TELEGRAMS.

Poverty Bay Standard, 4 September 1875, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(brom our own correspondent.)

WELLINGTON. September 2. In the Legislative Council the Napier Swamp Nuisance Bill passed the third reading; and the Auckland Improvement Bill its second reading. Mr. Bonar moved that the Government do take into consideration the law relating to art unions and lotteries, &e., with a view’to bringing in a Bill regulating the same., The Hon. Mr. Waterhouse seconded the motion. Dr. Pollen said that pressure of business precluded the Government from doing so this Session. The Napier Council Empowering and Waterworks Loan Bill, passed through comnjittee with amendments. The House of Representatives resolved that the debate in Committee on the Abolition Bill, should be reported as fully as any other debate. Mr. Richardson moved the second reading of the Branch Railways Bill. Mr. Macandrew said the Bill would have the effect of putting a stop to the construction of railways by private companies. It was all of a piece to placing increased power in the hands of the Ministry. Rolleston moved for a Select Committee to enquire into certain land purchases by members of the Legislature.

Sir Donald McLean replied that the Government had no objection, indeed they desired the fullest inquiry. Some discussion took place relative to the reappointment of a Surveyor-General, the majority being in favor of, some one being appointed who possessed a colonial experience. Mr. Buckland moved for a return coni taining the particulars of all land transactions of any member of the Assembly between himself and Government. Mr. Rolleston insisted on the Select Committee, and concluded by saying it was tolerably clear that the Government was trafficing in land with members of the Legislature. Mr. Sheehan objected to the construction of the committee appointed to inquire into the Piako Swamp transactions. Major Atkinson said the Government did not want these charges hanging over their heads; he would not object to a reconstruction of the Committee.

Mr. Reeves was of opinion that the present Committee could not possibly arrive at a fair decision there being too many Government supporters on it. Mr. Stout said it was a waste of time for the Committee to enquire at all, because the Native Minister had told them he did notcare whether the transactions were legqUor not. Sir George Gley condemned the transactions, and the construction of the Committee. He said the Government should have made the road through the swamp to the land sold to bona fide settlers. Sir Donald McLean vigorously defended the action of the Government. They had acted illegally only so far as their acts required validating by order in Council. Mr. Stout gave notice to ask by what authority Sir Julius Vogel had entered into a contract with the New Zealand Shipping Company for the conveyance of Immigrants, and whether the Government intended to ratify same.