PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1081, 1 June 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[From our own Correspondents]. Legislative Council. In the Legislative Council an Address to the Queen, congratulating her on her escape from assassination, was carried on the motion of Sir Geo. Whitmore, seconded by the Hon. Mr Whitaker. On the Hon Mr Oliver’s motion a Committee was appointed to enquire into the Bankruptcy law, and report on necessary amendments.

House of Representatives. Wellington, May 31. Mr Hamlin has been elected Chairman of Committees bj a majority of three. The Opposition put him in. Mr Sheehan moved, “ That hearty congratulations of tho House be tendered to Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G., on the distinguished honor conferred upon him by his Sovereign in recognition of long and honorable life in the public service of the Colony.” Mr Macandrew seconded, and Mr Montgomery and Major Atkinson supported the motion, which was carried. The Speaker in communicating the resolution, joined with the House in their congratulations. Sir John Hall acknowledged the compliment, remarking that satisfactory as the honor was in itself, his pleasure in receiving it had been greatly enhanced by the congratulations tendered to him by his fellow colonists. He concluded with expressing the hope that his public services had been only interrupted, and not ended. Mr Bryce, in reply to Henare Tomoana, said that White Island had been sold by certain Native chiefs to a European named Tapsell before the date of the foundation of the colony, and tho heirs of the purchaser had got the land through the Court. Major Atkinson moved that Mr Hurst be appointed Chairman of Committees. Sir John Hall seconded the nomination. Mr Hurst asked to be allowed to withdraw his name. He felt his candidature would invito a great deal of discussion. Under those circumstances it was only fair that he should retire. Major Atkinson then asked leave to insert the name of Mr Hamlin in place of Mr Hurst. On permission being granted Mr Fish moved as amendment that name of Mr Thomson be inserted in place of that of Mr Hamlin. Mr De Lautour seconded this amendment. After considerable debate, the House divided on the question that Mr Hamlin’s name remain, the Ayes being 44, and Noes 41. Mr Hamlin was therefore appointed. An Im prest Supply Bill for £300,000 was passed through all stages. Sir George Grey asked if Government would lay before the House the Judges notes, aud report, in the case of Hiroki. Major Atkinson said the Government had taken no action ; they were simply letting the law take its course. Mr. Sheehan resumed the debate on the second reading of the West Coast Peace Preservation Bill. He expressed approval of the Bill and of Native policy of Mr. Bryce. He protested against sham sentimentalism of Mr. Bracken’s speech ou the subject,

and thought it essential for good government of the natives that the native policy should not be made subject of party conflict. Public safety was the highest law, and in mercy to Te Whiti and his people, his return should be prevented temporarily. Mr. Moss deprecated policy of treating natives as inferior race, and contended they had been unjustly treated. He claimed for Te Whiti right of fair trial. Mr. Montgomery approved of arrest of Te Whiti, but held that he should now be tried in ordinary course. He would oppose Bill as blot which would never be erased from history of Colony, and which would be looked on with sorrow and shame. He called on House to reject Bill. Mr. Stevens thought Te Whiti should be induced to visit other parts of the world for a time. On return he might be a rational man. Te Wheoro insisted that Te Whiti and Tohu had a right to be brought to trial. Mr. Daniels praised conduct and policy of Native Minister, but thought lie should have taken more decisive action when fencing first began. Messrs. Hobbs, Dodson, Watt, and Captain McKenzie supported the Bill. Mr. Holmes moved adjournment of debate, which was agreed to. House rose at 12.15.