PARLIAMENTARY

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1102, 20 July 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

CPER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Legislative Council. Wellington, Tuesday. In the Legislative Council the Eight Hours Bill was thrown out by 17 to 9, House of Representatives. In the House yesterday Mr Pilliet, introduced by Sir George Grey and Mr Wynn Williams, took his seat for Stanmore. The debate was resumed on the Land Bill by Mr V. Pyke, who gave it his general support, as being in principle in accord with the progress of modern thought, which held that all land was the property of tho State. He deemed that people were so eager for freeholds that they would not take up leaseholds. Ho took exception to some of the gold fields clauses, but otherwise gave the measure his heartiest support, Mr Hursthouse supported the bill as likely to promote population; and even if the leaseholders became freeholders ho did not think any harm would be done. He did not think the deferred payment settlers as a rule required any relief. Longer leases should be given of forest land than of open land. Mr Fergus expressed his approval of the bill, but would like to see the first leases longer than 21 years. He believed the bill would greatly promote settlement.

Mr Weston strongly opposed tho bill, and condemned it in principle and in detail. If once people got on the land, whether on deferred payment or lease, it was practically impossible to eject them, whether they complied with the conditions or not. The deferred payment system had been ridden to death; the bill threw most improper obstacles in tho way of capital, ond would impoverish and ruin tho country, Men would take up leases,’work out tho land, and then go off. The provisions as to gold fields were utterly unsuitable and unworkable, Ho did not believe Jfr Rolleston really updorstoud ills own bill, and My

Rolleston knew no more of moving matter than a child unborn. He strongly attacked the Government for having no decided policy, and for letting the House drift. Members could get nothing from them but theoretical proposals ; he was not going to be led by the nose. He did not say how he would vote on a confidence question, but unless the Government came down speedily with a practical and decided policy he would do his best to turn them out.

Mr Duncan opposed the Bill and advocated a return to the deferred payment system, which with the ballot would be far preferable to the plan proposed. It was to the auction system that any slight failure in the deferred payment system was due. During the sitting Mr Bryce took occasion to say the Government intended to proceed at once with works of defence of four of the principal ports with heavy guns, torpedo boats, torpedos, and mines, as recommended by Colonel Scratchley. The guns were already here and would be mounted shortly. The Government would communicate with Colonel Scratchley to see if he had any alterations, and to learn if he could visit the Colony to complete the works. The cost of the proposed works would be from £40,000 to £50,000. The Goverment proposed to take this money from the loan, but to charge it to the consolidated revenue, the repayment extending over some four years. Wednesday. The House met at 2.30.

Mr Moss gave notice of motion in favour of re-establishing Local Legislature throughout the Colony. A long discussion took place on the report of Native Affairs Committee and that Judge Smith should be summoned to attend and give evidence on the petition of Taiaroa and Tenui, regarding the Middle Island Native claims. Atter considerable discussion the original motion that the report bo laid on tho table was carried, and an amendment authorising the payment of expenses negatived. In replying to questions, Ministers stated it was intended to proceed with the Native Reserves Bill, and that certain|information, although not of a satisfactory character, had been received as to the culture of tea and silk in the North Island.

The regulations as to tho transfer of mining property would be simplified,

The Government were considering the question of fencing railway lines. Tho Government intended to take steps to amend tho electoral laws, and prohibit names being placed an electoral rolls within two months of any election.

Tho House adjourned for dinner at 5,30.