POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Patea Mail, 22 July 1880, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

From our Wellington Correspondent. Wellington, Wednesday Night. WEST COAST COMMISSION. Mr Sheehan will move to-morrow that the report of the West Coast Commission on native affairs be now considered by the House. TAWIIAI AND HIS WATCH. Replying to a question from Sir Geo. Grey, Mr Bryce stated that Tawhai on coming to Wellington to join the West Coast Commission applied tor an advance of money towards expenses, such as paying for a survey and watch, which had been repaired before making that application. He was perfectly well aware of the names of the two other members appointed on the Commission. DEBATE ON MAORI PRISONERS. air ballance advocates liberation. The debate on the Mcori.Prisoners Bill was resumed on Monday. Mr Montgomery spoke against the measure.

Mr Bowen contended .that prisoners bad not been merely arrested for trespass, but because the country tvas in a state of war. All technicalities ought to be dispensed with, and the question faced as one of detention in consequence of war or a threatened outbreak of war. The measure tvas one which should not be dealt with as a party question, but treated as an exigency arising out of the preservation of peace. Mr Ballance disputed the idea that a disturbance would be created if these men were liberated, contending that war was more likely to result from their unjust detention than otherwise. To Wbiti was mainly responsible for the trespass, and it tvas he who should be punished. He criticised the Native Commissioners’ ■report, and showed that the recommendations contained in the report were not at all proportionate with the promises and professions made re confiscation by successive Governments. He charged the Government of 1869 and ’7O with being responsible for the present position of affairs on the West Coast. He professed no sympathy with the native prisoners, but desired to know bow long they wore to be detained in prison. He could not accept the responsibility of refusing to vote for the measure,: still he wanted it to be understood that he did so because Government had assured them it was necessary for the preservation of

peace. The Premier said the Government was anxious to allow the prisoners their freedom as soon as possible, and they would be liberated the moment that could be clone with safety. The powers sought by the Government would be carefully and constitutionally exercised. It was absurd to describe the natives as an oppressed people. All the oppression to which they were subjected came from their professed but false friends. The condition of affairs was exceptional, so much so that no law in existence could meet them. That was the reason they had to ask the House for exceptional legislation.

SECOND READING CARRIED Mr Pyke resumed the debate at the evening sitting, speaking strongly against it as a dangerous and unjust measure. He refused to be frightened any longer with threats of war. Mr Macandrcw thought the .best thing would be to give the charge of native affairs to a native member of the Cabinet and then release the prisoners. He would oppose the Bill. : i Mr Kelly supported the Bill as essential to, the .preservation of the peace of the colony. The case was an-excep-tional one. and had to be treated so. The public safety should be the first consideration. Major • Tewhooro said if they would give back to the Natives the lands unjustly taken they could: release the prisoners with perfect safety. ,

Messrs Andrews and Hamlin opposed the Bill. ' : -LTav" A; division was taken after midnight, and the second reading was' carried by 30 to 15.