PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5489, 30 October 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, October 29. The Him. the Acting-Speaker took the chair lit 2.30 p.m. THE LYTTELTON TIMES. Before proceeding to the business of the day, the Mon. Mr. Waterhouse desired to call the attention of the Council to a rep »rb in tho Lyttelton Times of proceedings at the late conference. Tho report generally misrepresented the proceeding-”, and it gave jocular and interjectkmal remarks as part of the serious debate. It was verv much to be regretted that any person attending that conference, either as a . manager or as a member of the Legislature, should have so far forgot himself. They should remember that they were gentlemen first and partisans afterwards. The report was altogether incorrect.—The Hons. Messrs. Holmes, Hall, and George Buckley followed in the same direction, all characterising the report as unfair and one-sided. —The Hon. Colonel Whitmore desired to inform the Council that neither he nor his colleagues had anything to do with the report in question. (Hear, bear.) He thought, however, that the principal fault of the report was its meagreness. He referred to a sentence in the report which said that a member of the Ministry had threatened that the House would find it necessary to review the constitution of the Council. He (Colonel Whitmore) was sure that none of his colleagues could have used such language.— An Hon. Member : lb was used.—Tho matter then dropped. DEPARTURE OF MEMBERS, la reply to Mr. Miller, tho Hon. Colonel Whitmore said that the Ringarooma would go .South that day, and tho Wauak£*next day. ’ There would be another steamer on Friday. IDUCATIONAL RESERVES. Tho Hon, Sir F. D. BELL moved, —That, in the opinion of this Council, it is desirable that the subject of tho educational reserves throughout the colony should bo brought under the con deration of ; Parliament. That the Ministers of Lauds and Education should cause a report to be laid before Parliament, early next session, setting forth the following information :—The position, extent, and estimated capital-value of the reserves in each education district; their classification, as nearly as may be, into town, suburban, agricultural, and pastoral land ; the % nature, term, and present income from existing leases, or other occupancy ; .the governing bodies in which the lands are now vested respectively; the probable income to be derived from renewed tenancy or occupation at? expiry of the existing terms ; and the method which it would be most expedient to adopt for the permanent management and disposal of the reserves.—Agreed to. * SHEVp, The Hon. Mr. HALL moved, —That there be laid on the table, during the next session, a return from the inspectors’ of sheep showing the number of sheep in the several districts of the colony, and distinguishing tho * number depastured ou Crown laud and freehold land respectively; also, showing the number of sheepowners owning less than 100,000,200,000, and 500,000 respectively.—Agreed to. THIRD READINGS. The Otago and Southland Education Reserves, Thames Boys High School, and Christchurch Reserves Bills were read a third time and passed. CEMETERIES MANAGEMENT BILL. Tho Cemeteries , Management Bill war thrown out on a division by 15 to 10, DUNEDIN WATERWORKS. ThU Bill was read a second time, on the motion of Colonel Whitmore, after a short debate, RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION BILL. The Hon. the AO ITNG-SPEAKER t I have been asked to give my ruling aa to whether the Railway Construction Bill is an Appropriation Bill or not. I have given the matter my moat earnest attention, and .after consulting “ May" and other Parliamentary authorities, I am of opinion that the Bill is not an Appropriation Bill. • The Hon. Mr. MILLERhoped Mr. Waterhouse would withdraw his amendment now, and move it in committee. He did not think any good whatever could be done by throwing out the Bill. The Hon. Colonel WHITMORE replied. The objections to the measure were of two characters —one that it is a re-enactment of existing legislation, and the other that it throws the Council to one side. Nowadays no Minister would ever think of going into a railway unless as complete plans as would be laid before any business man in England were before him. The Government would not, he assured the Council, go into any railway which would not pay, either directly or indirectly. Replying to Dr. Grace, who contended that most of the money for railways to be expended in Otago, he said the remarks of that hon. gentleman were not borne out by the Public Works Statement. The plans and surveys for the lines proposed, as could be seen in the Public Woiks Department, were most elaborate. The question was then put on Mr. Waterhouse’s amendment, For the amendment, 15; against, 17. • Bill read a second time. PUBLIC WORKS AMENDMENT. The second reading was moved by the Hon. Colonel Whitmore. