Last Night's Sitting.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3608, 20 July 1880, Page 2

Last Night's Sitting.

MB BHEEHAK COMPLIMENTED BT THE

PBEMIEB

Hon J. Hall, in his concluding remarks declared that the conduct of the Opposition was most unfair, but there was one notable exception, the late Native Minis* ter, Mr Sheehan, whose patriotic action on this occasion he should always gratefully remember. That- gentleman had risen superior to mere party, and had acted really as a patriot. Mr Vincent Fyke condemned the bill as violating the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi, which assured the natives the privileges of British, subjects, and amongst others the rights secured by the great Charta. It was a most dangerous and unjust measure, and he would strongly oppose it. Tainui approved of the bill, and stated lie did not think there would be any danger in releasing the prisoners. They should be brought to trial. Mr Macandrew said he was in doubt as to the right course to take on this bill. He would not treat it as a party question, and doubted the wisdom of the policy of expediency, which in this and other matters was always applied to native affairs. He advocated having a Maori as a responsible mainstay in the Cabinet, and entrusted with the administration of native affairs. If this were dene, there would be no more fear, and the prisoners might be released at once. The bugbear of war, which used to frighten them, had cost the colony many millions, but was now losing its effect. He should vote against the. bill. Mr Kelly supported the bill as a necessary measure. Mr .Reeves thought it would be a. disgrace to the colony to pass this bill. Capt. Russell supported the bill. This day. Mr Ireland opposed the bill, and Mr Hursthouse supported it. ' Mr Speight said if altered so as to postpone the trial he would not object to I it, otherwise he should most strongly oppose it. Mr Hutchison opposed the bill. Mr Lundon also opposed it. If the prisoners were to be released, it should be done while the troops were on the plains. . • - Mr T. Fisher moved an amendment, " That it is undesirable to proceed with the bill until the native policy of the Government is fully declared." Mr Tole seconded, and itewi, Harris, Shrimski and Hamlin opposed the bill. Fisher's amendment was rejected by 28 to .14, and the Becond reading was carried by 30 to 14. The House rose at 1.15.

The following is the division list en the second reading of the Maori Prisoners' Bill:— Ayes, 30—Messrs Allwright, Atkinson, Bain (teller), Ballance, Beetham, Bowen, Bryoe, Dick, Gisborne, Hall, Hirst, H. Hursthouse, Johnstone, Kelly, Kenny, McCaughan, McLsan, Murray) Ktt, Rolleston, Russell (teller), Seymour, Shanks, Sheeban, Stevens, Snttofij Swanson, Tamble, and Whitaker. . Noes, 14.—Messrs DeLatour, Fisher J. P., George, Grey, Harris (Teller), Hutchison (Teller), London, Montgomery, Seddon, Tawhia, Te Wheoro, Tole, Tomoana, and Turnbull.