TELEGRAMS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 958, 9 July 1881, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

(from our own correspondents). Wellington, July 8. Mb. McDonald, yesterday, presented two petitions, one from J. Black, asking compensation for losses sustained during Hirike’s war ; and one from E. Borel, asking compensation for losses during the rebellion of 1868. Sir George Grey introduced, a Bill to prevent electors at general elections voting in more than one district. Dr. Wallis’ motion affirming the principle of Hare’s system of voting occupied the House till it rose. After the delivery of the Statement, Ballance criticised it severely, terming it a rehash of the proposals made last year. Mr. Wakefield followed, recommending Mr. Ballance to consider the Statement before coming to a conclusion on its merits. Mr. Saunders expressed his approval of the Statement. In the lobbies, to-day, the Statement was the subject of conversation. The Local Finance proposals do not meet with approval, except that portion relating to the rating Crown and Native lands. The Government announced the receipt of a telegram from the Home Actuaries, recommending a bonus of £50,000 be given to policy holders of Government insurances. This afternoon, Downie Stewart gave notice of motion censuring the Government for their action re telegraph strikers. During discussion on the Taranaki harbor works, Sir George Grey raised a question of breach of privilege, and complained that the Government had removed a telegram from the table of the House, which showed that Dr. Pollen had received a large amount of money without sanction of Parliament. The Speaker replied that the Premier had promised to replace the paper, but had not yet done so. Sir George Grey said the papers were required for discussion on a question which was to take place that evening. The Premier being absent no further action was taken, but a sharp discussion on the matter is expected this evening. Mr. McDonald will introduce the Gisborne Harbor Bill to-morrow. The Government have perused the manuscript copy of the Bill and approve of it. Mr. McDonald moved “ For a return of the area of Crown lands in the Counties of Tauranga, Whakatane, and Cook, showing what proportion have been purchased under the Native Land Purchase Act • also the area sold by the Government, or by the Auckland Waste Lands Board, since January, 1872.” Mr. McDonald complained of the treatment the East Coast district has received from the Land Board. The return was ordered. In the new local government scheme, it is proposed to abolish Road Boards, their work to be performed by County Councils, which are to have larger borrowing and rating powers; and will be permitted to rate Crown and Native lands. Friday Evening. The debate last night on Dr. Pollen’s pension was rather animated. Mr Speight mdved a resolution to the effect that while agreeing with the Committee’s report, the House is of opinion that no further payments should be made on account of this pension until a special Act is passed. Mr Saunders moved an amendment to the effect that it was not desirable to come to any decision re the Pollen pension until the Public Accounts Committee had reported on pensions granted to Messrs. Fitzherbert, and Gisborne. Saunders kept the House convulsed with laughter while reading extracts from Parliamentary papers, as to the. manner in which Civil servants granted pensions to each other, especially in the cases of Messrs. Fitzherbers and Gisborne. As soon as the amendment was proposed, it became manifest that the Government had placed a winning card. The debate lasted until after midnight, when the amendment was carried by a majority of eight. An addition was made that none of the additional pensions be paid - until the Committee had reported on the pensions of Fitzherbert, Gisborne and Domett. Nearly all this afternoon was occupied in discussing the points of order raised by Sir G. Grey in reference to the petition from the Natives of Hokianga, praying for a Land Court therein, which it was said bloodshed would ensue if the petition was not granted. The petition was withdrawn by order of the House. Major Atkinson makes a statement re local government on Tuesday. Hearne is a strong favorite in the rowing match for the Championship of New Zealand which takes place to-morrow in Wellington harbor. Auckland, July 8. The Herald and Star in articles yesterday warmly endorsed the East Coast Land Company, the Prospectus of which was brought before the Brokers Association yesterday, and ’adopted. A commercial article in to-day’s Herald says there is a very favorable impression on the Exchange with regard to the projected East Coast Native Land and Settlement Company, and it is expected that no difficulty will be experienced in finding subscribers for the capital required. Friday, 7 p.m. True bills have been- returned against Wickham in all instances. He seems downcast at the prospect. The trial will probably begin early next week.