GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 124, 23 June 1870, Page 5

GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(From the " Daily Times" Telegrams.) Wellington, June 16th. In the House of Representatives today, Mr. Carrington moved the Address in reply. Mr. Rich seconded it, and in doing so said that he regretted that the Governor's Speech did not contain a declaration of the proposed adoption of a protective policy. Mr Stafford followed with a very brief and moderate speech. He abstained from criticising the Governor's Speech, and declared it to be his intention to abstain from raking up the wretched past, unless he was forced to do so. All our energies and thoughts, he said, required now to be directed to the great questions of the future.

Mr Hall, who spoke next, said a few words regretting that special mention had not been made of the present depression of the agricultural interest in the Middle Island. He hoped that tlie attention of the House would be directed to tlie devising of some remedy for this state of things, and more than hinted at the adoption of a protective tariff.

Mr Fox, in reply, expressed his great pleasure at the moderate and considerate tone of Mr Stafford's remarks. He also spoke of the deep obligations of the Government to Mr Orinond for his labours in the pacification of the East Coast; and promised large and liberal measures to promote the colonisation of all parts of the colony. He likewise strongly condemned the conduct of the Imperial G-overnment regarding the removal of the troops.

Mr Hall and Mr Rich concurred in Mr Fox's strictures on the Imperial Government, but nevertheless expressed their satisfaction that the troops were gone. The Address was then passed without further debate. The debate on it has not yet begun in the Legislative Council. A Bill to reduce the interprovincial postage rate has been introduced by the Government. June 17th. In the Legislative Council to-day, Dr Grace moved the reply to the Governor's Address, and Mr Waterhouse seconded it. Several members spoke, but no opposition was made to the Address, and the reply was agreed to. In the House of Representatives, the business consisted chiefly of tlie appointment of committees of no special interest. Mr. Fox a]so introduced a Ballot Bill. June 18th. The Genei"c»l Government have received a telegram, stating that the New Zealand Commissioners have succeeded in obtaining from the Imperial Government a guarantee of a loan for L 1,000,000. Lord Napier of Magdal.a has written a letter to the Commissioners, in which he expresses himself as opposed to the employment of G-hoorkas in New Zealand. Mr Stafford's- speech was intended

to throw the responsibility of partyfight on the Government. The Cave will not vote against the Government. June 19 th. Colonel Haultain has given notice of a motion to the following effect : — (1.) For a return showing the total sum expended for Defence purposes from Ist July, 1869, to 31st May 1870, and showing the amount of the liabilities outstanding at the latter date, including any sums claimed by the Imperial Government for ammunition or other stores supplied to the colony, together with an estimate of the probable Defence expenditure for the current month. (2.) For a return of the number and description of the arms and ammunition issued to the Natives since Ist July, 1869, with the dates of issue, and the names of the tribes to whom they were supplied. (3.) For a return showing the number and the tribes of the natives not on regular pay, who have been employed since Ist July, 1869, on military expeditions, with tlie cost of provisions and clothing supplied them, the sums of money paid them, and the amount (if any) still claimed by them for services rendered.

Mr. Gillies has given notice - that he will move for all papers regarding the appointment of the present AttorneyGeneral. It is supposed that this has reference to Mr. Sewell's appointment.

The million loan is for immigration and public works only, and the guarantee has been granted on certain conditions. June 20. Mr. Reynolds will give notice tomorrow of resolutions in favour of abolishing the existing provinces and establishing one Legislature in eacli island, the powers of the General Assembly to be restricted to matters of federal interest. It is expected that he will meet with considerable support, if satisfactory details can be arranged.

The Governor to-day presented to Majors Kemp, Ropata, and Morgan, swords of honour sent them by the Queen.