GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2331, 22 September 1881, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LPBMB ASSOCIATION 1 telsqbam.J LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, September 81. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Property Tar Bill and the New Zealand Consolidated Stock Bill were read a first time. The Hon. N. Wilson moved—“ That the votes o£ Mr Hart, Mr Dignan, and Mr Williamson, on the Railway Construction Bill, should be disallowed, on the ground of their being personally interested in the Bill.” The motion was negatived by 22 to 7. Property Assessment Act Amendment Bill, Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Bill, and Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, were read a third time and passed. On the Hon. F. Whitakeb’b motion, the Deceased Persons Estate Duties Bill was reinstated, road a third time, and passed. The Council adjourned from 3.35 till 7.30 p.m. EVENING SITTING. The Council resumed at 7.30. The Property Tax Bill, Consolidated Stock Bill and Public Revenues Bill were passed through all the stages. The Customs and Excise Duties Bill was read a first time. At 9.20 the Council rose till 10 a.m. next day. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, September 21. MORNING SITTING. DEATH OP PBESIDENT GARFIELD. Sir Q. Qbey asked if the Premier intended to move a resolution. The Peemikb said he thought the remarks he had mode would be sufficient to express the feeling of the House. Sir G. Qbey said—Sir, I beg to concur in what has fallen from the Premier, and I would move that a committee, consisting of the Premier, Mr Macandrew and myself be appointed to draw up a paper expressive of sympathy with the people of America on this occasion. Sir, a great and good man has passed away, and his death is attended by this remarkable circumstance, that he was the ruler of about 50,000,000 people speaking our own language, that he rose to bo ruler from the very humblest position in life. It is a remarkable circumstance that the death of a man of that kind should be known all over the world within a few hours, and that many millions of people should deplore the loss of a man who by birth was not clothed in those attributes which usually command the sympathy of men. I think, Sir, we would do well to show that here, in this remote part e>f the Empire, deep sympathy is felt by tho whole community. Mr Maoahdebw concurred in what had been said and suggested that a telegram should be sent. The motion was then agreed to. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION AND BAND BILE. The Hon. J. Hall moved that the House agree to the Council’s amendments in tho Railway Construction and Land Bill. Ho did not altogether like some of them, but at tho present stage of the session he thought it best to accept them. Mr Gisbobnb said that the proviso in clause 15 would render the Bill practically useless, as although a contract could be made, the allocation of the land was to bo subject to the approval of Parliament. Mr Weston concurred, and

Mr DbLautoub said that if this proviso passed, no company could ever get advances to enable it to go on. It would be at least the session after next before any company could get any certainty about its land endowment.

On the division the motion for agreeing to one amendment in clause 15 was carried by 44 to 23, and for agreeing to the other by 46 to 17.

The Hon. J. Hall said he accepted the amendment because be wished the Bill to pass.

