PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2033, 30 August 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[By Telbqbaph.] [PBOM OtTB OWN OOBBESPONDENIJ WELLINGTON, August 28. It was alleged that the obstruction last night was at the desire of Sir G. Grey to obtain an expression of opinion from the House as to the desirability of removing the proclamation off the Patetoro block, and Mr Pyke to prevent the estimates going on without an opportunity being afforded for the discussion of his separation resolution. The Legislative Council oat this morning in room No. 55 in consequence of the preparation in the regular Council Chamber for a dinner to be given by the Speaker to the members of the Legislature His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson will be present as the principal guest. The Select Committee appointed to report upon the payment of £2OO to Mr Sievwright, and through him to Mr Bees, meet again this morning to consider their report, which is as follows : —l. That a payment of £2OO was made from the Treasury on the authority of the Executive Government to Mr Sievwright to retain counsel to inquire into the promises, &c., to the Natives of the West Coast in regard to land, in view of tho appointment of a Boyal Commission at a future time. 2. That Mr Bees was the barrister so retained, being a member of the House of Bepresentatives at the time. 3. That the money was paid without a vote, though Parliament was in session at the time of payment. 4. That pressure was brought upon Mr Hone Naho to pay the money, with great haste, and against his own judgment. 5. That nothing of any practical value had been done for the money so paid, and that no public purpose had been served by its payment. Tho committee are forced to tho conclusion that the money in question had been paid in a most irregular manner ; that for the House to vote it would bo establishing a dangerous precedent, and that the 70th section of the Public Eovenues Act, 1878, gives full power to the executive to deal with the circumstances of this case, should they agree with tho conclusions at which the Committee had arrived.” On these resolutions being put Mr Ballance moved an amendment that from the late period of the session, and the fact that the printed evidence and resolutions have only recently been in the possession of the members, the final decision cannot fairly be arrived at in the present session; that accordingly the evidence and minutes only be reported to tho House, and that tho matter be further considered next session for the final report. This was negatived.