PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1259, 12 August 1872, Page 2

PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, Ausj. 10. The greater part of last night was spent on the Highway Boards Empowering Bill. Several amendments as to the mode of rating were proposed, and ultimately progress was reported .without anything being done. Farata moved the appointment of a mixed Commission of Maoris and Europeans to inquire into the subject of confiscated lands. After some debate, an amendment moved by Mr Sheehan asking the Native Affairs Committee to report on the desirability of appointing such a Commission was carried. • Tairoa moved a resolution calling on the Government to fulfil the promises made to sellers in Kemp's deed of purchase of land in the Middle Island. During the debate Heaphy's report recommending the sale of the Greymouth Reserve was severely condemned^ by Rolleston, Swanson, and others. The Government stated they had no intention of taking any action except with full consent of the native owners. Ultimately the motion was agreed to with an amendment suggested by Mr Stafford to make it include all Provinces contained in the Middle Island deeds of cession. Mr Steward moved a resolution in favor of the abolition of grand juries. Messrs Bathgate and Luckie strongly supported the Scotch system of public prosecutors instead of grand juries. ■-<■-;. Mr Gisborne opposed the motion, and the debate was adjourned. ■ ,