PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 254, 6 November 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE.

Wellington, Wednesday night. A Select Committee will enquire into the public accounts. Mr Hamlin gave notice I'd move for the attendance before the Lands Committee of G. B. Wofgau now in Wanganui gaol. A similar request has been made by the Landg Committee. The Premier considered the request unusual, and asked for time to enquire into the case. Colonel Trimble considered that the House was aaked to pursue an objectionable course, and that more information should be furnished.—Mr Murray aud Mr Kelly thought the discussion had better be adjourned until the House knew more about the matter.— Mr Hutchison said they could not bo better occupied than in seeking justice for the poor and oppressed, and this was such a case. — Mr Sheehan wanted an assurance that the matter would be taken nexs day.— Sir G. Grey said that reason and justice demanded that the matter should be pressed on. — Mr Rolleaton said the Government wished to conform to the feeling of the House, but the question was a very important one, and it behoved them to know something about it. — Mr Delautour said it was not the duty of the Government to know auything of the case until the Committee reported.— Major Atkinson said it was time that the power of Committees to summon witnesses from all parts of the colony was taken away, as it led the country into great unnecessary expense He would like to see the matter come on tomorrow^ but felt that the Government were ,only doing their duty in asking for an adjournment. — Messrs Montgomery, Turnbull, and Gisborne urged the carrying out of the wishes of the Committee.— Mr McLean said the reason should be given why ihe request was made. Ultimately the ad jounrnment was carried by 46 to '26, and three o'clock to-morrow was fixed for the debate. Mr Oliver said at present it was impossible to authorise the sale of railway tickets at the Post Offices. Several Bills were read the first time. A Committee was appointed to inquire what facilities can be given to the press for the use of the telegraph. A return was promised of the revenue ani expenditure of each branch line connected with the trunk line of the Middle Island. Mr Murray's motion that the House sit on Monday was withdrawn. Thursday On the motion to go into Committee of Supply Mr Oliver moved the appropriation of £50,000 to enable certain railways to be carried on, and to fiud work for the unemployed. Mr Macandrew wanted the particular railways specified. Mr Oliver mentioned amongst others the Wellington Foxton line. Mr Hislop said this was only done to curry favor with the unemployed Sir G. Grey said Mr Rolleston had always opposed changes that benefltted the working men. Colonel Trimble accused Sir G. Grey of making speeches to the galleries. Sir G. Grey replied that gridironing the country and bad legislation had led to the present depression, and New Zealand should rise as one man against it. Colonei Trimble said Sir G. Grey's constant appeals to the passions of the multitude were unworthy of his position as a member of the House. Mr Rolleston accused Sir G. Grey of sending home for 6000 immigrants and keeping back the telegram. Mr Macandrew denied that the telegram bad been suppressed. Mr Hall said it had. Sir G. Grey defended sending the telegram, and said he thought it would be a good thing for the colony if the immigrants had come. After further discussion the motion was passed. Sir G. Grey moved the second reading of the Native Reserves Vesting Bill, the object of which is to vest all native reserves in the Public Trustee. Mr Bryce urged the withdrawal of the Bill for the present. Mr Sheehan suggested the adjournment of the debate for a week n order to enable the Maoris to become a< quaioted with the Bill. Messrs Pitt and Seddon opposed the Bill and the adjournment. Messrs Masters and Gisborne supported the adjournment. Mr Tomoana moved and Mr Tainui seconded, That the Bill be read that day six months. Ultimately the debate was adjourned for a week. The remaining business referred to Auckland, Wellington, and private Bills, and the House adjourned at 1 10 am.