HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 217, 22 October 1878, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Monday. Mr Barton gave notice of a motion in favor of running special working men's trains. Sir Robert Douglas gave notice to ask Mr Barton whether, in the event of his charges being disproved, he ought not to be disbarred. In reply to Mr Reeves, the Government said, they believed existing law is adequate to prevent adulteration if enforced, but they wou'd enquire whether further legislation is necessary. In reply to Mr Reeves, the Premier promised that the Government would consider during the recess the necessity of placing a signal light at the entrance of Tory Channel. In reply to Mr Wakefield, Mr Macandrew said the Government had received no estimate of the cost cf the damage done by the recent floods at Rangitata bridge ; that the Counties concerned would be responsible for the expense of repairing in Clutba and Bruce. If it had heen possible to ascertain the extent of damage the Government would have made a proposal to the House whereby the local bodies might be aided with loans to repair damages. In reply to Mr Barton, Mr Sheehan said that six survey parties are at work on the Waimate plains, and a large area will be sold early next year, part on deferrad payments, both at Waimate and Waitotara. Mr Sheehan denied the report that two Natives had been killed on the East Coast. There had heen only a small disturbance, not sufficient to induce him to go down and spend money, but he would wait till the powder was all exhausted. There was a long discussion on the motion to go into Committee on the Wakatene Grants Validation Bill. Mr Rolleston regretted that the Government had not adopted the system of auction in selling these lands by Orders in Council, which was likely to produce abuses. The time was near when we must revert to the exclusive pre-emptive right of purchase by the Crown, or make absolute free trade in Native lands and reserve no portions for the Native. The Premier expressed his concurrence in these views, but said the Government reforms were resisted by powerful private interests. The Government would consider Mr Rolleston's suggestions, and endeavor to give effect to them next session. Sir Robert Douglas said Colonel Whitmore had an interest in the stock running on the land of Captain Swindly, at Whakatane. Mr Rolleston said Colonel Whitmore had admitted in evidence that he had advanced money to Swindly. Mr M'Lean accused the Government of illegally issuing Crown grants, and moved that the Bill be postponed. Mr Sheehan said the transactions for which these grants were issued were negotiated in 1866. The Government would undertake that the leases should not exceed twenty-one years. The Premier challenged Mr M'Lean to move for a Committee of Enquiry. Mr Sheehan consented to the adjournment of the debate until Tuesday. Tuesday. In Committee on the Rating Act Amendment Bill, Dr Hodgkinson moved that the Chairman leave the chair, which was negatived on a division by 40 to 26. The Bill was reported with amendments. The Premier stated that Mr Barton, at the request of the Colonial Secretary, |having made specific charges in writing against the Judges, the Government would consider the course they intended to pursue, and inform the House on Tuesday. In moving the second reading of the Native Lands Purchase Bill, Mr Sheehan attributed the cause of the delay iv Native legislation to the pressure on the department, all the business of the whole of the West Coast native disputes having been referred to the Government and Rewi for settlement. The Government saw no necessity for making any radical alteration in the Native Land Law this session, hut would hold a conference of chiefs during the recess to obtain suggestions for the measure next session, jn tbe meautime he would watch the operation of the Electoral Bill. He expressed nt the waste of the proceeds of their land sales by the Natives in intemperance. Government, officials would be absolutely prohibited dealing priyately in Native lands. He denied that the f v an4 Court was under the control of the Government. The present Act was intended to preserve tho public interest. Mr Fox severely criticised the Native administration as barren of auy policy, and said tbat the Native meetings at Waikato were pueriie, #c accused the Premier of fraternising with murderers, and quoted newspaper reports in order' to sjjow the absurd character of the proceedings. He contended that the concessions all favored the Natives. Mr Qollcstop regretted that there were no steps for the pennant of the Natives. Messrs Manders, Moorhouse, W^kefteld, and others followed. Mr Sheehan replied, admittinga conference with Te Ivcoti, and the knowledge that Winiata was present at the meeting. The second reading was agreed to, and the House adjoijrqed at 1.55.