HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3636, 21 August 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Afternoon, Sitting. Wellington, Friday. The House net at 3 p.m. Id replying to a question put, it was stated that Government did not intend to re-instate Mr Watt as native agent in the Manuhiku district, and it was not intended to appoint another officer to manage Maori affairs in that district.

Government was not aware a foreign office offered to undertake the insurance risk for 12s 6d per £1C) on Government House for which they were paying a colonial office 26s 6d. ;

. No report had been received from the Commissioner of Railways (South Island) respecting the damage which occurred to the JRangitata railway bridee further than the one before the House on the 21st October. 1878.

Mr Wright said, as contractor for the bridge, he would explain that the progress of the work had been carefully inspected. The work consisted of two bridges over separate branches of the river, the inter* rening, space being make up of an embankment. The heavy flood of 1878 inundated the island between the, two branches, and the 'rush of water being impeded the embankment caused the bed of the river to scoop out to a depth of 20 feet. In that way piles were displaced, the roadway of the; bridge subsided, but did not, as had been alleged, break down; in point of fact, not a stick belonging to the bridge had been lost. As showing the nature of the river bed, he stated that the driving of the piles took 40, 50, and 100 blows to the inch, while some of the neighbouring rivers took not more than two.

Government would not be justified in establishing a Royal Mint in this oolony. It would be impossible for Government to issue grants in accordance with the report of Mr Commissioner Young for native reserves at Greymouth. Government was not aware the railway line from Oxford to Malvern (Sheffield), recommended by the railway Commissioners, . would result in committing the colony in building a line from Oxford to Tcmuka. ■■• : The following bills were introduced and rend a first time;—' Stamp Fee to alter

the duties on Customs; Stamp Act Amendment Bill; Special Powers and Contracts.

In committee an Imprest Supply was granted for £200,000. The Dative Lands Court Bill passed through committee, and was reported with amendments.

The Native Lands Sales Bill was then considered iv committee.

Hon. Mr Bryee asked that at this late period of the session the amendments, of which notice had been given should not be insisted upon Sir George Grey charged the Government with having wasted the early days of the session, and now wanted to rush measures through without due consideration.

Hon. J. Hall disclaimed the imputation and charged the Opposition with having obstructed the work.

* Mr Mos3 replied, reiterating the charge against Government. : The consideration of the bill was then proceeded with until the House was interrupted by the 5 30 adjournment.