr Seddon —For a report from the manager of the Waimea water race re Porter and party’s tail race, Kumara, together with a copy of the said party’s application for assistance from the vote for miners’ works ; for a report from the manager of the Waimea water race on tho Long 'Tunnel Tail Race Company’s Works, at Kumara, and for any report from Dr. Giles on the subject of the Government, with the consent of the Westland School Commissioners, selling a section on the Kumara education reserve, in accordance with the Kumara Education Reserves Aot. Mr Tainui—For all returns sent in by A, McKay since June, 1879, with reference to Native reserves at Grey, Arahura, Hokitika, Kaitai, and Harara. Tho House adjourned at 5.30. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. deceased wipe’s sister bill. On the motion for going into committee on the Deceased Wife’s Sister Marriage Bill, Mr Bowen, in objecting to tho Bill, said that it would dissolve very much the social relation which existed at present, and would impart a great deal of unpleasantness into domestic relations. Mr Tomoana said that before missionaries came here this was the law. Now however marriage was carried on on a different basis. Maoris who married their deceased wife’s sister were those who ignored the Church.

He would ask members not to consent to this Bill. They had other matters of more im portance to attend to. It came to this, that European members were reverting to Maori feu dome, therefore ha would not support the BUI. Mr Finn moved and Mr London seconded, that the Bill be committed that day six months. The Hon. J. Him could not find that there was any solid argument against the restriction. In this House similar measures hod been passed always by increasing majorities. The only objection worth considering was the social inexpediency. That difficulty had not been conspicuous in the majority of countries in which the law had been adopted. Great Britain and New Zealand were now almost the only portions of the British B npire where the restriction was maintained. If it was an objection to have a deceased wife’s sister in one’s home under these conditions, then it must be argued that all females are to be excluded from the households of a widower. Dr. Wallis said that they had learned from the Maoris the true nature of this proposal, that it was an attempt to revive practices rejected by the Maoris when they ceased to be savages. This proposal gave him the idea that their civilisation was pretty much like a tide. It rose to a certain height and then it reverted back to the state from which it emerged. They should pass the Women’s Franchise and allow that element to have a say on the subject. Major Tb Wheoro would support the Bill, because it reminded him of the Maori customs of tho old days. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see Europeans come round to their customs. Mr Tawhai also testified to the fact that this Bill coincided with old Maori customs. Having brought forward a Bill of this sort, ho thought that tho members supporting it should call themselves Maoris, still he would vote against the Bill. The Bill said to him as a Maori —Return; go back to your old customs. The House divided on the motion forgoing into committee —Ayc-s 46, noes 14. Tho House then went into committee. Clause 2—Mojor Harris moved that the word “ deceased ”he struck out. Negatived. Major Harris moved that the word “sister ” be struck out, and the word “grandmother ” substituted. Mr MooRHOUSe, who was in charge of the Bill, remonstrated with the mover of these amendments. Mr Murray said that tho question had been debated in that House over and over again, and he hoped that tho minority who were opposed to the Bill would show a proper reaped, for the opinions of the majority, and not throw frivolous obstacles in the way. The amendment was negatived on the voices. Dr. Wallis said he had done more marrying than any other man in New Zealand, and ho was an expert on the point. He thought it was very necessary that provision should be mode for a man marrying his niece. He moved that tho words “ or niece ” bo inserted after “sister.” The amendment was put and lost on the voices. Dr. Wallis moved that progress be reported. The motion was lost on a division by 12 to 41, Mr Thomson moved an amendment to the effect that the Bill bo not retrospective. Mr Pitt said that he would support the amendment, inasmuch as the Bill would make persons legitimate who wore at present illegitimate. The result of that would be to dispossess persons of property §to which the law had hitherto considered them entitled.

Mr Seddon said that ha believed the prevision referred to had been made to meet a particular case. He was confirmed in that opinion by the fact that the Council, in passing the Bill this year, reversed the decision arrived at by it in previous years. He should therefore support the amendment. Major Tb Wheoeo suggested that as this was evidently the adoption of a Maori custom, it was necessary to have children legitimatised and tatooed in order that they might be made Maori, according to strict Maori custom. The Hon. T. Dick reminded them that while the Bill might be abused by certain unprincipled persons, there were a great many who had honestly espoused their deceased wife’s sister. Then, again, there were many who came from colonies where the law was in force, and it was very hard that the offspring of such parsons should be regarded as illegitimate. Mr Thomson argued that by this retrospective legislation many persons would be deprived of possessions they at present enjoyed. In that case they might look forward that these parties would come to that House seeking for compensation for the loss caused to them. On a division the amendment was lost by 40 to 11. Mr Speight moved that progress be reported. It was evident enough that there were some difficulties in the Bill. He spoke in the interests of the Bill itself. Mr Pitt supported the proposition, stating that it was necessary that the clause should be further considered, otherwise it would not receive the Royal assent. Mr Macandeew also supported the proposal, on the ground that the important tights of property ware fatal to the Bill. Mr Pitt moved the striking out of the words in the clause “ lawfully inherited,” and substituting the words “ would have inherited or have become entitled to where it but for the passing of this Act.” The Hon. J. Hai.l said that the large majority in favor of the Bill was a guarantee that it was the wish of the country. The measure had been before the country at the last election, and it must be taken for granted that this Bill was demanded by the country. If a delay were agreed to for the third reading, that should be done on the distinct understanding that this factious opposition would cease. Mr Speight said that he wished it to be distinctly understood that he would kill the Bill if ho got the opportunity, whether it be the third reading or not. Mr Macandeew believed that if the country were polled to-morrow it would be found that it was either indifferent to it or else against it. They had no representation from the public, and if they had anything to ony upon the point they would have taken some means for making it. known. He demurred to the assumption that the measure was demanded by the country. Tho Hon. T. Dick complained of the opposition shown to the Bill, contending that the largo majority voting for the measure showed conclusively that it was demanded by the country. Mr Speight said that the Bill had been brought in, not in compliance with the wishes of the country, but in compliance with the demands of a few. He demurred to be charged with factious opposition. At the same time ho had to state that ho would remain up all night rather than see such a measure pass.

Dr. Wallis said that the forty-six of a majority no doubt represented a majority of the male population, but the remaining fourteen who voted on the other side represented the female population. They knew who was at the back of this movement, and they were determined not to allow the measure so conceived to be carried out successfully. He asked them to postpone the question until women had the franchise. When that was done he would bo content to see the Bill come to a division. Mr Seddon spoke for nearly an hour against the Bill generally, and demanded that the Government should promise that before the third reading the Attorney-General’s opinion should be taken as to whether the Bill was constitutional. The Hon. J. Hall said the Government could not consent to make any terms on the matter. They would act as they usually did. The discussion then went on, the minority insisting that the third reading should be postponed, but refusing to pledge themselves that, if postponed, there should simply be a vote, and no more discussion on it. Mr Speight avowed his readiness to remain there till 2.30 next day if the minority would agree to continue to oppose the Bill till then. Dr. Wallis spoke some length against the measures, and the talk wont on till 2 40, when, on the suggestion by the Hon. Major Atkikson, it was agreed that the third reading be taken on Thursday next, at 7.30 p.m. The Bill was then reported without amendment. On the motion to fix the date of the third reading as arranged, Mr Bbowk moved an amendment that it be now read the third time. On the House dividing, the amendment was lost by 2 to 29, and the motion agreed to. The third report of the West Coast Commission was laid on the table by the Hon. Major at 2.45, and the House rose.