PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4837, 22 September 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, September 21; The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. PURCHASE OF NATIVE LANDS.

The Hon. Mr. KOHBBE moved,—That in the opinion of this Council, the sending by the Government of officers into native districts, with earnest money as deposits upon lands which have not passed through the Native Land Court, is contrary to law, and is likely to result in serious difficulties', and perhaps bloodshed.

The motion was supported by the Hon. Wi Tako, and after a few words from the Hon. Captain Fraser, The Hon. Dr. POLLEN said he was not able to gather the particular acta complained of, but was sure that had the hon mover taken the trouble to bring his case before the Native Minister he would have obtained redress for any wrong which had been done to him, or those in whom he had an interest. According to the law as it existed, the Government had extensive powers. That is, the agents of the Government were not prevented, like private persons, from dealing with the natives for land before it has passed the Land Court ; hut such transactions had in view further proceedings in the Court. He suggested that Mr. Kohere should withdraw his motion, and address the Native Minister on the subject. If he were not satisfied with the result of such action, then he could return to the Council, when he (Dr. Pollen) was sure he would obtain attention.

After some remarks from the Hon. Mr. Robinson, the Hon Mr. Mantell moved the excision of the words “is contrary to law,” and the words “and perhaps bloodshed.” He thought it desirable to postpone an expression of opinion on the question. The subject of the Native Land Court must come up for discussion shortly, and the sooner the better. The end would likely be the abolishing of the department altogether.—The Hon. Colonel Whitmore supported the amendment of Mr. Mantell, as did the Hon, Mr. Stokes. —The Hon. Mr. Hall thought if the motion, seeing the complexion that had been given to it by Colonel "Whitmore, were adopted, it would amount to a broad condemnation of the Native policy of the Government. This, with the information before him, he was not prepared to do. As he did not see his. way to vote either way, he would move the previous question. The Hon. Mr. KOHERE assented to the suggestion of the Colonial Secretary, and would address the Native Minister on the matter. He withdrew his motion. TREASURY BILLS EXTENDED CURRENCY. The second reading of this Bill was moved by the Hon. Dr. Pollen, and agreed to. the eating bill. This measure was re-committed. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE moved the addition of a proviso to sub-section 3, clause 38, as follows : —“ No Minister of the Crown or civil servants shall be deemed to be exempted under this clause. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN, while agreeing with Colonel Whitmore that Ministers should pay rates as well as other people, was afraid that his amendment was not feasible, as property of the Crown was not liable tn taxation.

The Hon. Mr. HALL pointed out that Crown property was not now exempt from taxation in Imperial legislation. He would move that the whole sub-section be struck out.

After some further discussion, the amendment of Colonel Whitmore was agreed to; bat on the question, “that the sub-section as amended stand part of the clause," being put, it was negatived. The sub-section is therefore out of the Bill altogether.

The Hon. Mr. CHAMBERLIN moved that the words “ lands occupied by churches and chapels ” be struck out of sub-section 4, clause 38.

After discussion, the Hon. Mr. Stokes protested against bringing up matters one day which had been decided the previous one. The subject had been fully gone into on Wednesday. The mover called for a division, which resulted—2o for the retention of the words “ churches and chapels,” 3 against.

