PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5411, 31 July 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, Jolt 30. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. , Various papers and reports were laid on the table, and several notices of motion and questions were given. ADDHESS IN REPLY. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE brought up the address in reply to the Governor's speech. It was read by the Clerk, and subsequently notice was given for its adoption next day. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE moved, and it was agreed to, that the Hon. Major Richmond, C. 8., should be the Chairman of Committees for the session. COMMITTEES. On the motion of the Hon. Major Richmond, the usual sessional committees were appointed. , NEW RILLS. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE introduced the following new Bills, which were read a first time :—The Savings Banks Act, the Branding of Stock Act, an Act in supplement of the Sale of Rood and Drugs Act, the Cruelty to Animals Prevention Act, and the Repeals Act. In reply to the Hon. John Hall, the Hon. Colonel Whitmore said he would move that such Bills as the Scab Act and the Branding of Stock Act should be referred to a select committee; but for the other Bills then introduced he would take the discussion on the second reading. The Council then (3 p.m.) adjourned till the following day. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 30. The Speaker took the chair at 7 30 p.m. NEW MEMBERS. The following new members took the oaths and their seats : —Mr. Green, Port Chalmers ; introduced by the Hon. Mr. Stout and Mr. Thompson. Mr. Saunders, Cheviot; introduced by Mr. Montgomery and the Hon. Mr. Fox. PETITIONS. Petitions were presented by Mr. Swanson, Mr. George, Mr. Hunter, and Mr. Hamlin. NOTICES OF MOTION. Notices of motion were, given by the Hon. Mr. Gisborne, Horn Mr. Fox, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Seaton, Mr. Barton, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Johnston. Mr. Wooloock, Mr. Wakefield, Mr. O'Rorke, and the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, PAPERS. The Hon. Mr. MACANDREW laid on the table several papers and returns, including report on the alternative lints of railway from Auckland to Kaipara. The Hon. Mr. STOUT laid several papers ou the table. QUESTIONS. Sir ROBERT DOUGLAS asked the Minister for Public Works, —If be will lay before this House any returns, reports, or other documents he may have, which refer to the construction of a tramway or railway from Kamo to Whangarei ? The Hon. Mr. MACANDREW, in reply, said he would now lay on the table papers bearing on the subject, and plans of the proposed line could be seen at the Public Works Office.- The line in question would cost £36,000.

Sir ROBERT DOUGLAS asked the Post-master-General, —If it is true, as reported, that a guarantee by private persons has been required by Government before they will undertake the erection of the Northern Wairoa Telegraph ; (2) if a guarantee has been required from oilier portions of the colony in which telegraphs have been or are about to be erected; (3; if he remembers that au assurance was given in this House that no guarantee would be asked for ? The Hon. Mr. FISHER replied as follows : —To the first" question, it is true ;to the second, yes,'it is true also ; and to the third, no. BILLS. On the motion of the, Hon. Mr. Stout, leave was given to introduce the following Bills, which were read a first time, ordered to be printed, and the second reading fixed for next day :—A Bill to explain and amend certain provisions of the Act in force relating to the Civil Service of the colony ; a Bill to amend the Mercantile Law Amendment Act, 1860 ; a Bill for the regulation and management of Trades' Unions iu New Zealand.

PETITIONS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS COMMITTEE.

The Hon Mr. SHEEHAN moved, —That a select committee, to consist of eighteen members, be appointed to consider all petitions, reports, returns, and other documents relating to affairs specially affecting the native race that may be brought before the House this session, and from time to time to report thereon to the House; with power to call for persons and papers; five to be a quorum. The committee to consist of Messrs. Bryce, Carrington, Fox, Grey, Hamlin, Hobbs, Macandrew, Nahe, Ormond, Rolleston, Russell, Taiaroa, Takamoaua, Tawhiti, Wakefield, Williams, Woolcock, and the mover. The motion was agreed to. CLASSIFICATION OF PETITIONS.

