PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 468, 18 October 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Wellington, October 16. Replying to Colonel Trimble, the Hon Mr Hall said that sums of £120) £2O, and £250 had been paid to Mr Jones, of MokaU, for services rendered to the Government at Mokau, though there was nothing to 'show the specific nature of his engagements. A discussion took plAce as to whether the paper should be laid on the table and printed, Mr Sheehan said he would explain the inatter when the proper time came. Some of the Opposition members took exception to such a mode of eliciting information, characterising it as insidious. Mr Gisborne said the practice was much abused by the late Ministers. The Hon Mr Bryce, in replying lb Colonel Trimble, said the Government had advanced £864 on the Hannah Mokau, and a subsidy of £3OO a year had been promised, but eight months subsidy had been held in consequehc'e of non-compliance with the conditions. The steamer had been seized one time, and Government paid £IOO each on account of Rewi’s and Wetere’s shares. The Hon Mr Hall, replying to Colonel Trimble, promised that the Taranaki Volunteers should be Armed with breech-loading rifles. * The Hon Mr Bryce) replying to Colonel Trimble, said the Government promised they would not interfere With Joshua Jones trying to acquire a lease of a large tract of land north-east of Mokau from the natives. The surveyors were now surveying the boundaries under instructions from thcGovernment; The Hon Mr Oliver) replying to Mr Sutton, said that £12,445 had been paid to Messrs Guthrie and Larnach since July Ist for railway material. The Arrangement had been open to public competition. Mr Beethara moved for a Select Committee to report upon the election petition of Tawhanga against the return of Mohi Tawhai, on the ground of bribeiy, and being at the time in receipt of Government pay. The election took place on September Bth, and the resignation of office Was not sent in till the 11th. He disclaimed this as the result of party warfare. Mr Sheehan said it was to punish Tawhai for not voting with the hod gentleiilan’s party. He denied that the Government had exercised any influence in the election of any Native member. He objected to the constitution of the Committee. , The proper thing to do wae to pass a Quilification Act, And not thrust from the House

one distinguished fur ail Hi at was noble amongst his own people because, be was in receipt of a pu.ty £lO per annum from the colony. The debate on the matter was continued til! 5.30 p.m.; the general expression of opinion being that the petition sinnnd not be dealt with in a party spirit. Uctobcrl? Last night Major Atkinson moved that the Standing Orders be suspended, that the House go into Committee of Supply. By moving ibis, he wished to explain the objects sought, and he expressed a hope that the other side would not use the opportunity to thwart them. Mr Macandrew said the Opposition bad not the slightest intention of stopping supplies, but he would only consent on (he distinct understanding that their side of the House would have the opportunity of expressing their grievances on the following day. Major Atkinson declined to give such a pledge. Mr Macandrew moved the adjournment of the House. Major Atkinson opposed the adjournment, and accused the Opposition of wasting time. No obstruction would make Government give way. Mr Turnbull said the Government, as a minority, tried to rule the majority. Debate was kept up till usual hour for adjournment, Government members accusing the Opposition with obstructing business and wasting time ; the Opposition, on the other hand, accused Government of holding seats unconstitutionally. There was barely a quorum in the House the greater part of the time. The House adjourned about eleven. In the House to-day, Mr George gave notice to move that the House sit on Mondays and Saturdays for the remainder of the session. Replying to Mr Bowen, the Government said they would make provisions for weighing grain and other produce at railway stations. Government do not intend to discontinue the system of payment by stamps at police courts until further information. In reply to a question, the Premier said the cost incurred in conveying the late Native Minister from Auckland to Napier to contest the Clive election was paid by that gentleman, though Ministers were allowed to charge travelling expenses. Mr Sheehan Said he could have charged the amount to the country, but did not. Native Statement will be delivered tonight. Mr Sheehan replies.