The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE then moved that all the words after “extinguish" in sub-section 5 should be struck out. The excision affected native lands.—The Hon. Dr. Pollen opposed the motion. The natives were not educated up to the point to understand that rating was for the benefit of their property. —The Hon. Wl Tako thought that land which had not passed through the Native Laud Court should be exempt. The Treaty of Waitangi was being lost sight of.—The amendment was lost. A new schedule was proposed by the Hon. Mr. Hall, and agreed to. The Bill was then reported with amendment, and the third reading fixed for next day. marriage act amendment bill. The amendment made by the House of Representatives in this Bill was agreed to. in committee. The Treasury Bills Extended Currency passed through, was reported, read a. third time, and passed. The Canterbury Sheep Bill was committed •proforma, and postponed till next day. The Otepopo Athenaeum Reserve Bill passed through committee, the schedule being amended. Third reading next day. The Cromwell Racecourse Bill was then committed. Progress was reported and leave o btained to sit again. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, September 21; The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’clock. PETITIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTION. Several petitions were presented and notices of motion given.. RESOLUTIONS. Mr. THOMSON moved,—That there be laid before this House a return showing the names, and where situated, of all towns that have been laid off' in accordance with the provisions of the Plans of Towns Regulation Act, 1875.—Carried. Mr. THOMSON moved,—That there be laid before this House the report of Mr. Logan, Inspector of Telegraphs, relative to the proposed extension of telegraph line to Gatlin’s river.—Agreed to. Mr. BASTINGS moved, —That in the opinion of this House, free passes on the railways should be issued to the members of both Houses of Parliament.—After discussion, the motion was carried on division by 38 to 21. The following is the division list: — Ayes, 33: Baigent, Barff, Bastings (teller), J. O. Brown, J; E. Brown, Button, Carrington-,- DeLautour, Dignan, Fisher, Grey, Hamlin, Henry. Hislqp, Joyce, Kennedy, Larnach, Lumsden, Slanders, Morris, Murray, Nahe, O'Eorke, Pyke, Bees (teller), _ Reynolds, Howe, Sheehan, Shrimski, Stout, Taiaroa, Takanioana, Thomson, Tole, Tonks, Tribe, W. Wood, and Woolcock. Noes, 21-l Atkinson, Bowen, Burns, Cox, Hursthouse, Kelly, Sir D. McLean, G. McLean, Montgomery, Murray-Aynaley (teller), Ormond, Reid, Richardson, Rollerton, Russell. Seymour, Stafford (teller), Stevens, Swinson, Teschemakcr, and XV akefleld. ~ „ Tr , Dr. HENRY, in the absence of Dr. Hodgkinson, moved,—That this House concurs in the recommendations contained in the report of the Rabbit - Nuisance Committee. SirGEORGE GREYwithdrewhis motion,— That a respectful address be presented to the Governor, praying that his Excellency will take into consideration that his Excellency’s Responsible Advisers have been selected in contravention of the lawv. Dr. HENRY moved, —That this House will, to-morrow, resolve itself into a committee-

cf the whole, to consider of an address to his Excellency the Governor, praying that, in consideration of the services of the late Colonel St. John, a gratuity of two years’ salary may he granted to his widow. —Agreed to. Mr. O'RORKB moved,—That this House will, to-morrow, resolve itself into committee of the whole, to consider of an address to his Excellency the Governor, requesting him to recommend to the House the appropriation of a sum of £llO, to comply with the recommendations contained in the report of the Public Petitions Committee of last in the matter of the petition of John Eahey. Agreed to. , . TT Mr. O’RORKE moved,—That this House will to-morrow resolve itself into a ccmmitteo of the whole to consider of au address to his Excellency the Governor, requesting him to recommend to this House an appropriation ot £139 to meet the report of the Public 1 etitions Committee in the case of Mr. Earnall. Agreed to. . The interrupted debate on the question, That the report of the Native Affairs Committee on the petition of Major Te Wheoro be now taken into consideration—was post-

P °Mr.' KENNEDY moved,—That a return be laid before this House showiug, under the most convenient heads, the total area of lanas reserved in each province of the colony, by way of endowment for corporate or other public bodies; the road district where situated; whether town, suburban, or rural lands; date, authority, and the several purposes for which such reserves have been made. Also, to include separately reserves proposed to he so made prior to the Ist of October of this present year.—Agreed to. Mr. STOUT moved—That this House concurs in the recommendations contained in the report of the Public Petitions Committee on the petition of C. Schroder and other immigrants, presented to the House on the 14th July, 1876; and that a copy of this resolution and the report be communicated to the Government.—Agreed to. Mr. STOUT moved,—That this House concurs in the recommendations contained in the report of the Public Petitions Committee, No. 9, which recommends ” That the petitioner, George Henry Barnes, should be reimbursed all the monev proved to have been collected by ‘ him after office hours on the 29th May, 1875; and recommends the report to the favorable consideration ot the Government.

