PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 127, 28 June 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[PER PRESS AGENCY.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. AVellington, June 27. The business was merely formal. The Speaker announced that he and other members waited upon the Governor with the address in reply. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, June 27. ‘ Mr Roes gave notice to move—“ That inasmuch ns Mr Whitaker is interested in the contract with the Government, it is advisable that a Select Committee should enquire into and decide, whether ho is entitled to a seat in the House.” Petitions were presented for committees to try the allegations made with regard to the election of Sir George Grey, for the Thames, and Captain Read for the East Coast district. The Piako Swamp debate was resumed by Mr Macandrow, who repudiated all idea of corruption, and said the Ministry would not bo capable of it. A mistake was committed, nothing more. Ho thought the Piako Swamp as good as the Taieri Plain 25 years ago. He moved, as the best way out of the difficulty. •‘That the House thinks it is expedient in the public interest, that the Piako Swamp should bo surveyed into suitable allotments, and sold by auction, under the terms of the Auckland AVaste Lands Act, the Government refunding to the purchasers the money laid out on the same, and also all expended upon improvements, with interest thereon. The debate was continued to half-past five, the following members speaking. Air Sharp supported the motion, as there had been utter want of proof to substantiate the charges made. Mr Tolc thought the sale deserved some term, less complimentary than transaction. He entirely concurred with Mr Macandrew’s amendment, provided the difference in the value of the land were handed to Auckland. Air Pearce was very decided in praising the Government for availing themselves to get rid of, on advantageous terms, such an unprofitable swamp. Mr AVoolcock doubted whether there could be found ten men in the House, who would be prepared now to take over the Swamp with all its liabilities. He denied there was anything illegal or corrupt. Air Laruach thought the sale a fair one, and ought to he carried out. Air Fisher deprecated the personalities introduced into the debate, but would vote against the Government. Air Eilzroy expressed a very decided opinion that all the charges had vanished into air. If Sir George Grey got into ofiiee to-morrow he would have, he thought, to carry out Ihe sale. Air Pyko was cut short at half-past five, in a speech ridiculing the whole thing as unworthy of the serious deliberation of the whole Parliament.