Mr Olivbb warned the supporters of the Bill that they would lose it altogether if they did not accept the amendment. The remaining amendments were carried on the voices. BAILWAYS AUTHOBIBATION BILL. This Bill was then considered in committee, and the schedule amended by the addition of the Seaward Bush line. The Bill was repotted, read a third time, and passed. PUBLIC BBTENUBB BILL. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved the second reading of the Public Revenues Bill. Mr Montgombby insisted that the new parliament should meet at the earliest possible moment, and would therefore oppose clause 4, which proposed to grant supplies for three months beyond the close of the financial year. Mr Thomson agreed with Mr Montgomery. Mr Gisbobnk said that the Government had been unable to carry its measures, and that they were bound to assume that it had not the confidence of the country. In that case it was necessary that the question should be finally determined after the elections at the earliest possible moment. The Hon. W. Bollbston uaid they had instructions to remodel the Civil Service and make reductions of £30,000, and that could not bo done in a day. Government was not going to stand still and let the elections be curried against them. In that ease it was absolutely necessary that they should have time. The debate was interrupted by the dinner adjournment. AFTERNOON BITTING. The House resumed at 2.30. THE LATB PEE3IDBNT QABPIELD. The Fbbmibb brought up the following address to be telegraphed to the "Vice-Pre-sident of the United States :—"The House of Representatives of New Zealand in Parliament assembled, expresses its deep sympathy with the people of the United States of America, in their grief at the death of President Garfield, a calamity to be deplored by every English speaking community throughout the world." QUESTIONS. Replying to question put by Mr Bowen without notice as to whether or not steps will be taken to prevent the disfigurement of towns by the erection of telegraph posts and wires in all manner of inconvenient positions, The Hon. W. Johnston said the matter would be considered, and ho believed the attention drawn to the matter would be sufficient for the purpose aimed at. THE ABHLBY BLECTOBATE. On the motion of the Hon. J. Hall, it was agreed that the writs for the election of a member in room of Mr Moorhouse, deceased, should be delayed until the issue for the forthcoming general election, public bbvbnues bill. The debate on the second reading of the Public Revenues Bill was resumed by Mr Tuenbull, who spoke of the importance of getting a Minister for Public Works appointed, and spoke of opposing the appropriation until definite information on the subject had been given. Mr Saundees agreed on the importance of getting the House called together as early as possible. The present Government represented neither the country nor the House It was a Conservative Government supported by the Liberals against what was conceived to be a reckless Liberalism. He went on to argue that it was absolutely necessary that they should have a little more of the spirit of Liberalism in the Government, and for that purpose he advocated the propriety of limiting the duration of the votes. Sir G. Gkby said they wore bound as a House to consider their duty to their successors. If the Government was out-voted at one election they ought to resign, so as to allow their successors to prepare their measures. He thought their supplies should be limited to February. In that way they would be bound to call Parliament together at the earliest possible moment. It was absurd for the Treasurer to make the duty of remodelling the Civil Service a plea for twelve months’ supplies. The House had delegated that duty not to the Government, but to a Government. If he had his will, no supplies would be voted beyond December 31st. Let them Have a short session and then disperse, and reassemble again at the ordinary period for their meeting. The Hon. J. Hall argued that the proposal for such an early meeting of Parliament was to some extent antagonistic to the Government. It was not the idlers that they desired to represent the country, but the busy and the thriving. Now, they could not possibly get that class to meet again at an early : date. He believed they were consulting the interests of the colony and the wishes of the people by calling Parliament together at the usual time.