A mTmONTGOMEBY moved—That there be laid before this House copies of all letters and telegrams in possession of the Government relating to the sale of debentures (representing £1°250,000) lately effected in London. — Agreed to. , , Mr. STOUT moved,—That all reports from select committees be printed, except such reports as refer to the business of other committees.—Agreed to. Mr. STOUT moved,—That this House will, on Thursday next, resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to consider of an address to bis Excellency the Governor, requesting that he will cause provision to be made for the maintenance of the Otago Museum by a permanent endowment of Crown lands ; or, failing such endowment, the placing of the sum of £2OOO on the Estimates for the maintenance of the said Museum. Agreed to. The interrupted debate on the question,— That this House considers that the provision proposed to be made for roads and works in the districts north of Auckland is entirely inadequate to meet the requirements and necessities of those districts, and very much smaller than the share to which those districts are fairly entitled, regard being had to area, population, and contributions of revenue —was resumed. After discussion a division was taken, when there appeared, for the motion, 23; against, 19. JJUNICIF.iI CORPORATIONS Bill. This Bill was re-committed, further amended, progress reported, and leave obtained to sit again on Monday. renwick lease and conveyance bill. On the motion of Mr. Seymour this Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Wednesday next. executive councillors indejinity bill. This Bill came up for consideration of amendments by the Legislative Council. The Government signified their agreement with the amendments, which were accordingly concurred in. POST-OFFICE ACTS AMENDMENT BILL. This Bill, to legalise the issue of postal cards, was read a second time, and its committal ordered for Monday. THE INCREASED HONORARIUM. The House went into committee of the whole to consider of an address to his Excellency the Governor, praying that an additional sum may be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of defraying the expenses of members of this House in connection with their Parliamentary duties during the session. Major ATKINSON said that the Government, finding that there was a general expression of opinion that the honorarium should be increased in view of the increased length and work of the session, were prepared to put a sum of £2OO on the Estimates as honorarium for each member. Mr. LABNACH, who was in charge of the Bill, accepted this, but Mr. Burns opposed, wishing a reversion to the old system of payment by time. Mr. HELD desired to include the members of the Upper House as recipients of the increased honorarium. After discussion, the question that Mr. O’Korke should leave the chair was carried on the voices. WELLINGTON DEBTS ACT AJIENDMENT BILL. This Bill was read a second time, and ordered to he committed this day. SUNDRY BILLS. The following Bills were considered in committee, reported, read a third time, and passed:— Eoman Catholic Church Lands Bill, Canterbury New Brighton Bridge Bill, Thames ■Domestic Water Supply Bill, Boxburgh Becreation Beserve Bill, Moa Flat School Eeserve Bill. LAW PRACTITIONERS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Ob the question of going into committee on this Bill, The Hon. Mr. EEYNOLDS requested that the committal of the Bill should be postponed until certain affidavits in connection with the case of Henry Smythies, ordered to be printed, should be distributed. Mr. BUBNS proposed that the House should vo into committee on the Bill that day six months. _ . The motion was negatived by 32 against 18, and the House went into committee on the Bill. , „ On going into committee, Mr. Beynolds proceeded to read the affidavits mentioned (cy him previously, and a good deal of discussion ensued as to whether he was in order in so doing. ~ After a great deal of discussion on Mr. Smythies case, the one which the Bill was intended to affect, a motion to report progress was negatived by 23 to 20. Clause 4, which limited the evidence that might be given, excited a lengthy and in parts personal discussion, and a division jwas taken on the question that it he struck out, which was carried by 23 to 21. The Bill was reported, and the third reading ordered for Wednesday next. SUPPLY. The Hon. Major ATKINSON notified that on going into Committee of Supply next day he would bring down another Imprest Supply Bill. The House adjourned at 1.18 a.m.