HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 1, 4 July 1861, Page 1 (Supplement)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

On Monday June 3, shortly after 2 o’clock, the 3rd session of the General Assembly was opened by commission. There was a goodly muster of members of both Chambers ; but the “ Storm Bird ” with those from Napier and Wellington, had not arrived, and as there was no pomp or circumstance in the initiatory steps to be taken, there was an absence of spectators, especially of the lady portion, who usually grace these ceremonies with their presence.

The members of the House of Representatives having proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber, the Speaker read the commision, with an additional Instrument, intimating that as a preliminary measure it was necessary for the House to elect their speaker ; that done, his Excellency the Governor would come down to the Assembly on the following day, and deliver In's address.

The Representatives then withdrew. On their return to their own house, Mr. Justice Johnson was introduced, having been appointed by the Governor’s Commission to administer the oath of allegiance.

The fol’owing members being present were duly sworn by Iris Honor, and recorded their names immediately afterwards: —

Messrs. Butler, Carlcton, Munro, Henderson, J. O’Neill, RnsscH, Firth, Williamson, Wood, G. Graham, Mason, O’Rorkc, Hickson, R. Graham, C. W. Richmond, J. C. Richmond, A. F. Richmond, Taylor, Curtis, Stafford, Domett, Eyes, Dr. Monro, M old. Cookson. Hal 1 , Crokvc, Wilson, Jollie, W Hite, Fraser, Kettle, Dick, Mc’Glashan, and Bell’ This ceremony being concluded, Mr. Dillon Belt., after a pithy speech moved that David Monro Esq., member for Picton, do take the chair as Speaker of this House.

Mr. Carlton hurriedly rose, saying that as father of the House, he having been the first to be elected a representative in New Zealand, he claimed the privilege of seconding the motion, at the same (hue expressing his cordial concurrence in the choice that had been made.

Mr. O Rorke said he could not refrain from expressing his astonishment that such an important question as the election of a Speaker should be sudmitted to the House to-day when it was notorious that a very considerable number of the members had not yet had an opportunity of arriving. Mr. O’Rorko then concluded by moving that the debate bo adjourned. The motion not having been seconded, Dr. Monro, in answer to several calls, rose and expressed his deep sense of the honor proposed to be conferred upon him. The speaker, elect was then led to the chair by his proposer and seconder.

The lion, gentleman again expressed thanks for the honor conferred upon him. Mr. Bell begged leave to move that the Speaker and as many hou. members as wished to accompany lu'm, do wait upon his Excellency the Governor, and request his confirmation.

Seconded by Mr. Williamson, and carried nem. con.

Mr. Speaker wished to know whether they would proceed with any other business. Mr. Stafford observed that the Speaker could be presented to His Excellency on the fo l Towing day, and moved that the House adjourn till Tuesday at 2 o’clock. House adjourned.

Tuesday, June 4, 18G1. The Speaker and members of the House of Reprcscntalives Laving been svirnnonecl and "iven tlic 1 * attendance, His Excellency delivered the following speech:— Hon ora tilts Gentlemen op the Legist vile Council, Gentlemen of the House op Representative?, I am happy to meet you so soon after the late General Election, and to congratulate you on the increased Representation of the various public interests of the Colony which has been afforded by the operation of the Act under which that Election was held.

You wiU unite with me in cordial acknowledgment of tlic prompt and efficient support I have received i com the Imperial Government, which will enable me to carry into effect measures necessary for the maintainance of Her Majesty’s authority in these Islands, and for the suppression of arm*"d insurrection. r l ho assistance wliich has been afforded to the Colony wl” tend to the ultimate wclof both races of Her Majesty’s subjects, and wm strengthen the bonds of loyally wliich attabli the colony to the 'throne and person of Her Majesty and to the Mother-country. I gladly take this opportunity of expressing the thanks due to the officers and men of Her Majesty’s -inny and hi a\y, and of her Colonial forces, f° r zeal and intrepidity with which they have at nil times peuormed duties of a very arduous unu iiumuviug jju.in.nv* Overtures for peace bavin been made by the insurgent res, I felt it ii. mbent upon me to

insist on the preliminary condition of their ceasing to act as a confederal ion. Cm ibeir retiring (o their respective districts, I proceeded to Tara-'aki and accepted the submission of part of the insurgent section of the Ngatiawa tribe ou conditions widen W ;, l he laid before YOU.

