CONSTITUTION OF THE COLONY

Te Aroha News, Volume VIII, Issue 491, 23 July 1890, Page 5

CONSTITUTION OF THE COLONY

PROPOSAL BY SIR GEORGE GREY.

In view of the proposal to appoint delegates to represent this colony at tho approaching Federation Convention, Sir George Grey proposes to move shortly in the House of Representatives with a view to have the voice of tho people of the colony truly represented on this subject. He points out that under the existing state of the law it would take years to get rid of the Legislative Council, because that can only be done with the consent of that body. The constitution we have was passed by England,and was imposed upon us bySir John Pakington, butif England would pass an Act indicating that our present Constitution Act should terminatein two years, then we would be able to frame our own constitution, and in a few years the people would be truly represented in both branches of the Legislature, so that in the event of the federation of New Zealand with Australia, or in tho event of Imperial federation, it would bo done with the undoubted consent of the majority of the people of the colony. Otherwise any federal movement would not really represent the real wishes of the people, because they would have to consent to act in such a way as the Legislative Council pleased. Sir George hopes, at all event.-’, to effect some compromise in realisation of this object. JOTTINGS. In compliance with a request made by Mr Carroll, the Government have promised to consider the desirability of amending the Destitute Persons Act so that half-castes and Maoris may be rendered legally responsible for the maintenance of their wives and children in cases of desertion. Mr R. Thompson has been informed that it is the intention of the Government to extend the North Auckland Railway to such point as the funds available will allow. The Government is prepared to consider the desirability of offering a bonus for the manufacture in the colony of paper fit for printers and letter writers and other paper, when further information on the subject has been placed before them. The Government intend to ask the House on the recommendation of MrR. Thompson to make some provision for the maintenance of the Great North Road, leading from Warkworth to Kawakawa. lion. Mr Richardson informed Mr Cadman yesterday afternoon that special legislation will be required to matte arrangements with the Kauri Timber Company whereby tho Ivaimarama block, Mercury Bay, now in the occupation of the Kauri Company, may be thrown open for settlement, and that a Bill will be introduced for that purpose. Mr Goldie has been informed by the Minister for Education that as soon as a proper school for the blind is established in Auckland the Department will take steps to havo the blind children now supported by the Government of this colony at Sydney and Melbourne at an annual cost of £575 transferred to the Auckland institution.

The Government have promised to consider the advisability of amending tho First Offenders Probation Act so as to extend its operation to the good-conduct men amongst the long-sentence prisoners. Tho Chairman and one of the directors of the YVaitara Harbour Board are now in Wellington, and have been in communication with the Sinking Fund Commissioner with regard to tho indebtedness of that body. The Government hope some settlement of the difficulty will be arrived at shortly. Sir George Grey is inquiring when the Government propose to bring the question of federation before the House.

Mr Kelly intends to ask tho Native Minister what steps ho is taking to complete the purchase of Papamoa block, in Tauranga district. Mr Buchanan wants the Government to appoint an expert to examine and report upon tho question of lung worm and other parasites which are causing great mortality among the sheep and cattle in New Zealand.

Mr Vcrral proposes to introduce a Bill providing that no barrister or solicitor in active practice within one year of a general election or of a casual election shall be eligible to be nominated or elected for any seat in the House of Representatives of this colony. Mr Izard proposes to ask if the Government wiil, during the present session, reintroduce the Newspaper Law of Libel Bill of last session, or some measure of a similar nature.