HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4938, 6 November 1884, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In reply to questions, it was stated that every consideration would be given to the advisableness of using coke instead of coal for locomotives.

The Railway Authorisation Bill and the Special Powers and Contracts Bill were introduced, and the latter Bill was read a second time without discussion. Mr J. S. Kenaie asked whether the Native Minister would afford any information as to the reported visit of Te Kooti to the East Const?—Mr Ballance said that both the late and present Government had written to Te Kooti warning him not to visit the East Coast or Wairoa district. Mr Ballance then read a letter received on the 24th October from Te Kooti, to the effect that lie had heard the Government disapproved of his intended visit to the East Coast. He said it was the peoplewof Wairoa themselves who had expressed a wish to see him, and had appointed a time for their meeting. It was the people of Gisborne and further up the East Coast who still retained their animosity, and added that he had communicated the message of the Government to the Wairoa people, and he would let the Government know what they said in reply. He had accepted the token of their regard for him, believing that the amnesty granted by the union of the two races and Queen's authority would prevent the recurrence of any evil practices.

The House went into committee on the Native Lands Settlement Bill.—On the clause dealing with land in the schedule prohibited from sale under a penalty not exceeding £500, Sir G. Grey moved to add the words, •' or which ma"y not have passed through the Native Land Court." —The amendmen 1; was lost, and the clause passed, as did clause 4, prohibiting dealing with land by natives.—On the motion of Mr Balance a portion of clause 7, referring to the testamentary right of the natives not being affected by the Act, was struck out.~Wi Pere moved the addition of certain new clauses with reference to provision for native control over dealing in and, but the first of these clauses having been rejected on the voices the remainder were withdrawn by the mover, and the Bill was reported as amended.—On the question of the third reading Sir G, Grey expressed regret at the measure ha?jqg ■.

been hurried through.—The Bill was then read a third time and passed.

THE MINES MINISTER

The second reading of the Civil List Act Amendment Bill was moved by the Premier, who alluded to the special im* portance of fostering and encouraging the raining industry, and the importance of the appointment of a Minister whose time could be entirely devoted to this object. —Capfc. Sutter could see no necessity for the new Minister. Money had been constantly squandered on the goldfields, and he thought New Zealand would have been now in a better position if it had never seen a goldfield.—Mr Barren moved the adjournment of the debate for a fortnight. —Mr Levestam seconded the motion, and Mr Peacock supported the adjournment. —Sir Geo. Grey would propose in Committee two Parliamentary Under Secretaries in place of the new Minister.-—Sir J. Vogel said he would be prepared to consider such a proposal in Committee. He hoped the adjournment of the debate would not be carried, and that the bill would be read a second time.—The adjournment was carried on the voices. | The House went into Committee to consider the terms and conditions of the proposed contract between the PostmasterGeneral of New Zealand and the New Zealand Shipping Company for the conveyance of mails between Plymouth and New Zealand by the company's direct steamers. —Sir J. Vogel alluded to the advantages to be derived from the proposed contract, explained its provisions, and moved that the contract be approved. This day. The motion was put and carried, and reported to the House, and agreed to. The amendments made by the Council in the Life Assurance Policies Bill were agreed to.

The motion to go into Supply was put and" carried, Legislature, £1049. Mr Holmes took exception to £75 for shorthand reporters for the Legislative Coun» oil, and moved it be struck out; motion negatived.—Chairman of Goldfields and Mines Committee, Mr Hursthouse, moved it be struck out, arguing that if it passed, Chairmen of other Committees should receive payment. —Sir J. Vogel defended the vote. Mr O'Connor explained that technical knowledge to an unusual degree was required ; item retained. —Liferarian, £25, retained ; custodian, £50, reduced to £25; total vote under Legislature was £774.—-Vote £3419, Colonial Secretary.—Mr Dodson moved that the item £500, as recommended by the Waste Lands Committee for Captain Raymond's services iv connection with phosphorised oats as rabbit poison, be struck out; item retained. —Agent-General £394, for report on direct steam service; agreed to. — Minister of Justice £7903, agreed to.— Colonial Treasurer £1045, agreed to.— Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs : Mr Rolleston moved to omit £1500 for N.Z. and the Pacific Islands, but the item was retained.—Commissioner of Trade and Customs £6208; Minister of Education £12,380, Minister of Mines £250, Minister of Public Works £10,778, Minister of Defence £2039, Land Fund Account £5512, Government Insurance £23,190, all agreed to.—Public Works Fund £45,947 : Mr Shrimski moved the item £10,000 for a branch line of railway from Eaipara to the Waikato River be struck out. Agreed to.

Progress was reported, and the House