NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 36, 14 August 1875, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

House met at 2.30. The first business on order paper was merely of formal character until Sir George Grey asked leave to introduce a Bill to enact that all orders in Council in relation to confiscated lands, which may hereafter be issued by the Governor or which may have been issued since tire 20th day of July last, shall be null and void. Sir Donald said lie would oppose introduction of such a Bill. Grey then gave reasons for asking leave. He alleged, and lie believed lie was speaking correctly, that there had been most improper dealings with confiscated lands of the colony. That certain individuals had been enriched by the acquisition of valuable estates to the detriment of the interests ot the general public. He believed there had been many instances of that kind. He denounced such secret doings, and denounced more strongly still that Government should be able and by orders in council to cover their illegal and unrighteous dealing with the public estate. He wished to introduce a healing in ensure, but he did not ask for his bill to go beyond second reading. Affirm the principle and leave to a now and impartial legislature t iu duty of passing the final measures to remedy abuses complained of. A very warm debate followed. Government supporters condemning the mode of procedure of member for Auckland City, West, as an attempt to condemn Government without affording them an opportunity of defending themselves. It was practically a vote of want of confidence and should be met by a blunt denial.

Stafford warmly supported the firm attitude the Government took. He said no Government could afford to sit down under such an imputation as had been made. Sir Donald said the Government courted an inquiry, and would render the very utmost assistance in making the investigation as complete as possible, but they would oppose this motion. Fitxherbert, Reader Wood, Thomson, Montgomery spoke in defence of the real intentions of the member for Anck'and City West.bat two latermembers regretted the mode a'.opted, and hoped the motion would he withdrawn.. No ! no ! from the Government supporters, who insisted that, considering how far they had gone, and the accusations thrown out, the matter should be fought right out. Shortly before 5.30 Sir Donald announced that the Government would continue the debate titl it concluded. White was about to move an amendment, when he was cut short. The house rose at 5.30. On going into com nittee on Deceased Wife’s Sisters Bill, Pearce moved that the Chairman leave the chair. George McLean protested against trying to shelve Bill. The principle of which had been three times affirmed by the House, and had become law in nearly every Australian colony. Division Avas called for, result being 26 in favour of going into committee and G against. O’Rorke moved—“ That third reading of Bill be postponed till Wednesday.” But was negatived on A*oices, and Bill read third time and passed. There were sevoi teen pairs. Cuthbertson, av’ o called for a division, did so as he stated to expose the surprise attempt, and although he voted for leaving the chair, be was a supporter of the Bill. House adjourned till 10.30.