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Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 813, 1 September 1877, Page 2

[Press Agency.] Government Buildings, Wellington, Friday. VOLUNTEER LAND SC&IP. In the House to-day, Mr Lusk gave notice, "That Government make provision to enable Volunteer Land Scrip to be exercised. NATIVE LAAD SALE. ' Mr Reea asked the Government whether they had. paid any money to any person or persons as compensation or otherwise m relation to a block of native land of about 20fr;000 acres extent, m or near Waikato, which block, Government afterwards obtained on leag&and which is alluded to m an article m the Oamaru "Evening Mail" recently read before the House. If so, to whom and under what circumstances the said money was paid and the amount; also, the names of solicitors, if any, or agents employed either by Government or such parties The Premier replied that the matter was subjudice, and quoted May's Parliamentary Practice, page 355, to show that the Government was justified m refusing returns under such circumstances. Mr Rees (sotto voce) "That's the coolest thing i ever heard." Mr Rees moved an adjournment and attacked the Government Sir George Grey followed suit, and ■ accused the Government of being afraid to give the required information. The Speaker ruled the Pi etnier m order. Messrs Fox and Gisborne defended the Government. | Mr H islop accused the Government of persecuting Mr George Jones, junior* EDUCATION BILL. The House was engaged this afternoon on the adjourned debate on 2nd. reading of the Education -Bill, the majority of the speakers condemned the Clause m the Bill providing for the reading of the Lord's Prayer and the Bible as a departure from the secular system. Sir George Grey presented a petitiou from 2034 inhabitants of Auckland against this part of the Bill. On the motion of the Premier, the House agreed to sit m future on Monday. A want of confidence motion is whispered of, but it is the general opinion that the Ministry is safe for this session. PURCHASE OF NAIIVJS . LANDS. Yesterday Mr Travers's motion that pending legislative action, no purchases or negotiations tor the purchase of native lands, made or entered into since the withdrawal of the Native Lands Bill, shall be valid unless sanctioned by a measure introduced into the House, was passed ; Major AtkinsDn stating that Government were making inquiries and intended to introduce a bill for the purpose.