THE SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 101, 13 August 1880, Page 2

THE SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS.

In the Rouse of Representatives on Monday last, the Hon. Mr Hall explained the intentions of the Government as regards the Bills on the Order Paper. He said the period of the session had now arrivpd when, in order to secure the passis g of Bills which were absolutely indispensable, they must make up their minds to sacrifice the less important measures. Government had very carefully considered the question, and had separated the Bills on the paper into four classes. The fourth class included the Town Districts Bill, Fisheries Bill, Education Reserves Amoudirent Bill, Public Entertainments Bill, Cemeteries Bill, New Zealand University Reserves Bill, Canterbury Rivei-a Act Amendment Bill, Auctioneers Bill, Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Bill, Gaming end Lotteries Bill, Hawkers and Pedlars Bill, Peace Preservation Bill. Those twelve Bills would have to be the victims whose blood the Government must unhappily shed, and it would be his painful duty to move in due courso that *hey be discharged from the Order Paper. He would part with them with much regret, as most of them were looked for by the country. He hoped, however, he would renew acquaintance with them at as early a date as possible. It was proposed to deal with the following at morning sittings : — Counties Act Amendment Bill, High School Reserves Bill, Joint Stock Companies Act, 1860, Amendment Bill, Dogs Hegistration Bill, Brands and Branding Bill, Fencing Bill, Impounding Bill, Thames Water -upply Transfer Bill, Rabbit Nuisance Bill. One or two of these were already almost through, and there would not be much difference about them. As to the others in the class, if there wa-? any serious opposition the Government would be compelled to postpone them. The next class of Bills, which the "rovernment called desirable Bills, including somo of the Native Bills, the Li censing Bill, Representation Bill, Registration of Local Elections Bill, and Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill, the course taken with these would depend upon what wa3 done with the next class. The Licensing Bill he looked upon as n vary useful measure, but ho could make no promise regarding it. With regard to the Representation Bill, he bad heard many members exprau an opinion that it was undesirable to proceed with it this session. That, however, was not his opinioj. For very many reasons he thought it desirable that chat Bill should be pushed on this session. The Government were anxious this should be done, hut it would depend entirely on the House whether it was passed or not. He would take the earliest opportunity of moving the second reading, and then it would bo se6n whether it would be necessary to press it. Upon this would depend the passing of the Kegulution of Elections and Corrupt Practices Bill, as if the Representation Bill was not passed this session, then the other two would have to be postponed until next session. With regard to the Native Bills, which included the following — Native Land Court, Native Lands Frnud Prevention Bill, Native Succession Bill, Native Land Titlos Bill, Native Land Contracts Act Validation Bill, Native Land Stamps Duties Bili, Waikato Confiscated Land Bill, Miscellaneous Nativo Claim Bill, and Native Reserves Bill, the G-overnine&t could scarcely hope the whole wouM become law this session. The Native hand Courts Bill had not met with much disfavor, and doubtless would pas-i into law, anl it was hoped the Native Lands Frauds Prevention Bi 1, tho Native Succession and Confiscated Lands Bills ul<o. As to the Nativo Land Sales Bill, that would be considered when Sir George Grey tabled his amendment about placing land under trustees on the Supplementary Order Paper. The next class comprised bills which were absolutely essential, financial measures for placing the finanoes of the colony upon a sound footing ; these must be dealt with this session. They were the Property Assessment Act Amendment Bill, the Beer Duty Bill, Deceased Persons Estate Duties Bill, Local Public Works Bill, and Rating Act, 1870, Amendment Bill. Members, he thought, would admit that tho Government had made a considerable sacrifice, and they ventured to hope they would be met by a sacrifice on the part of members.