The Hon. Mr. SHEEHAN asked leave to withdraw the foliowingnotice of motion, —That » select committee be appointed, to which shall be referred, in the first instance, all petitions presented to this House, in order to ascertain whether such petitions are in compliance with standing orders, and to classify the same for distribution amongst the several committees of the House, according to the nature of the contents of such petitions. The committee to consist of Messsr. Barfif, Cutten, Gisborne, Hodgkinson, Johnston, Murray - Aynsley, Taiaroa, and the mover. Three to be a quorum. In doing so, the Hon, Mr. Sheehan said he would explain his reasons for asking for leave to withdraw the motion standing in his name. For some years past the amount of work devolving on the Public Petitions Committee had increased to a very great extent, so much so that it was an unfair thing to ask members of the House to sit on that committee. They had to work on every day of the week except Sundays, and those hours which other members of the House had for leisure and recreation were unknown to members of the Public Petitions Committee. Several remedies were proposed. The first one was, that there should be a Public Petitions Committee for both islands, North and* South. This proposal was objectionable, because petitions presented concerned the whole colony, no matter where they came from. The second proposal was the appointment of a Public Works Committee, to whom should bo submitted all petitions having reference to public Works. This, however, was also aq objectionable proposal. The third course proposed was the one which he would ask the House to sanction—namely, the appointment of a Petitions Selection Committee. The Public Petitions Committee had represented that a great deal of their time had been taken up in classifying the petitions that were presented to the House, and deciding to what other committee they should bp referred. Therefore if there was a committee appointed on whom the duty of classifying the petitions would devolve, a great deal of the time of the Public Petitions Committee would be saved. With this object in view, ho would now withdraw the resolution standing in his name. The Standing Orders Committee would meet and consider the whole matter.

Leave was given to withdraw the motion. LIBRARY COMMITTEE.

The Hon. Mr. STOUT moved,—That a Library Committee,to consist of thirteen members, bo appointed, with power to confer with any similar committee appointed by the Legislative Council; three to be a quorum. The committee to consist of Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Barton, Bowen, Outten, Fox, Gisborne, Grey, Montgomery, Moorhouso, Bees, Eolleston, Tole, and the mover. The motion was agreed to. BILLS AND PETITIONS. The Hon. Mr. STOUT moved,—That a select committee be appointed, to consist of sixteen members, to consider all Bills and petitions that may bo introduced into tips House affecting goldfields, and to report generally upon the principles and provisions which any such Bills or petitions may contain; with power to confer or sit together with any similar committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and to make a separate report; five to be a quorum. Such committee to consist of Messrs. Barff, Bastings, J. C. Brown, "Curtis, De Laujour, George, Gibbs, Gisborne, Henry, Joyce, Mandets; Fyke, Beeves, Jbnye, W oolcock, an J t)iO mover. The motion was agieed to. WASTE LANDS OP THE OBOWN. '

The Hon. Mr. STOUT moved, —That a select committee be appointed to consider all Bills and petitions that may be introduced into this House affecting the waste lands of the Crown, and to report generally upon the principles and provisions which they contain; with power to confer or sit together with any similar committee which may be appointed-by

the Legislative Council, and to agree to a joint or separate report. That such committee do consist of seventeen members, and that five be a quorum. The committee to consist of Messrs. Atkinson, Bastings, J. E. Brown, Bunny, Curtis, R. Douglas, Hobbs, McMinn, Ormond, Saunders, Seaton, Sharp, Thomson, Turnbull, Whitaker, Wood, and the mover. The motion was agreed to, REPORTING DEBATES.

The Hon. Mr. BALLANCE moved,—That a select committee, to consist of fifteen members, be appointed to assist Mr. Speaker in all matters which relate to the reporting of debates and to the printing executed by order of this House, and for the purpose, of selecting and arranging for printing returns and papers presented in pursuance of motions made by members of this House; three to be a quorum. The committee to consist of the Speaker, Messrs. Bowen, Do Lautour, Feldwick, Gisborne, Hodgkiuson, Joyce, Moss, O’Rorke, Stevens, Teschemaker, Wakefield, Wallis, Wood, and the mover, ■ The motion was agreed to. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE. The Hon. Mr. BALLANCE moved, —That the names of Messrs. De Lautour, Moss, Oliver, Saunders, and the mover be added to the Public Accounts Committee, The motion was agreed to. HOUSE COMMITTEE. The Hon. Mr, FISHER moved, —That a select committee, to consist of fourteen members, be appointed, with power to confer with any similar committee appointed by the Legislative Council, to provide for the comfort and convenience of members of both Houses, three to form a quorum ; the committee to consist of the Speaker, Messrs. Bastings, J. O. Brown, Bunny, George, Henry, Johnston, Montgomery, Pyke, Rolleston, Bussell, Seymour, Sharp, and the mover. The motion was agreed to. PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE. The Hon. Mr. FISHER moved, —That a select committee, to consist of eighteen members, be appointed, to whom shall be referred all petitions presented to this House, with the exception of such as complain of undue returns, or refer to private Bills; and that such committee do classify and prepare abstracts of the same in such form and manner as shall appear to them best suited to convey to this House all requisite information respecting their contents, and do report the ’ same from time to time to this House; and that such committee have power to report their opinions and observations thereupon to' this House. The committee to have power to call for persons and papers ; five to be a quorum. Such committee to consist of Messrs,V'Baigent, Bowen, Dignan, Gibbs, Green, Kelly, McLean, Murray, Oliver, Richardson, Richmond, Seaton, Shrimski, Swanson, Tole, Turnbull, Wallis, and the mover. The motion was agreed to. