GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 302, 12 September 1877, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wellington, September 10. Sir G Grey continued the debate.

Messrs Cox and Russell's proposal to lease the Taupo lands was a perfectly legal and legitimate transaction. He had at the request of native owners suggested to many people to ler-se land in the interior for 21 years as runs. He did not in the least remember the conversation recounted by Mr Cox, but had no doubt that Mr Cox had correctly stated his impression, but he was equally sure that it was a mistaken one, there was a misunderstanding somewhere. It at most amounted to his having for a few days contemplated becoming a partner with other gentlemen in a perfectly fair venture, but he determined not to do so for fear of his ;v:ti >n being misconstrued. He had been Moused as Governor of having received a bribe to use his influence and such charge demanded exhaustive enquiry. The letters should be produced, all parties being now quite willing. He believed it would be found that tlie only reference to him, was in the words " The Governor declines to take any part, some other monied man will take his place." He desired to have the charges made against hi in fully investigated, and the evidence, placed on official record. Mr Rees said he had been surprised at the tone of the debate. He would not imimate it. If Messrs Orrnond and "Whitaker did not know the falsity of the charge about his absconding from his creditors, they ought. He denied it absolutely. Through over speculation in mining and being made responsible for debts not his own, ho had been driven into the Bankruptcy Court, but had passed through without los3 of credit, and ever since every penny he h<id made beyond the absolute means of subsistence for his family, was devoted to paying off just claims. He hoped in another yeai or so thnt all would be paid. Sir George Grey wanted none to do his dirty work, and would not ask him if he did and he was not elected for that purpose. He reprobated the attacks made on 'Mr Henry Russell and was astonished at the charge of extorting a bribe being made against Sir George Grey without the truth 'v-'ing firsc ascertained. Mr Cox's

statfui.-nt .sljowod it to be ;i.l«o!uti-lv

unfounded. He defended his action regarding native claims to vote in Hawkes Bay. He dwelt at length on the nature of. the Tlawkes Bay land transactions and denied that actions had been withdrawn although Mr oheehan's clients had been bribed to withdraw them. There "were plenty of cases for the Committee to enquire into without interfering with those pending in Court. The refusal to grant a committee would cause general suspicion throughout the Colony.

The House divided on the previous question ; ayes, 34 ; noes, 41. The motion therefore dropped.