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE had one very strong objection to this measure. It took a great number of words to express one simple principle. Th it principle was that the Minister of Lands might Just do as seemed good in his own eyes. If this Bill passed, Mr. Macaadrew would be much the greatest man in this country. Criticising the clauses of the Bill, the speaker pointed out the extreme powers given to the Minister. And lest anything should have been forgotten, there was a provision giving general powers to the Minister of Public Works. lu fact, the Railway Construction BUI just read was altogether unnecessary, there being quite sufficient power under the Bill before them. Then the power of selling land was altogether unchecked; while there was absolutely a retrospective clause in the measure—clause 18. Was it right to give these powers to any Government? He concluded by moving that the Bill be read a second time that day six months. Sir D. BELL would like to see the Bill read a second time, because it contained some amendments which it was desirable-should be made in the Public Works flAct, But for the body of the Bill ho had no defence. There never, he thought, was an Act in the world - which gave such extreme powers as were given under this Bill. He could hardly conceive that the Government’ had adequately considered tiie effect of some of its provisions. The Hon. Mr. WATERHOUSE withdrew his amendment, as some of the provisions of the Bill were useful, and Colonel WHITMORE explained that the Bill had been hurriedly drawn, and he would next day explain which were the departmental clauses. • v The Hou. Mr. HALL said this measure was a proof that the Council was really the guardian of the rights and liberties *of the people. (Hear, hear.) He would suggest that the Government should, instead of patching the Public Works Act, repeal it, and pass a better measure. They were now aware of the defects of the old Act. The Hon. G. BUCKLEY thought that although tho amendment was withdrawn the Council should express its opinion of so monstrous a measure. ■ After some remarks from the Hon. Captain Fraser in favor oi th© second reading, The Hon. Dr. MENZIES condemned tho Bill. He thought the proper course would b© to negative fcho Bill and give the Government aa opportunity of bringing in another, Tho Hon. Colonel WHITMORE replied, and the Bid was read a second time on th© voices. SPECIAL POWERS AND CONTRACTS. The second reading of this Bill was moved by Colonel Whitmore. The Hou. Mr. HALL complained of the late period at which the measure was introduced. It was impossible now to adequately consider it. For that reason he would move that the Bill be read a second time, that day six months.—Sir D. Bell did not think the Government were entirely to blame ; an I Mr. Waterhouse and Mr, George Buckley would oppose the BUI. It might just as well have been sent up a fortnight ago—The Hon. Colonel BRETT thought tho Bill had an immoral tendency. (Laughter.)—The Hon. Mr. Wilson supported the second reading, and Colonel Whitmore having replied, a division was called for. For the second reading, 15 ; against, 7. The Bill was referred to a select committee. NATIVE LAND PURCHASE BILL. Tlie second reading was moved by Colonel Whitmore.— Tho Hon. Dr. Grace having spoken shortly, tho Hou. Mr. Hart criticised the Bill adversely, and Dr. Pollen characterised it as a fatal error of policy. He had no confidence that tho power to be placed in the hands of tho Government would be fairly administered. Knowing the personal antipathies of tho Premier, he felt sure that there ws3 something behind—ebme one to

punished by this Bill, Ho laughed afc the assertion that “afc last ” friendly relation* were established with the native race. Aa he could not trust the Government with the power conferred by this Bill, he most oppose the second rending.—The Hon, Mr. Wilson defended the Bill. It was merely an appendage to the BUI of la? t year.—The Hon. Colonel Whitmore was surprised afc the reception of the Bill, which was in contrast to the reception the Bill of last year mot. Referring to the remarks of the Hon. Hr. Pollen as to those gentlemen whom he desired to protect by legislation,'they would not be affected unless they deliberately squatted upon the lanL He eulogised the conduct of the Native Minister, who for the first time for nine years had grappled with the confiscated land question. (Hear, hear.' As to Hiroki, he could be procured within twenty-four hours afc the nearest settlement if it was thought advisable. After some further remarks, Colonel Whitmore concluded by saying h« had been betrayed into more warmth than he intended by his desire to defend bis colleague. He trusted the Council would read the Bill a second time. The Bill was read a second time on tbs voices. IN COMMITTEE, Progress was reported on the Thames Water Supply Bill without leave to sit again. This throws the Bill out. The Haaedia Waterworks Bill was committed and reported without amendment. