HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3616, 29 July 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wemjngton, Wednesday.

The House met at 2.30. PATKTBBE PETITION. Mr Whitaker presented a petition from Fatetere block natives praying that the proclamation over their lands be removed.

818 OEOBGE OBEY AMD THE GOVEKNOB

Hon. J. Hall, alluding to the speech by Sir Geo Grey on the Maori Prisoners' Bill, in which he stated that the Governor had promised a deputation of Maoris that the trial would be brought on in January or February last, said he had the Governor's permission to state that no promise was given. Tc Wheoro, Tawhai, and Tainui stated they were present at the interview re ferred to, and they distinctly understood the promise in question to have been made to them.

Sir George Grey stated that he had taken the precaution to take the statement made Ly the Maoris to him in writing, and get them to sign their names thereto. He thought a misunderstanding had arisen, but still he was not by any means disposed to think the Maoris were solely responsible. Permission baring been granted, Sir George Grey moved that his name be struck off the Native Affairs Committee. Carried without dissent. THE SOLDFIELDS* COMMISSION.

Gorernment was desirous of giving erery encouragement for the derelopment of goldfields, but at this late period of the session they were not disposed to discuss the desirability of a commission being appointed to report on the goldfields.

KE-DIBTBIBUTION OF SEATS BILL.

Gorernment intended to fulfil the promise made re introducing the Redistribution of Seats Bill. It would be circulated at once.

SESSIONAL BUSINESS.

The Hon. J. Hall gave notice that he would more tbe House sit on Fridays at 11 a.m. to dispose of certain non-political measures on the order paper. MAOBI PBISONEBS' BILL ASSENTED TO.

The Governor's assent to the Maori Prisoners' Bill was received, and a notification that a further Imprest Supply Bill would be asked for.

Debate interrupted at 5.30.