HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3624, 7 August 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WBLLisaTON, Friday. The House met at 2.30. NATIVE LANDS BALB BILL.

The House then went into committee on the Native Lands Sale Bill.

On clause three, Mr Header Wood moved that the word " may " be substi* tuted for the word " shall," so as to make the clause read, "that natives.may, at their own option, bring their lands under the Act."

Mr. Sheeban was quite sure, if the bill passed as it stood, no land would be brought under its operations; or, if it did, it would pass out of the hands of the natives without any corresponding advantage* being secured by them. Sir Geo. Grey said that when the amendment was disposed, of he would move the following addition: —" Except as herein provided, in the. case of native lands vested in trustees." , The question was put that the clause remain part of the bill—ayes, 34; noes, 25.

Sir George Grey then moved an amend* ment of which he gave notice. JHe said the object vras to provide that in the sale of lands it. would be competed for in the open market, and the natives themselves get a fair price for the land. Details of tbe" plan would be unfolded in amend* ments to be introduced into other clause of the bill. : Debate interrupted by the s.3oadjourn* j ment.