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE. The Hon. Mr. MACANDREW moved, That a Standing Orders Committee he appointed, to consist of, : the Speaker, Messrs. Barton, Bunny, Curtis, Cutten, O’Rorke, Richmond, Seymour, and the mover. Three to be a quorum. . . The motion was agreed to. ’ , COMMITTEE OP SELECTION. ! - Mr. O’RORKE moved, That ’ Messrs. Brandon, Gisborne, Macandrew, MurrayAynsley, Seymour, and the mover bo nominated members of the Committee of ’ Selection. The motion was carried. PRIVATE RILLS,-/•;; Mr. O’RORKE moved, —That Messrs. Brandon, Montgomery, and the mover be nominated members of the Standing Orders Committee on Private Bills. The motion was carried. 1 JOINT COMMITTEE ON BILLS. Hr. O’RORKE moved,— That 1 Messrs. Brandon, Hislop, and the mover be nominated members of the Joint Committee on Bills. The motion was carried. V ; ADDRESS IN REPLY. Mr. GEORGE was received with cheers on rising to move, —That a respectful address be presented to bis Excellency, in reply to the speech which his Excellency has been pleased to make to both Houses. The honorable member said this, duty had been conferred upon him as one of the. ypnngestborn to political life, and he thought he might say the youngest member of the House; His only fear was that he would not do sufficient justice to the occasion ; but he was led to believe by older members of the,House that a first speech was looked upon with a very lenient eye by old and more experienced members. He hoped, therefore, that in his case they would regard his first speech with a lenient eye. (Hear, hear.) As was usual on occasions of this kind, he would refer to the various clauses in his Excellency’s speech. With regard to the first clause he had already spoken. With reference to the second, he would ask the House to assure his Excellency that they were glad to hear he had been received with such loyalty and cordiality in all the places he had been pleased, or had found time, to visit during the recess ; and with respect to other places which had not been visited by his Excellency, he felt sure that, had he visited them he would, have been received in the saine loyal and enthusiastic manner. (Hear, hear). --With regard to the next clause, he thought he might ask not only the House but the whole colony to return their sincere thanks to two hot), members ’ of the Cabinet—the Hon. * the Premier and the Hon. the Native Minister—for the great work, combined with > the great amount of hardship and privation,' which they had undergone within the last few months iu connection with the native question. They had travelled in the interior of the North Island, visiting different parts of the native population,’’and one of those gentlemen had already suffered very much in health in consequence of the work he had gone through. ' 'He would therefore ask not only the House but the whole of the colony to join with him (Mr. George) in thanking both hon. gentlemen for the great services they had rendered to this colony. (Hear, hear, and cheers). ■ With, regard to the next paragraph of his Excellency’s speech, he would ask the House to: join: with him in expressing the pleasure that was felt at the steps which would be taken towards the settlement of the confiscated lands in the North Island, With reference to these lands fee felt he could not say too much. They were second to none in any pkrt of the world. In regard to the sale of these lands—which he believed was now contemplated-by the Government—he would ask in particular the Ttfranaki members to thank the two hon. members to whom he had already referred for the satisfactory settlement of the difficulty which was now about to take place, because Taranaki was the place which would most benefit by this settlement. He believed that an Act was passed last session providing that 25 per cent, of the money which the land of the Taranaki province would realise should he devoted towards the formation of a harbor' for that place. Therefore those, hon. members ought above all others to thank the Prerqier and the Native Minister for the great work they had undertaken during the, late recess. He thought the House would also thank his Excellency for the promised measures ' indicated in his speech, namely, tor land purchase, electoral reform, extension of the jurisdiction of local Courts, the alienation of native lands, and amending of the Districts Railways Act, all of which he was sure would receive the most careful consideration on the part of the House. These were the principal rqeasqrqs which the Government would bring down during the present session, and he was sure that those members hoped these were the only measures which would be brought down, in order that they might soon get back to their homes. (A laugh.) With regard to the question of protecting native land purchases, ho' regretted to find that these purchases were in a very unsatisfactory condition. He believed that £700,000 had already been spent in native land purchases in the North Island, and there was not much show for that. He hoped -the Government would in future take very prompt' and active measures in regard to these native lands, and that in future they would have something to show for their money. (Hear, hear.) With regard to electoral reform, ha would say very little on the Buhjeot, hebausa the matter would be brought before the House and discussed in due course. He thought they should give to every man who had been a resident iu the colony for a certain time a vote on the electoral roll, and extra facilities for having their names placed on that roll. s 'Then) with regard to the extension of the jurisdiction of the local Courts, he thought it would bo very invidious to say anything, when he looked around him and saw so many able lawyers,’, who would do all they could to lighten the costs on their clients. (Loud laughter.) With regard to the alienation of native lands, this was a subject on which he could speak from person) knowledge. He hoped the Government would deal practically with the matter. He hoped ! they would bring in a Bill making title grants easily convertible into Crown grants. He believed this would prove of great benefit to the natives. Ho would now say a few words with regard to the Districts Railways Bill, * ou, which he believed the Government was prepared to report satisfactorily. The settlers were raising companies to make branch rail-

