MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

Patea Mail, 19 September 1881, Page 3

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.

(’/Telegram (to the Mail- Tim Day.) Wellington, 1-20 Afternoon. On the House assembling this fore-*-noon, on motion for further consideration of. West Const Settlement Reserves Bill,. Mr Rolleston said: Honoroble members have no doubt observed, in the newspapers certain reports as to the existence of an . unsatisfactory state of affairs on the West Coast. The Government also have reports which cause some anxiety. As to the future, they have, however, every hope that persisting in the course hitherto adopted may avert serious difficulties from arising. At the same time, it is only right to say that the position is one requiring great care and circumspection. The Government will, however, before the House rises, afford members an opportunity of learning all that the Government know up to the latest moment, and they will ask the House to entrust the Executive with such funds ns may enable them to deal decisively and promptly with any contingency that may arise. Discussion followed, after which Mr Rolleston, in reply, denied the insinuations made by Mr' Moss, to the effect that Major ,Parris was in partnership with certain West. Const land transactions. The question of the second rending of the West Coast Settlement Reserve Bill was then put and carried, and the House went into committee on it. After progress had been made, it was reported, and leave granted to sit again. House adjourned at J. 20 p.m.