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION BILL. Clause 2. —The Hon. Mr. Waterhouse moved that the clause be struck out. with tho view of meeting a new clause.—Tho Hon. Colonel Whitmore must oppose this. If'the clause were struct out it would he equivalent to throwing out the Bill.—Considerable discussion followed, and the committee divided— Ayes, 17 ; noes, 10. The clause was therefore retained. Clause 3. The Governor may from time to time. In the name an I on behalf of her Majesty, contractor cu er into arrangements to tho extent of the mo ey which may be appropriated from time to t‘»rae by tho General Assembly of Now Zeal nd, with any person for the censtmctlon, extension, or maintenance of all or any port! a of the railways mentioned In the first schedule, and for that purpose may do or cause to bo (lone any of tho following things:—(l.) Causa such Inquiries reports, and surreys to be mad . and such acts and proceedings to be done a-.d taken as may bo necessary to determine the best lino and direction of snch railway. (2). Take, purchase, or agree to purchase any land necessary or requisite lor tho construction or extension of any such railway. fc>lr DILLON’ BELL moved tho addition of the following provisos : Provided always that no contract or arrangement shall bo entered into except in pursuance of and to the extent of specific appropriations made by Parliament in each financial year for the construction of tho railways named in the Said schedule, or any of them respectively, as the case may be ; and any contract entered into without or in excess of such specific appropriations shall bo null and void: Provided also that in any case where no survey has yet been made, or plans and estimates prepared for any line named In the s id schedule, no contract shall be entered into for the construction of such line or any part theroof until such survey has been made, and such plans and estimates have been laid before Parliament and approved by the Oovcrnor-ln-Councll, The motion was carried. Clause 4 passed as printed. Clausa s.—The cost of construction, extension, or maintenance, of any of the lines of railway mentioned •in the first schedule hereto, or of the purchase or acquisition of an> land required for the same, shall be defrayed ont of such moneys at credit of the Public Works Fund as shall from time lo time be appropriated In that behalf by the General Assembly. The Hon GEORGE BUCKLEY moved,— That all the words after appropriation be struck out, with the view of inserting for that purpose by any Act of fcba General Assembly appropriating money for public works and immigration—Tho motion was carried by 12 to 9. Clause 6 to 11 passed aa printed, and on the motion of the Hon. Captain Fraser the following new clause was added:"When any land shall be taken under tho provisions of tho Public Works Act. 1§76, or this Act, for any railway tha Governor shall not thereby acquire a right to any mines of coal, ironstone, or other mineral tinder any land so taken, except only such parts thereof as shall be necessary lo bo dug or carried away or used in the construction of su;h railway, and all snch mines (except as aforesaid; shall bo doomed to have been excepted out of tho proclamation or other instrument under tho authority whereof the land is taken. * Oa the first schedule the Hon. G. Buckley moved that the words “ Wellington to Foxton by West Coast,” be struck out. After a discussion, a’l2lolloll to report progress was carried, and The Council adjourned afc 12.20 a.m. -HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, October 29. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT DILL. After we went to press. The Hon. Mr. BALLANCE, replying oa the debate, aaid the Government only intended to sell-so much of the land as would cover the cost of the hospital and the cost of reclamation. Only the front ges would b« sold afc present. The Bill was read a seccond time, and committed. After considerable discussion the new clause authorising tho Government to sell the land was agreed to, the Government, however, promising that the land should not be sold if the avoidance of the sale were possible, but that the matter should be left over in the hope that the land might be secured to the Corporation, or to a harbor hoard or some such body. The Bill was then reported, read a third time, and passed. SUPPLY. On the motion that the House resolve itself into committee of supply, several motions were brought forward and discussed. Sir ROBERT DOUGLAS asked what the Government proposed to do in reference to Mr. Barton's charges against the Judges. Mr. Murray, Air, Wood, and Air, Fitzroy supported the request, but no reply was given by the Government. The House then resolved itself into committee of supply. Several votes v/ere passed without comment. r«. Wellington Botanical Gardens, £3oo.—The usual discussion on this item arose, and the Government promised it should not be brought forward again. Annual Subscription to “Jurist ” (70 copies), £2oo.