ways to join the trunk lines, and .tills, ho be- ; T li'oved, had tended to raise the credit of the colony in the Homo‘country. Ho they would all join in congratulating his Excellency that the revenue for the past year had . exceeded the expectation of everybody. With regard to the incidence of taxation, he thought it was time, so much money having been-bor-rowed and bo much interest having to bo paid,' that everyone should pay equi ! ably and fairly in proportion to what benefits they bad received from that borrowed money. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Therefore ho thought it ' T f was time that a certain tax should be placed upon the lands of this colony, and he thought i the poorer classes should be relieved from a certain amount of taxes which they were . . v unable to pay. He had better not say much on this subject, however, as the question would in duo course be brought before the Houao at another time. (Hear, hear.) He would ask the House to express a hope that the various administrative changes made and __ . proposed to be made would : tend to the efficiency of the public service. In saying this he did not for a moment suppose that the Government intended to reduce the salaries of competent men, but rather to secure, as far as possible, the beat men they could; that was to say, to reduce the number of servants, and get if possible better men in their places. - This, he thought, would eventually lead to a great . reduction in- the public expenditure. Then, with regard to the next clause, he would ask the House to state that any proposal calculated : ; to establish a more direct means of communication between this colony and Great Britain . would receive the earnest attention of the House. Ho did not suppose that any member of the House would raise an objection to this. The only pity was that direct steam communication between New Zealand and Great Britain had not been carried out long before now, , because during all the great time of immigration they had been importing numbers of people, and if direct steam communication had been in existence they would have imported them to the colony at less than one-half the cost He would next ask the House to express its gratification that arrangements had been entered into with t>e Australian colonies making more perfect postal and .telegraphic 1 *.. k arrangements with the United Kingdom. The Hon. the Postmaster-General of New South .Wales and Colonel Glover had lately been in the colony, and the Hon. the PostmasterGeneral had made such arrangements with them as would tend to materially reduce the coat of our telegrams. With regard.to the last clause, he would ask the House to assure his Excellency that the various measures submitted would receive the moat careful consideration of the ; House. It was‘Unnecessary, for him to say anything more with regard to this clause, and with these few remarks he begged to move,— That a respectful address be presented to hia Excellency, in reply to the speech which his Excellency has been pleased to make to both Houses. (Loud cheers). Mr, HOBBS said he. had much pleasure in * on this occasion to second the motion ‘ of the" hbh. member for Hokitika; Before . doing so he wonld crave the indulgence of the House, for hdl looked around and savv gentlemen whose names had been as familiar as household words—men who had made their mark in the'colony,,and by.their abilities had • * 1 ’ taken a position in the land. ; This gave him afeeling of reverence for those gentlemen, and were it not that he - felt it was the duty of a New Zealander as well as a Briton to do his duty to'his country, he would shrink from the , position he now occupied. (Hear, He ■ would, however, proceed to the task which had been allotted to him, and he had great pleasured in referring to that portion of his Excellency’s speech in which bis Excellency acknowledged the kindness amTcordiality with which he had been received in the different parts .of the colony, and he believed that.it was entirely owing to his Excellency’s general demeanor and manner- with the people that he had ingratiated himself with the people, by whom his Excellency was thoroughly liked and respected (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He trusted hia Excellency would long live to enjoy the ■v_ •’ honors • bestowed on him by hia Queen and country. , (Cheers.) It was also gratifying to find 1 that the natives of the Waikato and the Ngatimauiopoto tribes had at last come to terms with the Government. He could dwell on this subject for some time. He considered that hitherto they had undervalued the natives of this country. (Hear, hear.) They had undervalued them as the landlords, the owners of the soil; and until they placed the natives in their true position, and looked to them for counsel, assistance, and advice, the native difficulty would be what it had always been. (Hear, hear.) It was his duty that night to express the very great gratification he felt in acknowledging the wise and prudent action of the . Hon. , the Premier, and the bold and ”, straightforward conduct of the Native Minister, which'had been the cause of enabling them to deal with those chiefs as they had done ; and he knew the natives, could appreciate such conduct quite as much as the Europeans could; (Hear, hear.) The trunk line of railway from Auckland to Taranaki was a most important ■ question, and he felt sure the project would have the sanction of the House. More than one reason could be shown why it was imperatively necessary that this work should be carried out. (Hear, hear.) The country that would ho opened up would, he thought, be quite equal to the land they had heard about that night, and was not to be equalled in any part of the world. He would be very glad to •. see a measure introduced which would simplify the investigations into native lands. Until they had chiefs jsitting as assessors who had real - power with the natives they would not have satisfaction in this respect. If these chiefs J should inake a mistake in giving a title to land, ... then the natives would have their own race to i- blame and not ■ the;Europeans.' He was glad . 