PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 499, 4 December 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, December 4. In the Legislative Council yesterday, the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, replying to the Hon. Mr. Pharitzyn, said the Government could not undertake to guarantee condensation to settlers in the North Island for losses sustained during the late native rebellion. In the House of Representatives, yesterday afternoon, The Public Revenues Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Sir George Grey. Ten days' leave of absence was granted to Dr. Wallis and Mr. Reader Wood. The Waste Lands Sales Bill was read a second time without debate, on a division of 30 to 2G. Mr. Curtis asked if the Bill would not have to go before the Waste Lands Committee. The Speaker said it would, according to Standing Orders. Mr. Sheehan suggested that the House migiit suspend the Standing Orders in this, as the Council had done in regard to the other Waste Lands Bill. Major Atkinson said he would oppose these Bills being hurried on until the Government gave full explanation of their policy, and showed how their proposals would affect the finances of the country. If the}' gave .a satisfactory explanation, tiie Opposition would oiler no obstruction, bur an opinion prevailed that Ministers knew nothing either of the finances of the colony or their own measures. Until satisfied oil these points, the Opposition would use every means to oppose those measures. He moved the adjournment of the House. Mr. Stout supported the adjournment, until the Land Bill was reported on, as unless it passed there was no good in going on with tin; Financial Arrangements Hill. Mr. M'Lean quoted from Jlonmnl to show how the present supporters of the Waste Lands Bill had last year opposed tlie proposal to raise the price of the land. They were now making far worse proposals. Sir George Grey suggested that the House should adjourn till 7.;>0, and the Waste Lands Committee should meet in the meantime. Mr. Sharp supported this suggestion. Major Atkinson said he did not wish the Bill to go before the Waste Lands Committee. If the Government would give an explanation of their policy on the Financial Arrangements Bill, he would then assist them to suspend the Standing Orders. Tfie Speaker said the Bill was referred to the Waste Lands Committee, by consent of the House. J!e would leave the chair till 7.00, and cause the W.sie Lands Committee to meet in the iik'uitime. The debate on the Financial Arrangements Bill occupied the House all night. Sir George Grey, in moving the second reading of the Bill, admitted that, notwithstanding the taking of the land fund, there would be a deficit of LI.'W,OOO, which he said he hoped to cover by retrenchment. Major Atkinson said the deficiency would l>e LMIS.OOO. A number of members, -while supporting the Coloninlisation of the land fund, opposed the ine)"ase of price. Several intimated their intention to propose a larger loan than the two millions proposed to be raised by tiie Government. The Bill was read a second time, on a division, by 41 to ].'■». The House adjourned at 1 ..'!0 a.m.