PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 990, 26 July 1872, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

The Parliament opened at the Em. pire City, on the 16th instant, with the customary ceremonials. About two o'clock, a salute of seventeen gims was fired from the reclaimed land Volunteers, Armed Constabulary, and the Grammar School Cadets, formed t, guard of honor. His Excellency, in full uniform, attended by his Aides, and the officers of the Rosario, entered the Legislative. Council Chamber, and the "faithful Commons" were sum. moned to hear the opening speech which was gracefully read by the Go. vernor. Major Kichmond, the Chairman of Committees of the Upper House, acted as Speaker, as Major Eichardson was detained by reason of the bad passage of the Pheebe. Several formal propositions were made in the House of Representatives, and new members were sworn in, Mr Sheehan of Rodney, being presented to the Speaker by Mr Swanson and Mr Gillies; and Mr Luckie by Mr Curtis; and Major Jackson, of the Waikato, went through the same cereinony. The oath of allegiance was administered and si^«?:d. Mr Sheehan, it may be remarked, being the first New Zealand born sub. joct, of European descent, who has been called to the House. He has passed as a barrister, and i's mainly a self, taught man. Some papers were laid on the table. Among others two petitions presented by Mr .Creighton in favor of the Permissive Bill, signed by over 3000 persons, and some uuimportant notices of motion were. given, after which the flouse adjourned till half-past 2 o'clock on Thursday. July 18th. The House met this afternoon. THE WESTPORT LAND PURCHASE. Mr O'Conor presented a petition with 600 signatures, asking for a judicial enquiry into his alleged misconduct in the purchase of land £# Westport. Mr Steward moved the appointment of a committee on the subject. Mr O'Conor also gave explanations regarding his honorarium of last session. ADDRESS TO THE QUEEN. Mr Pox moved, and Mr Stafford seconded, a congratulatory addreßS to the Queen upon the recovery of the Prince of Wales. LIFE ASSURANCE BJLL. The, Life Assurance Bill, to extend to all policies the advantages now only enjoyed by Government officers, and to provide for auditing Insurance Companics' accounts, was introduced. ADDRESS IN REPLY TO THE GOTESITOB's

RPEECH. Mr Luckie moved the address in reply. He spoke at some length, warmly eulogising the Native Minister's policy and administration, and enlarging in terms of satisfaction, on the various topics mentioned in the speech: Mr Sheehan seconded the reply, but expressly guarded himself against being consequently supposed a thorough supporter of the Government. He would not pledge himself to be so. He admitted the great services of Mr M'Lean, but warned him of the possibility of the existence in the native mind, under apparent tranquility, of a spirit of disaffection, which was more dangerous than open rebellion. The natives were never fairly treated, those who made themselves troublesome being petted and rewarded, while those remaining loyal were neglected. The present Government were not so much to blame for this. There was great uneasiness in the native mind regarding the position of their lands. He would have opposed the present policy when initiated, but was now prepared to support the Government in carrying it out. He thought the Ministry bad shown a want of perseverance in pushing on public works during the recess, and strongly supported the handing over of the administration of public! works to the Provincial authorities. He would leave immigration in too hands of the General Government if the immigrants were distributed fairly over the colony. He warmly urged economy in general adminifltration, would support the Government if its promises ia this roapecfc were fulfilled.

Great credit was due to Mr Vogel for tho satisfactory condition of the revenue. Mr Stafford said tlmt it would be a waste of time to discuss the speech, which studiously avoided all subjects provocative of difference of opinion, and all large questions. The Government must kuow, however, that opportunities.wquld soen occur for the full expression of the rapidly increasing distrust felt, as to the direction which affairs were taking. The address was adopted, and the House adjourned.

The Legislative Council adopted Captain Bailie's motion on the nonrepresentation of the Ministry in that chamber.