—Air. Bowen thought it very desirable to have these reports, but thought the Government should not subscribe while the reports were made up by any barristers who happened to be in Court, There should be proper permanent reporters at each place.—After some discussion the item was retained on the voices: Wellington Patent Slip Company (guarantee of interest), £24ap.—Air. Hunter, in reply to Air. WAKEFIELD,saId this was aguaranteegiven by the late Provincial Government, and which had in due course become a provincial liability. —Mr. Stevenh wanted to know how long the gnaianteehad to run.—Mr. Ballancb replied sixteen years.—Several hon. members thought tho Government should get tho Corporation to take the liability over. (A laugh.) At 5 a.m. the House adjourned. The Speaker took the chair afc 2.30 p.m. IMMIGRATION. In reply to Air. Bunny, Tho Hon, Mr. STOUT said that 495 had left up to the present date, bat 600 had been ordered. The Government did not see their way at present to increase the number. So many were being asked for from different parts of tho colony that the Government were afraid tho demand could not keep pace with the supply. ' WAGGON COMPANIES. In reply to Air. Macfahlane, The Hon. Mr, MAC AN DREW said the Government would be willing to grant to an Auckland or any other Waggon Company the same concessions as those given to tho Otago Waggon Company. The more the better. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT AMENDMENT * - BILL. This Bill was passed all stages. SUPPLY. On the motion that the House resolve itself into committee of supply, Mr. WASON moved,—That in future tenders be invited for tho supply of coal (native and sea borne) foe Government purposes ; and that wherever there may be difference of quality as well as price, it is desirable that the Government obtain tho opinion of the GeologJsfc-in-Chief, with the view of securing the most economical article. The Hon, Air. STOUT said he hoped tho House would reject the motion and go into committee. The Government wanted to get the Estimates through. Mr. WOOD inquired if the Government viewed the subject of tho motion favorably. Air, MONTGOMERY hr.ped the Government would not endeavor to rush the House into committee of supply. Ho wanted to bring forward a motion with reference to cloning the financial year on Slsfc March. Ho hoped the hon. member would withdraw the motion. Major ATKINSON warned tho Government against acting in so high-handed a manner. There were questions which must bo dealt with, and the House was determined the Government should not shirk them. Hon. members were in a good humor, and it would be as well not to cross them, Mr. WASON withdrew the motion after bow* 1 further discussion. Mr. t-HEIMSKI then moved that tho next session of Parliament be hold-at Christchurch, and explained that be brought forward the motion for the purpose of promoting the health PBcl comfort of members,

Major ATKINSON brought forward somromissions in regard to the New Zealand Cross, which Sir George Grey promised to see to. The House divided on the question that the words proposed to be left out (“ the Speakei leave the chair”) stand part of the question. Thu ayes were 28, and the noes 29. The following is the division list Aybs, 23.—Messrs. Ballanc©, Barton, Bowen, Brandon. Bunny. Carrtagtnn, Curtis, De Laiitonr, Feldwlck. Fox. George. Gibbs, Gisborne, Hodgklnson, Johnston, Kelly, Mandors. McMinn, Naho, Fyke. Beeves. Richmond. Rol eston, Sharp, Sheehan, Stout, Takamoana, and Wood. Noes, 20.—Messrs. Atkinson, Balgent, Barff, J. C. Brown. Dignan, Fisher, Fitsroy, Green, Henry, flislop, Hobbs, Hursthouso, Joyce, Macfarlane, Montgomery, Murray - Aynsley, Oliver, O’Borke, Bowe, Saunders, shriraski, Swanson, Thomson, Tole, Turnbull, Wallis. Wason, Williams, and Woolcock. Air. Shrimj*ki‘s motion that the next session of Parliament bo held at Christchurch was thea put and carried. Avxs, 29.—Atkinson, Balgent, Barff, Bowen* J. C. Brown, Dlgnan. Gibb?, Green, Henry, lllalopHobbs, Ilursthouse. Joyce. Macfarlane, Mont? raery* JMurray-Aynsley, Oliver, O’Uorko, Kowe, SaundersSwanson, tTaiaroa, Tawitl, Thomson, Tolo, Turn' ball, Wallis, Wason, Williams. Nous 2S.—Messrs. Ballance, Barton, Brandon. Bunny, Carrington. Curtis, Do Lauto-ir. Feldwlck. Fisher, Fox. George. GUborne, Hodffdnson, tinnier, Johnston, Kelly, Manders, Mc.Minn, Moorhouse, Naho, Pyko, Reeves. Richmond, Rolleston, Sheehan. Stout. Takamoana, Wood Air. MONTGOMERY moved a resolution to tho effect that tho financial year should in future terminate on the 31st of March, and was speaking to the motion when tho dinner adjournment took place. On the House resuming at 7-30 p m., Air. MONTGOMERY continued to apeak in support of his motion. He did not think it possible that the public business could be conducted satisfactorily if the House did not meat several weeks before the Ist of July in each year. It would bo better to change the financial year than to meet several weeks before the end of the financial year. In the British House of Commons the supply votes were taken a month before