1 that,the Government had agreed to the propo- ■ eition of the British Government to take mea- - - surea for the defence of the cities of the colony. I (Hear, hear.) With; regard to * the volunteers, be believed that if the capitation allowance were doubled, and the Government insisted on having a prbper force thoroughly efficient, the ; House would not grudge to vote the money for each a purpose; but they should insist oh efficiency. That should be the main point; and fee hoped that when. the hon. the Defence Minister ivas looking out for a commander those who jyere only fit to be; resident magistrates.would not be recommended by the hon. member for Dunedinl For such a position they wanted men who had gone through fire, ‘I andr were up to their duties—rmen who thoroughly understood their drill, and were fo6d soldiers., In such a case he was sure the Couse would vote the money cheerfully when It was asked to vote it. (Hear, hear.) All must rejoice at the success of her Majesty’s plenipotentiaries at the late European Confer- . ence, and the security of peace on terms honorable to the country. He approved of the step taken ,by the Government in relation to steam with England, and hoped that “the island trade of the colony would not be lost sight, .of.. He thanked House for the 'patient -.hearing accorded him, and begged gegond the motion. (Applause.' &J) 'After a pause, . WALLIS inquired where the Opposition was, and said as it appeared to have collapsed he would take upon himself the office of leader.: .The:Governor’s speech, he took it, gave the House the condensed essence of the past work and future plans of the (government, was much in it which deserved praise, but some things were not satisfactory. Last year he supported the party, and he would support them so long as they practised the principles they professed when in opposition; but already their practice did not altogether square with their professions last year. (Opposition cheers)/ He complimented the mover and seconder on their' ability, and their earnest support oti the Government; but remarked in passing that the latter evidently was more used like,himself (Dr. Wallis) to address saints than sinners. (A laugh). Both gentlemen, in their innocence, evidently believed in the honesty of Ministers. Their faith was refreshing • out after they had been as long in Parliament as he had (and he had only been in the House two sessions) j they would find out. that Ministers were not always worthy recipients of. such childlike faith. Ho alluded to the drcumstonces under which the Ministry got Into power,—circumstances which ho and those friendly to them described as generalship, but which others denominated treachery ami jobbery, and hoped that, though weakly born, they might prove useful and strong. As tg thp; speech, it was long, but its depth or breadth was* not equal to the length, and he was; not altogether satisfied with It, Last year the Premier promised many reforms, , but he had surrounded himself with men, not one of whom, except the Attorney*General, ever dreamt of reforming anything. He had sur* rOuuded himself by men of totally opposite sentiments, and they still continued to be diyjdeil t Some were rampant radicals no doubt, bnt others torys of an antiquated fype. It/tyas*a composite' Qabineb of d most extraordinary kind, and how it was drawn together was one of those things which “no fellabDfteuld As to their admir ’ told* when the party got Into office everything was to be se much better; they were to bo ao.vory much superior to all

other - Ministers which had ever been in office. But comparing them with their predecessors he found more similarity than difference, more parallelism than contrast —in fact it was six of one and half a dozen cf the other ; Ciesar and Pompey were very much alike. Business in -many department* was in a highly unsatisfactory state ; for instance, in the departments, of Education, Justice, and Public Works. There was apparently to' be ho change- In the present system of paupers being educated at the expense of the State, and there were to be none of the necessary reform? in the administration of justice. He criticised the conduct of the Minister of Public Works, especially in reference to land and Biverhead railway, declaring it to be highly unsatisfactory. The fact was that the Ministry had been junketing about the country during the whole of the recess, instead of keeping to their work. The cost would be a bonny penny, and when the enormous cost of this was discovered by the people, they would be annoyed at the discrepancy between the economic professions of these gentlemen when in opposition and the extravagance they were now practising. (Hear, hear.) There were the palatial residences they were, so eager to sell when in opposition, and so eager to keep when now. in office, and there was that expensive luxury, the Hinemoa, ‘so grudged to their predecessors. There was. no talk ofgetting rid' of these now. Ministers had combined business with to a very large extent, and he (Dr, Wallis) was much afraid that as a result there would be no reforms worth mentioning—no law reform, no electoral reform, no administrative, reform/ The real reform required in the Civil Service was a general reduction of salaries; but they could not do that because of their failure to carry out the proposal to reduce their own salaries—a proposal made with no desire to carry it out. Then as to financial reform. Ministers were pledged to change the incidence of taxation; but they called it financial reform, and their object simply was to pile on additional taxation. They were original in their genius to mislead by transparent sophistry. So with electoral reform. The Premier for years past