in the policy which I have pursued with reference to the affairs of Taranaki, my ob ject from (lie first has been to secure peace by putting an end to the constantly recurring land feuds which for years have maintained barbarism amongst the aboriginal inhabitants of the district. Having now imposed terms which, wff, if observed, secure this end, I have thought it right to adhere to the engagement of the 2l)th November, IfcsSLJ, in reference to the land purchased at Walt ura, and I have consequently directed that the investigation be resinned at the point at which it was forcibly interrupted.

The terms offered to the Taranaki and Ngat:"uanui tribes ivll bp laid before yon. Their aireravated offences can only be pardoned on their giving such tangible proofs of submission as w :1 l at once afford a means of reparation for their unprovoked aggressions, and he a memorial to themselves of the punishment duo to lawless violence. The declaration which I have made to the Waikato tribes will also be laid before you. It requires submission without reserve to the Queen’s Sovereignty and to the authority of the Law- ; whilst from those who have taken up arms I have insisted upon restitution of plunder, and upon compensation. for losses sustained at (heir hands by Her Majesty’s subjects, Native or European. The submission of all Her M ajcsty's Native Subjects to Her Authority, and obedience to the Law, are necessary preliminaries, but it no less behoves us to redouble our dibi ts to afford them the means of substituting order for lawlessness, and to promote their moral and social advancement. And I entertain a hope that the approaching Conference of Chiefs, which I shah assemble at the earliest opportunity, may assist us in the attainment of so desirable a residt.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

Yon wifi find that a duo economy has been exercised in the expenditure of the supplies voted for the Public Service last Session. The same careful regard for economy will regulate the preparation of the Estimates to be submitted to you for the ensuing financial year. The system of Audit which you have already established, has maintained an effectual supervision over the Public Accounts of (lie Colony. It is further requisite that the Public Revenues should he guarded by the enactment of Laws regulating and dfeetually controlling their expenditure, both by the General and by the respective Provincial Executives.

The Accounts of the Colony, and Papers relating to the payment of the Interest and investment oflhe Sinking Fund of the Guaranteed Loan, will be laid before vou.

Honorable Gent/mien of the Legist, vt.ve Counci l, Gen uEMbN of the House op Rephesentai i ves, Tlte Judges of the Supreme Coint, after conferring together, have made several valuable reports containing suggestions for amending the law, and for improving its practice. These repents v, in t, O laid before you, and measures founded on some of the recommendations contained in them will be submitted for your consideration.

The successive discoveries of gold m quantities in several parts of the colony, warrant the expectation lltal it vHI prominently ran 1 -: among.; (lie products of New Zealand, and will stimulate (lie development of other sowccs of wealth. In conclusion 1 wonhl express m v earnest hope that, in the special circumstances of the Colony, your counsels may in all things be girded by wisdom ; and that under (he blessing of Divine j?ro\ idenee, they may conduce to the present and lasting welfare of the inhabitants of New Zealand. GOVEUXOII’S COtSIU itJIATIOX OF sPKAVtjr. Mr. Bpe.’ v;u annonneed (bat, in aeordanec with a previous order of the House, he had waited on Ilis Excellency the Governor, who had been pleased to confirm bis appointment as speaker. Mr. Stafford brought up a Dill for the Natwali/.ation of certain persons in the Colony of New Zealand.— Dead a first time, and ordered, to be printed. Mr. Stafford hkcwisc laid on the tabic the following papers:— 1. Relating to the disallowance of Provincial Bi ll s. 2. To the m’h'tarv defence of the colony. 3. Proposed regulations under the Land Registr v Act 18G0. 4 Report of the Judges of the Supreme Court on tire formation of a Courc of Appeal in (he Colony of New Zealand. Mr. Wet i> laid on the table ‘■Eurther papers” relating to the Native insurrection at Taranaki, — and also other papers relating to Native atlhb's. The Cox. oxil Treasurer, laid on the'table papers relating to the finances of (he Colony.— Ordered to be printed. After a few words in reference to the issue of new writs, the House adjourned till Thursday. Thursday, Jure 6. The House met at 3 o’clock. Present—the Speaker and 30 members. Mr. Weep laid upon the table further papers relative to the Native insurrection. m f.uro-pxeumox.' a. Mr. Geauaw asked the Colonial Secretary if it was (he intention of Government to introduce a B’ 11 , at an early date, to prohibit the importation of cattle subject to a disease known as pleuro-puen-monia, from places where that disease is known to exist. Mr. Sta fford replied that it did rrot appear to the Government absolutely necessary to introduce a Bill, on this subject, as tiro Customs’ Regulation Act gives the Governor power to prohibit the importation of cattle infected with any disease, and to cause the destruction of any such imported. Nothing had, however, been yet done under the Act. lij-'W WRITS. Mr. J. C. Richmond moved, that His Excellency be requested to issue a writ for. tire election of a member for the Grey and Bell District, in the room of Wi’iiam Cutlield Ring, deceased. Motion agreed to.

