PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 205, 26 August 1873, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

House of Representatives. Wellington, August 25. In the House last night, Mr Taiaroa presented a petition from the natives of Hawke's Bay and Wellington against the Native Reserves Act Amendment Bill. The Diseased Cattle Act Amendment Bill was reed the first time. The Native Reserves Aot Amendment Bill was read a third time. Mr O'Rorke moved the second reading of the Promissory Oath [Notes ? ] Bill, which was carried without discussion. The Weights sad Measures Act Amendment Bill is now on. Mr M'Lean moved the second reading of the Native Lands Bill, which had been prepared carefully, after obtaiuiug advice from Judge Richmond, wqob© experience in Hawke's Bay gave his opinion value. The principle of the bill set forth iv ihe preamble explained the provisions. Mr Rollestoo objected that Mr M'Lean did not set forth the salient points of the bill He criticised its principle and

details, and particularly the provision for voting the Judges' salaries annually. Mr T. B. Gilliea thought favorably of the bill, some of its provisions being good. He liked the provision for ascertaining the requirements of the natives, and setting aside reserves, also that the Government Bhould take surveys in hand. He disagreed with Mr Rollestou regarding the salary of Judges, and thought their appointment more like commissions of inquiry. He objected to the interference of Government with Judges being permitted. The bill went further than former ones iv providing for suspending the action, of the Native Lands Couri, and feared that it might destroy confidence in the Court. He regretted that the action of the Court had been suspended in the central and southern parts of Auckland. Mr Takamoana opposed the bill. He approved of what Mr M'Lean had said in support of the bill, but ho was not clear. He said one thing and did another. The administration of the East Coast Titles Commission was unsatisfactory. Mr Fitzherbert generally agreed with the bill, but thought it went too far. He objected to the exemption of native lands from loral taxation. Mr Wilson objected to the nativea being free from taxation while the value of their lands waa increased by the energy of the Europeans. Mr Parata supported the bill. Mr Header Wood hoped the native lands would not be taxed if peace was to be maintained. Mr Sheehan generally supported the bill. Mr M'Lean replied. The bill was read a second time. The Weights and Measures Bill was read a second time. In the House to-day the Auckland Improvement Bill was referred back to the select committe for insertion of a Clause for the preservation of the drill shed. Mr Macandrew gave notice of motion of a bill to amend the Otago Waste Lands Law, 1873. In reply to Mr SheebaD, the Defence Minister said regarding the Auckland drillshed that the Government would see that the interests of the Auckland Volununteerß were attended to.