PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 447, 3 October 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

(by telegraph.) Wellington', October 3. In the House of Representatives yesterday afcernoon, Mr. Speaker read a letter from the Hon. Henry Russell, stating that having had an opportunity of r ading the letters in Mr. Locke's possession, which were quoted i>y Mr. Ormond in tiie H:wke's Bay Lan I Transaction Committee debate, h ■ had no objection to the whole, 13 in number, being laid on the table of the House. Tie letters were enclosed.

Mr. Stout read a long statemen- from Mr. Russell, detailing ail that took place between himself, Mr. Cox, and Sir George Grey, in reference to the Taupo land transaction. Hs moved that this statement and letter should be printed. Agreed to. Sir George Grey then, as a matter of privilege, moved that the proofs of the " Hansard " report of the Hawke's Bay land transactions be laid on the table. He had reason to believe they differed considerably from the report in •' Hansard." Mr. Sneaker said he had the proofs in sealed packets before him.

Major Atkinson said he thought the matter a very grave one; but he would not oppose proofs being laid on the table oh this occasion, but did not see what value could be attached to them, or what use he would make of them. He thought Sir G. Grey should be

called od to say what use be proposed to make ol them. After considerable discussion, far which a larere number of members took part, Sir Geerge Grey consented to withdraw his motion in favour, of an amendment by Mr. Harper, proposing- that the proofs s ould **e referred to the Reporting- Debates Committee, and reported on as to alterations made. This was agreed to. In reply to Mr. Evans Brown, the Premier pro ised a return of - the cost of the " Waka Maori " from 1) ppmfcor to July; and when and by whom said cost was paid. in rcjjly to Mr. Button, the Premier said the Government did not propose to introduce any general measure dealing- with Road Boards this session. In relpy to Mr. Murray, Major Atkinson promised copies of all correspondence received by the Government regarding the Native Lands Suspension Bill. There was a short discussion on the motion for the third reading- of the District Railways Bill, several members pointing to the possibility <>f the Bill imposing heavy charges on the Consolidated Revenne owing to the Colony having to provide 2 pnr cent on the cost of railways made under it. The Bill was read a third time and passed. The Disqualification Committee have reported in Mr. Kennedy's case to the effect that the spirit and intention of the Act had been violated, but not the letter of the law. They reconmeivl that an amendment of the Act shou : d be made to meet such cases. The Government intend doing so. On th ■ motion for the committal of the Land Bill a great deal of discussion took place, but the Bill was eventually committed, and progress reported at clause IS. The House rose at 12.20 o'clock.