11l UTAIIV .DEFENCE. 3fi* Staffoku, being eal'ed on to move, That a select committee be appointed to consider and report on tlit* Military Defence of New Zealand, proposed to post pon<| the motion < : U Tuesday next. withdrew the motion, in order to giro a fresh notice in an amended form. TA u> Vj KI I ; ul>D, Mr. "\\ i r i r \ > .Tsojv moved lor a return, sh.owinrr del ad tile expenditure of the sum of £25,000, authorised by the New Zealand Loan Act, 18G0, to be raised for the relief of the inhabitants of the Province of Taranaki. Also a statement or report of any proceedings that may have been taken for the investigation of t lie cases of “persons wlxo have suffered Joss of property through the late disturbances at Taranaki.” Mr. Graham seconded the motion. Mi - . “tal-vo;;;> said the motion as worded would not obtain the information desired by the lion, member, for none of the £25,000 had yet been expended at a l l. The hon. mover would perhaps amend his motion to some such words as these : “the expenditure of any sum or sums of money expended in the relief of the Taranaki refugees.”" Mr. Wiittamson agreed to the suggestion of the hon. the Colonial decretory, and amended his motion, asking “for a return showing in detail the expenditure of any sum or sums of money that may have been issued by the Government for the relief of i lie inhabitants of Taranaki. Motion agreed to as amended. On the motion of Mr. Sta leord, the House adjourned, at a quarter to 2 o’clock, till Tuesday next. Tuesday, June 11. Present, —the Speaker and 4-1 members. BANK OP NEW SOUTH WAVES. Mr. Wj ra iamson presented a petition from Directors of the Hank of New South Wales, prayhm* for leave to have a Bill brought in to enable the Hank to establish brandies in New Zealand,-—Pe-tition received, and ordered to be referred to the Committee on Standing Orders. EJ UCIION PETITION'. Mix Wiit T avisos' presented a petition from certain electors of the Bay of Islands against the return of the sitting member. Mr. Ga ri eton opposed the reception of the Petition, on the ground that the Standing Orders had had not been complied with ; asserted that the orders of the House had the force of law ; and argued that the Election Petitions Act supplemented, but dhl not supersede, the Standing Orders. Mr. Richmond said the question to he determined was, whether the Standing Orders arc superseded by the Election Petitions Act, and moved that the petition bo referred to the Standing Orders Committee, with instructions to report whether or not the petition is receivable. Mr. Wi f i t a mson showed that the Petitioners relied upon (ho Act of the Assembly, and took no cognisance of the Orders. He accepted the amendment of the Colonial Treasurer. MILITARY DEFENCES. Mr Stafford moved, That a Select, Committee be appointed to consider and report on the question of the Military Defences of Now Zealand, with power to ea ll for persons, papers, and records. The Committee to consist of Messrs. Williamson, Lieut.-Col. Nixon, Dr. Feathcrston, Messrs. Cracroft, Ormond, Eyes, Wilson, Domett, McGlashau, and Dillon Bed—motion agreed to, the names of Messrs. Filzherbcrt, Tavlor, and Wood, being added. PUla'A’. GRii. VANCES’ COM Mill EE. Mr. Richmond moved that the following members be appointed a Committee on Private Grievances Messrs. Russell, Curtis, Brandon, J. C. Richmond, Wood, Had, Jodie, and Didou Bell.— Mr. Wood moved as an amendment that the members bo chosen by ballot.—Amendment carried ; the fo n owing names wore (he result of (he ballot : Messrs. Wood, Russed, Curtis Brandon, J. C. Richmond, Didou Bell, Jodie, and O’Rorke. Sir. Russed moved, and Mr. O’ Neill seconded that Hugh Ca.’leion, Esq., the member for the Bay of Islands District, bo Chairman, of Committees of (his House. —Motion agreed to. Mr. Jodie moved the reply to live Governor's speech, which was seconded by Mr. O’Neil. The address was passed and ordered to be presented to His Excellency this day by the Hon. Speaker, accompanied by the mover and seconder. Wednesday, June 12. The House met this afternoon at five o’clock, when (he Speaker road the Governor’s reply in answer to the address of the House to His Excellency., Mr. Ormond presented two petitions—one signed by forty-two inhabitants of Napier, expressing regret at the contemplated discontinuance of the District Court of that locality, and the other from 178 inhabitants of Hawke’s Bay, praying for steam communication between Auckland, Wellington, and Napier. The Speaker informed the House that it was necessary to elect an Audit Committee, and he would (hen fix Thursday l , the 20th J une, for its appointment. In answer to Mr. G. Graham, the hon. Air. Richmond said it was not the intention of the Government to introduce any general or special measure giving power to* make roads through all or any of the lands in the Colony not held under Crown Grants. On the motion of Mr. Ormond the Standing Order 56 was suspended, when an address was ordered to be presented to the Governor, requesting His Exco 11 eney to issue a n fit for the election of a member for Napier in the room of Mr. lI.P. Stark, resigned. A similar address to Ilis Excellency was also agroed to for a now election for Wanganui in the room of Sir. Harrison, disqualified. The various notices standing in Mr. Fox’s name were moved by that hou. member and agreed to |)JT f]|<J JlOllSO: In reference to the actual or estimated cost of the war, moved for by Mr. Fox, the hon. Mr. Stafford said it would be impossible for the Now Zealand Government to give an actual or even an approximate amount of these expenses, but, as for as it was possible, the returns should be laid on the table. _____ Mr. Dillon Rett., by leave of the House, brought in a bill to make provision for the settle-

