HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 17, 18 June 1885, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met a 2.30 p.ui. After a large nn tabor of petitions had been presented ami notices of motion given, The Hon. Mr Stoat moved the adjournment of the Houae until 7.30 p.m. as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr John Sheehan. He felt sure that all would regret that a young life of such' promise should have been so soon cut down. Mr Sheehan was the first Britishborn New Zealander elected to the House of Representatives or appointed a Minister of the Crown. • Sir George Grsy seconded the motion, and spoke of the natural talents of the deceased, and his kindly disposition; n The motion was carried, and the House adjourned at 3 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30. new bills. ' The following new bills were introduced : — Land Act 1884 Amendment, Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes, Native Lands Disposition, "Native Lands Acts, Consolidation, Regulation of Elections of School Committees, Bill to Amend Employment of Females Act, Unclaimed Lands Bills. ; ' * ADDRESS IN REPLY. Mr Pearson moved the Address-in-Reply, and referred first to the death of Mr Sheehan, which he deplored. He believed that the colony had arrived at the worst of the depression, and there were now signs of its disappearing. He attributed the depression to the system m vogue ten or twelve, years ago of introducing unsuitable immigrants to the colony. Of the frozen meat industry, he was glad to say that it showed signs ot extending, which could not be but of great advantage to the Colony, especially to the North Island. He next alluded to the Soudan war, and said it was gratifying to find New South Wales m an finan* cial position to send help, and felt sure that when the .time came New Zealand would follow suit. The Government wero to be commended for their energy m placing this colony m as complete. state of defence as possible. He would like to have seen the Government more liberal to Volunteers, and he impressed on the Defence Minister that we must have a good professional to direct the movements of the troops m the field; It was a matter for congratulation to thii North Island that the Main Trunk railway had been commenced. He thought that through the greatest portion of the colony satisfaction was expressed at Jfche • administration of native affairs by Mr Ballance, but at the same time be con-r sidered that the present satisfactory state was largely due to the firm stand taken by Mr Ballance's predecessor (Mr Bryce) He was sorry he could not congratulate the House on the commencement of the East and West Coast railway. After r«. f erring to the successful floating of the recent million and a half loan, he congratulated the Minister of Lands m not losing sight of the perpetual leasing system, which largely assisted the settlement of lands. Whatever system of local government was brought down he hoped itwould not interfere with our present road board system, which was working most satisfactorily. He had always bee» an admirer of the property tax and « strong opponent of the land tax, but if the latter were to be the law much of the sting would be removed if the revenue were expended m the district m which it was raised. He hoped that political boards would be appointed to manage the railways, and system of differential rates introduced. (Applause). Mr T. W. Hisiop seconded the address. After noticing Mr Sheehank death, he went on to say that he thought it advisable for the colony to appeal to ab- ' stract principles, as they were the essence of good legislation and good government They were told by the Governor that depression was passing away, and confidence waa being restored. He (Mr Hislop) never heard of anyone m hiß senses losing confidence m the future of the colony, but he felt that if it were pasj sing away it would not do so permanently I until they had a better system of government. He hoped that the House would adopt the proposed incidence of taxation. The colony should repulate its legislation m the direction of not having extreme! of wealth and poverty, but endeavours should be made, so far as possible, to equally distribute wealth. Major Atkinson asked the Premier if it was true that all Government important measures were ready, for if so he would accept the address at once and sit dowa. The Opposition did not wish to prolong a useless debate. The Premier replied that if the address was carried to-night he would be ready with tlie Financial Statement on Friday. Major Atkinson wished it to be understood that thoso on hts side of the House did not commit themselves, but would re. serve the right to criticise at a future time every detail of the public policy (applause). ■ > .. , The Address was then carried,' and "it | agreed that Messrs Pearson and Hisiop, , and the members of the Government be a committee to prepare the address to his Excellency. After an adjournment of five minutes the Address was presented to the House and agr#ed to, and at 9.5 p.m. 'the Premier moved the adjournment of f the House, which was agreed to. ..: •■•