PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1334, 26 July 1883, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(I'BOM Ol'B OWX COHKIWONDZST.) WELLINGTON. TbBSDAY, Jvtr 24. The House mot at 9,30, Pktitions. Mr Bryce presented a petition from the inhabitants of Poverty Bay against the New Zealand Native Land Company’s Bill, also one from the Natives of P.B. against the same. Tnr, Lan); CoMfANY’s Blit., Major Atkinson said that the Government had carefully considered the whole subject, and were of opinion that under all circumstances it was not desirable that the Bill should proceed in any form. He hoped, therefore, that Mr DeLautour, as he said he would if Government desired it, withdraw the Bill. Mr DeLautour said he always kept his word, and asked leave to withdraw the Bill. Leave was granted, and the Bill discharge d from the paper. Tub Povehty Bay Pmitioit. Sir G. Grey took exception to the accusations made in a petition from Poverty Bay, which Mr. Bryce had presented against the N.Z. Native Land Company’s Bill. It accused the promoters of having kept secret the real purpose of the Bill, in order to force it through the House hy unconstitutional means. Although it had been read by the Clerk, it should not, he thought, be read in Hansard. Mr. A. McDonald defended the Company, and condemned the petition and its promoters. After some further discussion, the Speaker ruled that petitions road by the Clerk should not appear in Hansard, and any libellous or improper petition would be struck off the rerecords of the House. Nbw Bills. The following new bills were introduced and read a first time : —Legislative Officers Salaries Bill, and General Assembly Members* Bill (Atkinson). Mr. Seddon opposed the introduction of the latter bill, on the ground of its including the Legislative Council. On a division, leave to introduce was carried by 45 to 9. The Native Committees Bill (Bryce) was introduced aud read a first time. Pacific Annexation. Mr. Rolleston resumed the debate on the Pacific Annexation. He considered the destinies of the Pacific Island were closely knit with those of New Zealand. When the Panama Canal was cut, the Islands would become of great value to the several nations. He hoped the resolutions would be carried.

Colonel Trimbio opposed the resolutions.

He objected to annexation, and thought wo 6 houldhave nothing to do with it. Mr. Peacock generally supported the mot>o n > but they should know the probable cost before fully committing themselves, Mr, Wynn-Williams did not think New Zealand would at all suffer by annexation not taking place, but their credit would suffer if they now withdrew. He was, howerer, unwilling to incur an indefinite liability, and thought they should approve of what had been done, but not Commit themselves further without knowing the probable extent, After some further discussion it was agreed to have the committee's report printed in paragraphs: so that they might be put separately on Thursday. The House adjourned at 5.25. Legislative Officers Salaries Bill, General Assembly Members Bill, and Native Committees Bill were read a first time. The debate on the Pacific annexation was rasumed. After discussion it was agreed to have the Committees report printed in paragraphs so that resolutions might be put separately. The House went into committee of supply on the estimates. The estimates for the Minister of Justice Department were read, and a long discussion took place over the vote of £45,901 for R.M, District Judges and Wardens Court. Ultimately the vote was reduced by £l5O, and then passed. The vote of £12,200 for criminal prosecutions was passed. Votes for Coroners Act, and Contingencies were passed. The prison vote of £3,888, total amount less £lOO Inspector of Prisons house allowance was passed.

In the Legislative Council on Tuesday, Mr Pharaayn gave notice to move that the honorarium to members of the Council should cease after this year. A motion by Mr Hart that the Government bring in a Bill to prevent advertisements of sweeps appearing in newspapers was carried. A committee was appointed to enquire jointly with the House into petitions alleging grievances under the present education system.