had urged in burning eloquence the necessity for manhood suffrage, but nothing was said about that in the speech; while the utterances of Ministers pointed to the adoption of four classes of franchise—a more absurd proposal than which never was issued from any Cabinet. Three of these franchises were already in force. The fourth could not be carried ; but the Government would not mind that. One in four lost would not necessitate their resignation, and they would keep their seats. He hoped the Premier would return to his ' first love, and after settling the native difficulty go in boldly for manhood suffrage and Hare’s scientific sys.tem of representation. The Hon, Mr. FOX said the Opposition knew the versatility of the hon. member for Auckland City West, and being aware of the strong support he gave the Ministry last year, felt sure he would be on the opposite side this year, and that he could be trusted for a speech. He regarded the speech in some parts of it as a painful specimen o; misappropriation, a disregard of truth, and a want of generosity. He alluded to the part of the speech attributing to the Premier and Native Minister credit for leading up to the settling of the native difficulty. He traced the history of the native question from that very difficult epoch, 1869. At that time the 'strongest tribes were against the colonists, Te Kooti on one side and Titokowaru on the other aide of the colony were ravaging the lands of the colonists, committing murder and rapine, and the English troops were at that critical moment withdrawn. But in 1872, mainly by the judicious exertions of Sir Donald McLean, all was changed. We were in possession of all ] military centres,, and: settlement was in full swing. From that time to the present difficulties T were at an end, and the King party was confined to a small corner; of the colony. It was by the patience, experience, skill, and affection for the native race of Sir, D. McLean that this desirable state of things had been brought about. (Cheers). When he thought -of those things and heard the Governor’s speech, read the articles in. newspapers in the colony, the telegrams which had been sent to England, and the speeches delivered by the mover and seconder that night, he felt keenly the want of generosity, the untruthfulness, and the injustice which had been displayed in connection with the matter. The language of the speech was as inappropriate as if someone got up and said he was glad the flood was at an end and Noah and his family had been saved.' There was an air of untruthfulness thrown over the whole affair,and he legrefcteditexceedingly. Tbesameraisrepresentation occurred inreseefcto the confiscated land. Years years ago Sir D. McLean commenced the settlement of confiscated land, and the late Government more nearly approached the settlement of the land specially referred to than the present Government yrt had. Time would show, but he believed it would be seen that owing to the efforts o! the late Government success would be achieved. He complained of the want of an official record of the recent meeting, and the return to that system of secrecy which prevailed in respect to native affairs in the early days of the colony, which had even caused wars, and which it was hoped they had altogether got rid of. He did not suspect the Native Minister, but the Premier, There was talk of secret understandings between the Premier and Bewi, hut the public was utterly in the dark—a state of things which ought not to be tolerated. . So far as he could learn, little or nothing had been gained by the recent proceedings. ; At the Thames a meeting was arranged for between the Premier and Tawhiao; bub both Sir Donald McLean and Dr. Pollen had met Taiwhiab and the leading chiefs, so there was nothing gained by that. The Premier and Tawhiao met, and there were also present persona whose hands were* imbrued hi blood, and for whose apprehension rewards had been offered. What was done? Another meeting was to be held at Waitara iu May. That was held, but neither the King, Manuhiri, William King, nor any of the chiefs who bad most to do with the rebellion and the land were present, but merely Bewi, who only said he wanted Waitara hack. * Was that meeting any step in advance f' lie thought not, if nothing more than : what had been reported by the papers took place. That he, wanted to know? It was reported Bewi had understood ho was to have Waitara back. Was that so ? Was there a secret treaty, or was there not? The country had a right to expect a candid statement of the facts. He then went on to complain of the want of any indication in the speech of social reforms such as those in relation to the drinking customs. Mr. WAKEFIELD was surprised that party had so blinded the last speaker to facts. The hon. gentleman’s story of the state of things in 1869 was untruthful. The neck of the rebellion was broken before Mr, Fox took office by Colonel Whitmore. The last remnant of the starving wretches on the West Coast surrendered two or three days after Mr. Fox came into office, and yet the hon. gentleman claimed tlie Tyhqle predlt q£ the peace. Then as to the visit of the Premier to the King. It was true Sir D. McLean and Dr. Pollen had visited the King, but their meetings were unsuccessful, while that of the Premier was successful, As to the alleged secresy, there was by no means so much secrecy about the late meeting as Sir Donald McLeaq had always observed.' True, only Bewi was at the meeting, fyut there was good policy in having only Bewi, There would haye been no chance of success had all the chiefs been there, Ho (Mr. . Wakefield) believed fall information would be afforded, and considered it unreasonable to expect such information in a Governor’s speech, a document which onAhia occasion was full enough. Ho believed the expectations expressed in the speech were justified, and that a very groat deal of good had been effected by the lato visit of the Premier and Native Minister to Waitara. In conclusion, he charged the hon. member for Wanganui (Mr. Fox) with having been the cause of much of the native difficulty by his rash and inconsiderate reversal in 1869 of the policy of the Stafford Ministry.

