HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3634, 19 August 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Afternoon Sitting. Wellington, Wedndesday. The House met at 2.30. Mr Pyke gave notice that he would ask the Government if they were aware the line Sheffield to Oxford! recommended by the Kail way Commission, was a mere pretext to get the line continued to Temuka, so that it may pass through estatep owned by the Premier and Mr E. O. Wright, a member of the Railway Commission. - •

Hon. J. Hall said there was no foundation in fact for the statement set forth in the question. Mr Pyke produced a telegram on the subject from a resident of the district, who was well known and highly respected in the House.

He refused.to giro the name, and the Speaker ruled that it could not be read. Mr Pyke desired to read it and lay it on the table, but was ruled out of ordor.

After a remark by Mr Pyke, the Hon. J. Hall said that Mr Pyke would not I give the name because he was thoroughly ashamed of himself and the position he had taken up.. i Mr Pyke gare notice that on going into Committee of Supply he would more that an address be presented to the Governor informing him that Ministers did not conduot the business of the House in a satisfactory manner. Mr Moss gave notice that he would more that it is expedient to relieve the General Legislature of all duties that can be more efficiently performed by local governing bodies* directly responsible to the electors by whom they were chosen; that school districts and road districts be grouped to form provinces sufficiently large to warrant the creation of looal legislatures, to maintain peaci 1, order, and good government within their respective boundaries, with power to local bodies to manage local matters in accordance with such laws as may be passed by the Legislature of the province. In reply to a question, the Government had under consideration the recommendation of the Local Industries Commission, recommending a thorough examination of the West Coast of the Middle Island, with a view of ascertaining what aid can be given for the development of its re* sources. OTAGO CBOWN LANDS. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mr De Lautour moved that it is desirable that the Minister of Lands before the close of the session should give a distinct enunciation of his policy with regard to the future administration of the Crown lands in Otago, now occupied by pastoral tenants on lease. Hon. Mr Bolleston said Government had all along followed out the practice of affording every possible faoility for the

settlement of waste lands. No cast-iron rule could be laid down on the subject, but only a few general principles to be acted upon as occasion required. The policy of settlement was laid down ki general terms by the Act of 1877. The course. Government proposed following under tfiat Act was.a subject on which the House had a right to expect the fullest possible information, and he was quite prepared to supply that information. Discussion interrupted by 5.30 adjournment.