these votes were'raquired. Although during present session four days in the week out of the*five had been devoted to Government business, still a great many important measures had to be withdrawn, and tho House would be unable to dispose of a great deal of business that ought to have been transacted. He hoped the House would agree to the motion which he now proposed for terminating the financial year on the-Slat of March. The Hod. Air, BALLANCE said they peared to bo a general feeling amongst hon. members that the financial year ought to terminate on the Slat of Alarcb, but the hon. member had not given sufficient consideration to tho difficulty which would be experienced in making the present financial year terminate on the 31st of AXarch next. The Government would support a proposal to make the financial year terminate on theSlstof AXarch,lßßo. Next session he would come down and ask for nine mouths’ supply, and then no difficulty would arise in making the financial year terminate oa March 31,1830. If the financial year were made to terminate on the 31st of Alarch, then the proper time for Parliament to meet would be about the middle of April. With reference to the length of the sessions in Victoria a id other colonies, he would remind tha House that their hon. members were all close to the capital, an*} they did not sit so many days in the week, nor were the hours of sitting nearly so long. It was quite different in New Zealand, where hon. members had to come from long distances, and had to remain in Wellington. He thought, therefore, that if they devoted themselves thoroughly to work, the session of the New Zealand Parliament need be no longer than of three months’ duration. Air. BOWEN hoped the hon. member for Akr.roa would accept tho suggestion of the Treasurer. He considered that the financial year should be altered to the 31st of Alarch, and that Parliament should meet three mouths earlier than it did. Dr. HODGKINSON said the whole thing might be dropped, as he believed the present state of affairs was merely of a temporary nature. The present system of centralism would be done away with, he believed, the session after next. That system was brought about by the demoralising influences of the Public Works policy, but he believed that in tho session after next the then Government would be forced to bring in Bills to repeal the Abolition and Counties Acts. Therefore it was unnecessary to take action in the direction aimed at by the bon. member for Akaroa. There were cries of “ withdraw ” and “amend,” and on the question being put. Air. Alontgomery’a motion was negatived on the voices. SUPPLY, Tho motion for going into Committee of Supply was then agreed to. Chargeable under the Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration Act, 1377, £750. — Agreed to. Chargeable on the Government Insurance Account, £12,250 —Agreed to. Chargeable on Trust Office Expenses Account* £l27o.—Agreed to. Chargeable on fhe Native Reserves Account* £l3ss.—Agreed to. The estimates for immigration and public works were then proceeded with - Immigration, £162,073. —Agreed to. Public Works Department, £17,611 13s. 4d —Agreed to. Hub ways, £1,176,500. —Agreed to. Surveys of new lines of railways, £20,500. —Agreed to. Roads, £106,612 ss, lid.—Agreed to. Land purchases, North Island, £150,918 3s. 6d. Agreed to. Waterworks on goldfields, £52,850 ss. Agreed to. Telegraph Extension, £2o,7oo.—Agreed to. Public Buildings, £241,305. —Agreed to. Lighthouses, £19,600. —In reply to Air. Hunter, the Hon. Mr. Sheehan stated that the light on Mana would be re-established, and other lights provided about the entrance of the Strait. —The item was agreed to. Miscellaneous Public Works, £214,397 Bs. Agreed to. Charges and Expenses of Raising Loans, £30,000. —Agreed to. SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES. The following items .were agreed to :—For current services chargeable on the Consolidated Fund, £94,295 4s. 4d, For current services chargeable on the Public Works Fund, £13,579 16s.—Agreed to. Railways, £27,000. —Agreed to. Ditto,under Railways Construction Act, 1878, £500,000. —Toe Hon. Major Atkinson entered his protest, in order that it might be placed on record that this was a system of finance to which he was no party. The Government pursued a “ trost-to-lack" policy, without telling the House how the ways and means were to be provided —The item was agreed to" after some discussion. Repairs to Hokitika-Christchurch road, £looo.—Agreed to. Thames Waterworks, £6soo.—Agreed to. Extra telegraph wire, Blenheim to Christchurch, £7OOO. —Agreed to. 'Public Buildings, £so6s.—Agreed to. Otaki Postal and Telegraphic, £2OO. Agreed to. Dunatan (ditto), £soo.—Agreed to. Site and Building for Auckland College, £SOOO. —Agreed to. Miscellaneous Public Works, £120,358 Bs. lOd.—Agreed to. For current services chaageable on the Natives Reserves Account, £ll7 10s.— Agreed to. For services chargeable ou tho Government Insurance Account, £lsoo.—Agreed to. [Left Sitting.]