The Hon. Mr. SHEEHAN said it was not usual to discuss great questions on tho address in reply to hia Excellency’s opening speech. The present discussion had been provoked by the hon. member for Auckland City West, and he (Mr. Sheehan) would not allow that speech to pass unchallenged. He did not jnean to ssyy that the Cabinet was iqado up, of aft the talents, or that they could do no wrong, but he would claim for them a desire to do all in their power for the good of tho colony. The hon. member for Wanganui had stood up that night as the . apologist of Sir Donald McLean. The hon, member had very good reason for setting himself up as the apologist of Sir D. McLean because of all other men in colony the hon. member fqr Wangqnui had abused Sir Donald McLean most.'* Jo confirmation of wliat'he now'said ho would ask hqn. members to refer to the speeches which the hon. member for Wanganui had delivered from time to time. It would have boon far more becoming of tho hbri/member, for Wanganui if ho had said all he did that night during Sir Donald McLean’s lifetime. The object of tho speech

of the hon. member for Wanganui was to deprivethepresentGoverument of auyof the credit that was duo to them for the establishment of peaceful and friendly relations with the tribes formerly at war with the Government in the North Island. The hon. member declared that peace was established long before the present Government came into office, and that this was accomplished by Sir Donald McLean. Did the hon. member forget the murder of Sullivan in 1873, and other events that occurred about the same period? Lives were taken, and the survey of- the country interfered with. The Queen’s law could not be enforced in certain district*, and almost the whole of the country from Cambridge down to Taupo Lake, and ! thence to the West Coast to within a short distance of Taranaki, was until a short time ago King, country. «‘He did not meau to asperse Sir Donald McLean, or to deny him all the credit due to him. The hon. member for Wanganui asserted that it was Sir Donald McLean who established peace. It was true there were no disturbances ; but when Sir Donald McLean came into office in 1869, from what school did he come ? From none other than that of which his hon. colleague, the Premier, was master. (Hear, hear). The policy pursued ’ was the policy of his hon. colleague. Allusion had been made to the meeting of the Premier and himself and the King and Bewi, and it was stated that nothing had been done. The propositions made by the Government at the first meeting with the King were in print, and would be laid before the House, The second meeting at Waitara, like the_ first' at Hikurangi, took place at the request" of Bewi. There was no demand made at that meeting for the return of the confiscated lands, and iu confirmation of this papers would bo laid on the table showing that the survey of tho Waivvera Plains was being proceeded with without any interference on- the part of the natives. There was tho most complete publicity'at both meetings, and every word of the discussions was heard by the representatives of tho Press. For the first"time within seven years publicity had been given to the negotiations between the Government and the King natives. He did not believe that if the late Government had remained five years longer in office they would have been'able to accomplish what the present Government had done. He did not mean to impute that they wonld not have been as anxious to do what had been done by the present Government, but they would not have possessed the confidence of the natives to an extent sufficient to enable them to succeed as the present Government had succeeded. He wished to discard entirely the’sympathy which tho hon. member for Wanganui had expressed on account of his (Mr. Sheehan) having been kept in the background. He utterly , denied that he had been kept in the background. His colleague had been dealing with the natives for as many years as ho (Mr. Sheehan) was old, and of course it was only right that he should take a prominent part in the interviews with Tawhiao and Bewi, but there was not a single point on which he was-not consulted by the Premier during the progress of the negotiations. (Hear, hear.) He did not want to over-estimate what tho present {Government had done. He did not mean to say that the present Government had planted the tree which had-borne fruit. The tree -had been planted, and the late Sir Donald McLean had watched its growth (Hear, hear.) Reference had been made to the Hinemoa, but he- could assure the hon. member for Wanganui that the steamer had not been usedasapleasureboat. Iftheyhadusedthe steamer in travelling about the colony as they did, it would be seen that the money had been well expended. Hon members would soon see whether the Hinemoa had been used for purposes of pleasure, as the Government intended to lay her log book on the table of the House. He would like to point out that he (Mr. Sheehan) in the course of his official visits to the various parts of the colony had to make a pound go as far as fifty pounds at the disposal of any other Native Minister. He regretted that owing to the great amount of work that bad to be performed during the recess the Government had not been able to have printed and circulated certain measures which they said wonld be printed and circulated. But the Licensing Bill was in course of preparation ; it was now being printed, and in the course of two days'more would be in the hands of hon. members. Neither had the Native Lands Bill been printed and circulated, but the natives had been fully informed what the provisions of that Bill would He had to apologise for taking up so much time of the House, or for having referred to questions which would come on for discussion at a proper time, but he could not allow the speech of the hon, member' for Wanganui to pass without addressing the House. In the remarks he had made he had been careful not to asperse the 'memory of a dead man, and ho thought the Hbuse’would agree with him that he had not done so. