PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 202, 24 August 1872, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, August 23. Hhe committee on Mr O'Conor's case reported :•— 1 . That be intended to purchase the land in question before a special value was attached to it by the action of the committee. 2. That he was present at the meeting of the committee, and could hare heard them discussing. 5. That he states on oath lie did not hear it, and the. committee are bound to believe him. 4 That immediately on the decision being published, and before any disturbance was mad.c, he offered to surrender his purchase. 6. That by documentary evidence, lie satisfactorily accounted for having made the purchase at the time he did. 6l That he did not in the transaction act dishonorably, and nothing in his conduct was derogatory to his character as a member of the House. The committee also stated that they attached do importance to Langdon's declaration in the matter. " „ . , , Mr Stafford moved that the House received the report with great satisfaction. .Mi? Fo^seconded. Mr. ©'Conor spoke ..at some length regarding his persecunpn by malicious, evil-minded enemies. Mr. Xu&ne i defended s ! th^ac^pn of, the Nelson Provinciai^ouri^iU^.'^,ii|. : ;^uf,o'/" ; :''!,,' ; . ,\ ,'. . .■■;'•.. ■ ■•■Motion;'acloptedr^ : H^ 1 /-'-'^ v • •■":"'■■'.■'■ .^■^■:-f.,imm---.\': : Ks-.-- ,

Augu&t 24. Mr. McLean spake last night, an(V gave a history ■of the Mativof policy pursued by the* Government, and said i that their future policy,: was that of n general aturiesty, "'with but few exceptions, and the restoration of the confiscated, lsinds where no European interests had grown up. He alluded to the increasing facilities for the education of the Maoris, and the creation of a Native Board to advise wiih the Cabinet. If the present Ministry were defeated, he would not take office with the new one. Mr Creighton supported the resolution, proved that the Native policy of the Government was inconsistent, and said that the Ministry are endeavoring to shield themselves from attack behind Mr McLean:, If the whole ten-per-cent transaction were before the jHouse, Ministers would not remain in ollice for ten minutes. Mr Karaitana found fault with the Native administration in. many points, but generally approved of it. He had not decided how to vote, but wouM probably support tho resolutions. Mr Tairoa opposed the resolutions. Mr Gillies delivered a telling speech in support nf the resolutions. He alts eked the Government finance, and referred to the large increase in the unfunded debt. He complained of General Government mal-admini&tralion in the Province of Auckland, and of the non-realisation of the results promised by the Colonial Treasurer. Mr Gisborne replied. Mr Reader Wood supported the resolutions, and called upon the Treasurer to deny the statement that 600 letters lay unopened for several months ,in the Treasury, His silence he must interpret as an admission of the charge. Ec criticised the whole administration, and complained that there had been no results. Mr Macandrew moved the adjournment of the debate until Tuesday next, which was agreed to. It-is believed that Mr. McLean's speech has weakened rather than strengthed the Government, having alienated, a few who previously intended to support the Ministry. The Opposition are now sure of a small mpjority. The debate will last several days longer.