Mr MACANDSHWconnselled them to proceed to business. The Bill if passed as

brought down would enable them to delay calling Parliament together till the middle of July. That was wrong, and he thought something should be done to prevent it. Hi* looked upon the whole thing as out of joint, and the sooner they had a new Parliament the better. He would support the limitation when in committee. The motion for the second reading was then put and carried. On the motion for going into committee, Sir G*. Qbby made a few remarks in reply to the Hon. J. Hall, after which the House went into committee on the Public Eevenues Bill. Clause 4, on a division of 31 to 27, was altered to read two months instead of three. Mr Mokxoomebt would propose a further limitation unless Government gave a pledge as to when the next session would be called. The Hon. Major Atkinsok said that if Mr Montgomery had not threatened them, a distinct understanding on that point would have been come to, and Mr Montgomery knew of it. Now, no further pledge would be given. Mr Montgomeet denied the truth of the statement that he knew anything of the sort, and ho denied using any threats. The Hon, Major Atkinsok said that Government would call upon its supporters to uphold the original proposal. Mr Beeves moved, as a further amendment—“ That the clause bo made to re during the 1 space of two weeks * instead of two months.” Messrs Thomson, Pitt and Gibbs supported and spoke to the amendment. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. FUBZiIO BBVBNtTEa BILL. Consideration of the Public Bevenues Bill was resumed in committee. A division took place on Mr Beeves’ amendment to two weeks instead of two months of the financial year. Ayes, 37 ; nocs, 33. On the question being put that the clause be adopted, a division was called. Ayes, 33; noes, 34. The following is the division list:— Ayes 38 Messrs Allwright, Atkinson, Bain, Beetbam, Bowen, Brandon, Bryce, Bunny, Oolbeok, Collins, Dick, Finn, Fisher, J. B. (Buller), Sir W. Fox, Messrs Fulton, Hall, Hamlin, Hirst, H., Hurst, W. H., Hursthouse, Johnson, Belly, Benny, Levin, Mason, McLean, Murray, Oliver, Bolleston, Shanks, Stevens, Studholme, Swanson, Trimble, Wakefield, Weston, Whitaker, Whyte. Noes 34—Messrs Andrews, Ballance, Barron, Brown, DeLautour, Fisher, J. T. (Heathcote), George, Gibbs, Gisborne, Sir G. Grey, Messrs Harris, Hutchison, Jones, Levestam, Lundon, Maoandrew, McDonald, Montgomery, Moss, Pitt, Beeves, Beid, Saunders, Sheehan, Shepherd, Speight, Xaiaroa, Tawhai, Te Wheoro, Thomson, Tole, Tomoana, Turnbull, Wallis. The remainder of the clauses passed without opposition. The Bill was reported with amendments, read a third time and passed. CMSB OP THE SESSIO3T. The Hon. J. Hall announced that the steamers North and South had been detained, and would not leave to-morrow until the business was finished. THE ELECTORAL LAWS. The Hon. J. Hall said that his attention had been called to a letter in the “ New Zealand Times,” pointing out certain defects in the electoral laws as passed this session. He had consulted the Law Officer, and found that there was something in the objection. The matter would be remedied by the ActingGovernor sending down the necessary amendments. PBR9OKAL. Mr Sbdson called attention to a misrepresentation of what transpired between himself and Mr Fyke on the occasion of the passing of the Bailway Construction Bill schedule, and published in the Christchurch Pbbsb. He denied that the foul language imputed to him in the papers had been nsed by him, or that any such scene as said had occurred. The facts had been correctly re Sorted by the Press Association. He detailed ow he had subsequently met Mr Pyke, and they shook bards and bad a glass of wine together, indeed, the whole thing had dropped there, and he had freely forgiven the oause of the disturbance, as he oonld forgive the writer of the statement, which no respectable paper would have published. Mr M aoakdbkw suggested that the time of the House should not be taken up with snob matters. He never took notice of newspaper paragraphs. Sir W. Fox said that the affair referred to was the most disgraceful scene he hod ever seen in the House. He was present, bat had not beard the words. Ho was, however, satisfied that there was no exaggeration and no misstatement in the account given by the Christchurch Pbkbs. Mr Bbii> said that the statement of the affair as it appeared in the “West Coast Times ” had been sent by him after satisfying himself that the statement as given was correct.

Mr Moss said that he was close to the parties on the occasion referred to, and he did not bear any violent or improper language used. There was no scene between the parties. Nothing would have been known of it unless Mr Fyke had called attention of the chairman to the fact.

Mr Jones said he also was sitting close by, and while Mr Fyke lost his temper Mr Seddon behaved in a perfectly respectable manner, and said nothing to be ashamed of.

Mr Hubst on being appealed to by Mr Seddon, as his name was used in the Feebs said that Mr Seddon had made use of language of a very objectionable and improper character. Mr Fyke then looked about for a stick as he thought to strike at Mr Seddon. He and Mr Turnbull then interfered to prevent a scene. He wonld not have said anything on the subject had be not been appealed to, but he felt bound to state the truth. He added that after the first words Mr Seddon behaved very calmly and well. The motion for adjournment on which the discussion proceeded was then withdrawn. BILLS PASSED. The Hon, Major Atxinson moved the third reading of the Customs and Excise Duties Bill.—Carried, and the Bill was passed. The Special Powers and Contracts Bill was further considered in committee. After a lengthened discussion on the schedule relating to Onehunga Beserves, Mr Swanson moved that progress be reported. Ayes, 19 ; noes, 34. Eventually the schedule was amended, providing that the Crown grant for the Onehunga endowment might be issued by the Government after Ist June next, unless Parliament should otherwise determine. The Bill was read a third time and passed. LOCAL SELF- GOVERNMENT. On the question for going into committee of supply, Mr Macandbew said that he regretted the course of events precluded him from moving his resolutions re Local Self-government. Be regretted this very much, as although he had no desire to take a prominent part in the local government, still he believed he could have thrown important light on the subject. As it was, he would have to be content to deal with the subject when he appeared before his constituents. broodbn’s claims. Mr Pitt called attention to Messrs Brogden’s claims, and wished to know what the Government proposed to do in connection with them. He understood that Government declined to allow the Brogdens to file a petition of right, and refused to give any reason for 'doing so. That appeared to be a most undignified position for the Government to take up. If the Government was in the right, then they could have no fear in allowing Messrs Brogdens to prosecute their claims. They wore men of substance, and no loss could bo sustained. It, on the other hand, Messrs Brogdens wore in the right, the refusal of the Government to allow the proceedings to be instituted was most improper. In view of the Kailway Construction Bill, just passed, it would not be to the advantage of the Government for contractors in England to be improsaed with the idea that they would not be allowed to prosecute their claims. He knew nothing about the merits of the claims referred to; all he desired was to see substantial justice done to all parties. Mr Weston also spoke against the unfair position taken up by the Government in relation to Messrs Brogdeu. It was not a question as to whether or not their claims were well founded; that would be for the Court to decide upon. But it was most unfair to prevent them from having recourse to the Court. In effect the Government was constituting itself the sole judge as to the claims. A frtt like that becoming known I would be boißi to operate against the colony at home, even S -though they were doubtful as to the claims. Even although they were doubtful as to recovering their costs, the Government should not seek to debar plaintiffs in the way they had done. Sir G.' Qeex concurred in the opinion that