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, he had only to say that if the House supported the Government, if the country backed them up, as he believed they would, and if tho few private persons who were interested in having a.-war would stand aside, he believed that next session they would not have to indulge in prophecies, but would be able to descend to plain facts, and relate the history of success. • (Cheers). Mr. KABAITIANA TAKAMOANA supported the observations of the young members. He had always objected to Sir Donald McLean’s policy, and had never been afraid to express that opinion in former days. The bon. member for Wanganui (Mr. Fox) was a b?d man. (A laugh.) He used to endeavor to persuadethe King people not to believe in the King, and hia conduct was for the destruction of this island. He considered Bewi a very good man, and thought it would be a good thing that Sir George Grey should give up Waitara to Bewi. He (the-speaker) thought the Waitara matter should be investigated, but the Waitara people: did not agree. Major ATKINSON should not oppose the motion, although he objected to several statements in the speech, but should throw the responsibility of substantiating them, upon Ministers. At present there was nothing tangible to discuss. ; He' merely rose to express his dissent from the statement. The motion was then agreed to. Tho committee retired to prepare the address, and on their return submitted the document, which was as follows I — ' . May it pleaae yoar Excellency,—Wo, her Majesty’s dutiful and loyal subjects, tho representatives of New Zealand, in Parliament assembled, beg to thank your Excellency for tho sncccli which your Excellency was pleased to make to both Houses of Parliament. We assure your Excellency that we are gUd that Iu your visits to various parts of tho colony you should, as tho Queen’s Representative, have been received with, the utmost loyalty and cordiality, and that you should have witnessed the marked progress In material prosperity that, Is everywhere taking place. We have heard with much pleasure that peaceful relations have at last been established with thp Waikato and Ngatiraaniopoto tribes; and we iioro that ere long • European civillsafcion'willbo permitted to establish itself through the length and broatUU of the colony. Wd arc glad that steps are being taken to provide for the sale and settlement of the confiscated lands along tho West Coast of tho North Island;- Wo assure your Excellency that the measures tombing to protect Government native' land purchases, for dealing with electoral reform, with the extension of tho Jurisdiction of local Courts, with native lands, and for . amending the District Railways Act, will receive our careful consideration. Wo shall carefuPy consider tho Estimates when laid before •ns* and the proposals for a change in the, incidence of taxation will meet with duo deliberation. Wo hope that the various administrative ' changes made, and proposed to be made, will tend to the efficiency of- tho public service. Any proposal that will enable a more rapid means of communication by stoam with England will receive our best consideration. 1 We ’are glad that such arrangements have been made with tho Australian colonies as will make more perfect our. postal and telegraphic communication the United Kingdom. In conclusion, we assure your Excellency that all other measures tending to promote tho progress of tho colony will ho favorably considered by us ; and wo join In your Excellency's prayer that the Spirit of Divine Wisdom may so guide our counsels, that the peace now established may bo continued, and that tho happiness of tho people may be further secured. Mr. GEORGE moved, that it bo read a second time.

Sir B. DOUGLAS objected to tho inclusion in the speech of the phrase as to the loyalty of the people. The mention of the fact of their being now loyal seemed to imply a doubt as to loyalty in tho past. Ho considered the policy of tho Government with respect to the natives a good one, and believed tho Taranaki railway would tend greatly to improve the relations. Railway extension must continue, and he thought some parts of tho speech were calculated to throw a doubt upon tho necessity for further extension. He should nob move an amendment, but he clesiyed to take notice of those small points. The address was then read a second time and agreed to, and it was resolved that the Speaker, accompanied by as many member.? as pleased, should next day wait upon hia Excellency with the addresss.., The Hon. Mr. BALLANCE jjayq notice that he would move next ejay that tho speech of his Excellency be taken into consideration, Qn the motion of tho Hon. Mr, Sheehan, tho House, at 12.5 a.m,, adjourned till 2.30 p.m. this day.