sols; the Provincial Council at their last sitting voted the sum of £3500 for postal service. He entirely approved of the motion, and was glad the subject had been taken up. The motion was agreed to. The motion standing in the name of the lion. Mr. Weld for a Select Committee to enquire into the advisability of establishing a Court with jurisdiction over Native land titles was adjourned until tomorrow ; and that of Mr. R. Wood for the names of ail appointees under Government, with the amount of then- salaries and the reason of their appointment, was postponed, in consequence of „ i. . the absence of the lion, member, until Tuesday rue no use then uujoiiniCu until to-morrow. iruu.

ment of certain questions depending on the determination of the boundary of Canterbury and Otago. It was read a first time and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow.

On the motion of Mr. Fitzitekbert an address ■was ordered to bo presented to JTir Excellency, requesting liim to furnish the House with copies of all correspondence relating to the resignation of Mr. McLean, the Native Secretary. A return was ordered showing the amounts retainea vy tho Gronural Government front tlio pro.ceeds of land sales of the several Provinces of Auckland, Wellington, and New Plymouth, on account of the reserved sixths.

Thursday, June 13.

The Speaker took tho Chair at twelve o’clock. Mr Carlton brought up a report from the Standing Orders Committee declaring that the Standing Orders had been complied with respecting the Bank of New South Wales Bill.

Mr. WiiiiAMSOif gave notice that he would tomorrow move for leave to introduce a Bill for the the incorporation of the Bank of New South Wales Bill.

Mr. Ormond presented a petition from the Provincial Council of Hawke’s Bay relative to the present system of Native Land Purchase.—Petition received.

Mr. Wilson brought up an interim report from the Standing Orders Committee, relative to the petition from certain electors of the Bay of Islands against the return of the sitting member for that district.

