PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 221, 2 September 1875, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

WELLif-GTosr, Wednesday. The House met at 2.30 p m Mr Rolleston caused considerable discussion by moving for a Select Committee to inquire into certain land purchases from the Government, by members of the Legislature. Sir Donald McLean told the mover that his question hai already been answered twice, but the Government h^d no objection to a Srflf ct Committee, in fact, rather desired one. The hon. aentlemnn ought to know they had sf reral times stepped in and managed to snatch some valuable Jand from speculators Considerable discusdon was evoked by Mr Wales who move 1 •• That it w«s against the interests of the colony to appoint a SurveyorGeneral from New Zealand who had not experience in the colony «a a surveyor." He said there was a general fading abroad that thr> Governmpnt intended to appoint some one GtttsHe the colony. The Government denied that there was any such intention. The majority of the speakers were in favor of appointing some person experienced in the colony, provided his scientific and profesrional acquirements were sufficient. Mr Fitzherbert intimated very clearly that overtures and promises had been made to Major Palmer, who it had bean arranged was to have the appointmeat. Major Atkiason said distinctly on behalf of himself and the Ministry that no inducement or promisee of any kind had been held out to Major Palmer by the Government. Mr Fitzherbert refused to believe the denial. Mr Stafford sud that quite accidentally he happened to learn from Major Palmer, just before leaving for home, that there waa no truth in the statement that he had been offered the Surveyor-Generalship. Having heard the report telegraphed he asked the major if it was true, and that was his answer. The motion was amended so as to read 11 that all things being equal, a surveyor of experience in the colony would be preferred." Mr Buckland moved for a return containing all particulars relating to any land or property transferred by any member of the Assembly to the Government for any purpose. He thought this ought to satisfy the member for * Avon. The House rose at 5.30. Thursday. The principal portion of the sitting last nigbt was occupied with private business. Some discussion took place on the Piako Swamp sale, but most of the remarks had ' been gone over before. The result is th>»t a Committee wiil be appointed to enquire into the whole affair. Copies of Mr T. Russell's credentials were moved for, and agreed to be placed on the table. A long discußsion occurred over a motion by Mr Gibbs to remove the restrictions upon the sale of ammunition, at least as far a# regarded the Middle Island. Ultimately, on the strong representation of the Native Minister of the danger of doing so, and, on a promise that he would endeavor to remove all cause of the annoyance complained of, the motion was withdrawn, and the House adjourned early.