EVENING SITTING.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2951, 31 July 1878, Page 2

EVENING SITTING.

WELLINGTON.

This day. In the House last night, after 10 o'clock, the debate was continued by Mr Wakefield, who was surprised that parly had so blinded the hon. gentleman. His story of the state of things in 1869 was untruthful. The neck of the rebellion was broken before Mr Fox took office by Colonel Whitmore, and yet the hon. gentleman claimed the whole credit of the peace. Then, as to the visit of the Prexsiar to the King, it was itrue Sir . iDon^fl McLean and Dr rSilen had visited the King, but their m^etiug^siere unsuccessful, while that of the Premier was successful. It was true only Bewi watat the meeting, but there was good policy in having only Eowi. There would have been no chance of success had all the chiefs been there. He believed the expectations expressed in the speech were justified, and that a very great deal of good had been effected by the late visit of the Premier and Native Minister to Waitara. Mr Sheehan then, in a lengthy speech, defended the action of the Government, and said papers would be laid before the House regarding the meetings at Hikurangi and Waitara. There was no demand made at Waitara for the return of confiscated land. Eewi's asking for Waitara was merely metaphorical, and used to give him a locus standi. There was the utmost publicity at both meetings, and for the first time for seven years publicity had been given to the negotiations between Government end King Natives, and be did not believe the late Government would have accomplished in five years what the present Government had done. He did not, however, mean to say they had not planted a tree which now bears fruit. The tree had been planted by others, and Sir D. McLean had watched its growth. The Hinemoa had not been used as a pleasure boat. Members would soon see whether or not this was the case, and her log would be laid on the table. He regretted that owing to various causes the Government had not been able to have j

circulated certain measures before'fae session, as they had intended, but the Licsnsi.ig Bill was now being printed and would be circulated in a couple of days. The Native Lands Bill bad been thoroughly explained to all classes of Natives by himself. Ja conclusion, he said, if the House and the cpuotry supported the present Government, they would net next session have to speak of hope in the language of prophecy, but to relate the history of accomplished facts. Mr Karaitiana and Major Atkinson said a few word?, whenjthe Address was agreed to without a "division, to be presented to His Excellency by the Speaker to-day. The House adjourned at midnight^