The Report was then read by the Clerk of the House.

_ The Committee reported that, although the Eection Petitions Act was not wholly consistent with the Standing Orders, yet they had decided that no petition of this nature should be received unless the Standing Orders had been complied with. Mr. Wilson gave notice that to-morrow he would move that the report be adopted. Mr. Fox was informed by the bon. Mr. Stafford that no reply had been received from the Home Government relative to the case upon the New Provinces Act, which had-been forwarded for the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown. Mr. Fox asked whether it was the intention of the Government to remodel, during the present Session, the District Courts. The hon. Mr. Stafford said that the Government had not lost sight of the subject, but it was one purely financial. It was not necessary to repeal the District Court Act; the amounts on the Estimates for those Courts could be struck off by the House. The judicial business of the Colony would be aided through the appointment of two additional Judges, one for Nelson and tho other for Otago. The House agreed, on the motion of Mr. Carleton, that the duties and powers of tho Library and Printing Committee should be the same as those granted last session.

Mr. R. Graham moved “ that in the opinion of this House it is desirable that measures be immediately adopted to prohibit the importation of Cattle from places where the disease of PleuroPnemnonia is known to exist. ”

This led to a long and animated discussion, most of the members engaged in which were of opinion the subject was of the utmost importance to the interests of the Colony, and that precautionary measures were necessary in order to prevent the importation of Cattle affected with Plcuro-Pnu-monia.

The hon. Mr. Richmond urged the House not to express a hasty opinion thereon but to wait until the Government had brought in a Bill upon the subject. There were important interests involved which should be consulted. The Commissariat Department had entered into contract for the importation of Cattle. The Government would however at an early period bring in a Bill. Mr. W illiamson said that prompt remedial measures were necesasry to be adopted. The subject was one of the greatest importance to the Colony generally, and the hon. member who had brought it forward deserved the thanks of the House, lie was of opinion that it should bo referred to a Select Committee.

This preposition having been agreed to, the Committee was named with instructions to bring up their report on Tuesday next. Mr. Fox moved, that an address be presented to His Excellency for copies of all letters addressed to himself and others respecting the abduction of an aboriginal girl; and also, for all letters relating to a breach of duty preferred against Major Duric at Wanganui. He said that the latter subject had created great excitement at Wanganui, and he was of opinion that the report sent to Government would not be borne out by the depositions.

The hon. Mr. Stamford would not offer any opposition to tho motion, although the production of the letters would have the effect of disclosing the names of the parties concerned in the affair. He could'not agree with tho assertion that there had been a “ packed Bench.” Mr. Fox thought that there was a “packed Bench,” forno notice was issued by the clerk of the Magistrates for a meeting of tho Bench. Mr. Firth moved the appointment of a Select Committee on the postal arrangements existing between the Australian Colonies anp the several Provinces of New Zealand, and went somewhat fully into the subject, proving that the Province of Auckland contributed one-third of the postal and customs revenues of the Colony, and was therefore entitled to ask for a re-adjustment of the steam postal service.

Leave of absence was granted to Mr. T. B. Gilles, tho member for Bruce County. Addresses were voted for a copy of a letter from Mr. Turner, of Taranaki, to his Excellency, and also soliciting a copy of the Governor's despatch, forwarding copies ox memorials addressed to his Excellency, by certain inhabitants of Wellington and the Hurt, in September last. The House proceeded to the orders of the day. On the motion of Mr. P. D. Bell, the Canterbury and Otago Boundary Bill was road a second time, and ordered to be committed to-morrow. The House then adjourned.

The hon. Mr. Stamford said ho was glad the subject had been taken up so e,\rly in the Session. The Government was waiting for a report from tho Postmaster-General, but it was delayed in consequence of the more distant Postmasters of the Colony not having sent in their returns. As the question was of great interest to each Province, be wished to add tho names of lilr. Ormond and Mr. Domett to the Committee.

_ A desultory discussion then ensued, which continued for some time.

Mr. WnaiAHSOK said the Committee which sat last year found it was not practicable to get rid of but he hoped that means may now be lound to obtain its abrogation. The Province of. Auckland had never been loth to .subsidise ves-