GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 483, 5 September 1899, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

o HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FRIDAY. THB LOA.X BILL. Mr Synics complained that of the railways included in the schedule thdre were 13 in the South Island and only six in the North. The North Island was not getting its fair share of expenditure, while not a word was said about the Stratford route to Auckland or the extension northward. He characterised the Land Boards as utter failures, and urged their abolition.

Mr J. Allen did not object to borrowing for reproductive works. As to the Bill, it contained no policy but that of perpetrating a harrowing policy of the worst kind. ThcgSchedale was evidently drawn with a viewotf getting support at the coming elections. Mr Kaihau urged that some consideration should be shown to necessary railway construction in his district. Mr Rolleston, referring to Mr Kaihau's speech, said that nothing more clearly indicated the failure of the present Government than its dealings with native affaire. The reason was that they had lately taken to supporting party Gorernment instead of looking after native affairs. He made that statement in the hope that the native members would consider their action, As to the Bill, he hoped the Premier would not cirry it beyond the second reading before the Public Works Estimates were brought down. Mr Cadman contended tkitthe present administration had done more for the natives than any previous Government. If the Government were to carry out the wishes of the country in respect to railway construction a five million loan would be necessary. Mr Eraser objected to the Bill on the ground that it was wrong to sanction borrowing until the House knew how the money was to be. expended. Mr Montgomery would oppose the Bill for the reason that they had quite enough money without borrowing. Several other members spoke after which the Premier replied. He referred to the complaints by Maori members of the system of dealing with native >< ! He contended that the natives were to blame. With respect statement that ways and meaus should not precede the Public Works statement, he quoted from records that large loans have been raised in the past for railways and roads before the estimates were brought down. The second reading was carried by '27 votes to 15