PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 291, 21 November 1884, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY UNION.

The Union met last evening at Macfarlant’a Hail. The Speaker took the Chair at 7.30. Questions, Mr. Griffin gave notice to ask Government if they intend to bring in a Bill to amend the law relating to common jurors to extend their pay from 3s. to Bs. per day. Bills. Leave was granted to introduce “ The Native Land Act Amendment Act, 1884,” and for the second reading to be taken next sitting day. The same course was adopted with respect to the “ Abolition of Remedies for Debt Act, 1884.” Replies to Questions. Replying to Mr. Rosie it was stated Government would not provide a market place for Gisborne. Replying to Mr. Hamblett it was stated that assistance would be given to libraries, and as much money as could be spared would be placed on the estimates with that object in view. Government would not enter into the fish business, but would give a bonus to a company formed with the object of promoting that industry. Replying to Mr. Ratcliffe it was stated that the grievances of the Waimata settlers in the matter of roads would be considered. Orders of the Day. Mr. Chrisp moved the second reading of the Female Electors Franchise Extension Act, 1884. The Hon. Minister for Immigration seconded the motion. Mr. F. T. Morgan opposed the Bill, and the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer supported it. Captain Porter approved of the measure, but did not think it went far enough. Mr. Whitcombe criticised the Bill from its title downwards. He was opposed to the principle proposed altogether. Mr. W. Moigan hoped the House would reject the property qualification. He did not consider woman’s sphere was politics. Mr. E. K. Brown did not approve of the Bill in its present shape, while Mr. H. E. Kenny supported it in a strong speech. Mr. Tharratt was not in favor of the proposal. Mr. Chrisp replied, after which the second reading was carried. The Hon. Minister for Education moved the second reading of the Gisborne High School Act 1884. The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer seconded. The bill was read a second time. Ministerial Statement. The Hon. the Premier then made a statement. He said before the other business on the order paper was continued, he desired io make a Ministerial Statement. He might say that his Excellency the Governor had arrived in New Zealand about midnight. Ha (the Premier) was aroused from his slumbers by receiving information that a steamer had arrived in a disabled condition off Tologa Bay, and on enquiry he ascertained that it was a private yacht belonging to the Governor of New South Wales. He did not lose a minute, and at once proceeded to the vessel’s anchorage, and indeed had only just arrived back again as the House met that night which accounted for the disorder of his attire, which he asked might be excused. The

circumstances, he learned, which brought the vessel here were that information had reached New South Wales that the boats which were being built on the Mersey at Home to the order of the French Government were now completed, and in those boats 5,000 convicts had been sent to New Guinea That would not be so serious, but unfortunately through some mismanagement when the boats arrived at their destination one was seized by the convicts, numbering upwards of a thousand, who were still in possession of the boat, and were anticipated to be coming further into the Australian waters. That was unfortunate because the Commodore was at that moment being feted by the AgentGeneral in London, and the Acting-Commo-dore had promised not to leave the Australian waters, therefore New Zealand remained unprotected, and it was the duty of the Government to take some decided action in the matter. There were about a thousand of these unfortunate people in the boat, and as they might merely be prisoners for state reasons, they (the Government) might offer them one of the unoccupied counties, perhaps in the very south of the South Island. On the other hand, the Government might be prepared, if it was thought the wiser course, to defend their shores at all risks and have no convict taint amongst them. Under those circumstancees they did not feel prepared to go on with the business of the country, and the House would have to be prorogued, supplies being granted to carry on the Government in the meantime.

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