it was molt improper for the Government to shut out either these or any other claimants from seeking justice. Mr Maoandbkw agreed with much that had been said, but ho recognised the difficulties of the position in which the Government was placed. Ho quite believed there was something due, but certainly not onything like the amount claimed. They ought, however, by all means to be allowed to go into Court and gee their rights decided by law. Mr Hamlin urged the importance of engaging a competent analyst for agricul tural purposes, and expressed dissatisfaction with the answers given by the Government to question* he had put on the subject. Mr Hurst agreed with Mr Hamlin. Mr J. B. Fishes thought the Brogden claims might very well bo left in the hands of the Government, without interference on the part of the House. Mr Turnbull spoke in favour of the Government making the concession sought for, with the view of getting the validity of these claims tested. The Hon. J. Hall said the Brogden claims had been brought forward in an unfair manner to himself. To deal with the subject it would be necessary to refresh his memory as to all the facts of the case, and that could only be done by perusing most voluminous documents. It was necessary for him to observe great caution in what he might say, as Mr Brogden was in the colony for the purpose of prosecuting these claims. He would not attempt to justify the course Government had taken, as that might involve admissions and explanations which it would not be to the interest of the colony for him to make. Mr Brogden had entered into the contracts with a full knowledge of the remedies provided. It was not fair for them to seek anything different now. These claims bad been sent in from time to time, and had swollen from a very small amount to a very largo sum of money. One of those claims was now before the Courts, and until they saw the result they 1 would do nothing in regard to the others. The Government, however, were prepared to deal with fair claims not only with justice but with liberality. Mr Montgomery thought the explanation given by the Hon. J. Hall a satisfactory one. He believed that the Government would do substantial justice to all parties. The House then went into Committee of Supply on the supplementary estimates. Class I—Legislative, £3648. Item, cutlery and electroplate for Bellamy’s, £9B, was struck out on the voices. The remaining items were passed, as were also the following: —Class 2—Colonial Secretary, £18,842. Class 3—Colonial Treasurer, £2526. Class 4 —Minister of Justice, £859. Class s—Postmaster General, £llO3. Class 6—Customs, £1132. Class 7 Stamps, £52 Class 8— Education, £9200. Class 9—Native, £8042. Glass 10 —Mines, £6333. Class 11 —Public Works, £1682. Class 12—Defence, £12,769. Class 13—Lands, £19,926. Item, £IO,OOO for the abatement of the rabait nuisance. A motion to reduce it by one half was lost by 26 to 9. A motion to omit the item for the remission of royalty to the Westport Colliery Company (£531) was negatived on the voices, and the vote passed. The following public works fund votes were also agreed to : —Class 3—Railways, £SOOO. Class s—Roads, £11,581. Class 6—Native land purchase, £565. Class 9—Public buildings, £3200. Class 10—Lighthouses and harbors, £ll6B. Class II —Contingent defence, £IOO,OOO, .The following other votes passed :—Govern ment insurance department, £2750 ; consolidated fund services not provided for, £57,420; public works fund, unauthorised expenditure, £34,123; extra supplementary estimates, £14,110. The House rose at four o’clock until 11 a.m.