PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] YESTERDAY AFTERNOON'S SITTING. Wellington, 7.15 p.m.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1257, 20 July 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] YESTERDAY AFTERNOON'S SITTING. Wellington, 7. 15 p.m.

The House met at 2.30. Mr Reed gave notice that he would ask if the Government proposed amending the law of newspaper libel this session.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Replying to a question from Sir George Grey, Mr Bryce stated that Tawhiao was coming to Wellington to join the West Coast Commission, and applied for allowance of money towards expenses, such as paying for a surveyor and buying a watch, which had been refused. Before making the application he was perfectly well aware of the names of the other two members appointed on the Commission, j

MAORI PBISONERS BILL. The debate on the second reading of the Maori Prisoners Bill was resumed by Mr Montgomery, who spoke against the measure. Mr Bowen contended that the prisoners had not been merely arrested for trespass ; but because the country was in a state of war. All technicalities ought to be dispensed with, and the question faced as one of detention, in consequence of war or a threatened outbreak of Avar. The measure was one which should not be dealt with as a party question, but treated as an exigency arising out of the preservation of peace. Mr Ballanoe disputed the idea that a disturbance would be created if these men were liberated, contending that war was more likely to result from their unjust detention than otherwise. Te Whiti was mainly responsible for the trepass, and it was he who Aould be punished. He criticised the Native Commissioner.s' Report, and showed tkat the recommendations contained in the report were not at all proportionate with the promises and professions made re confiscation made by successive Governments. He charged the Government of 1869 and 1870 with being responsible for the present position of affairs on the West Coast. He professed no sympathy with the native prisoners, but desired to know how long they were to be detained in prison. He would not accept the responsibility of refusing to vete for the measures ; still, he wanted it to be understood he did so because the Government had assured them It was absolutely necessary for the preservation of peace. Mr Gisborne said it was not a trivial offence. ,He objected to the powers proposed to be given to the Government of saying whether or not the prisoners, when liberated, had violated the conditions of liberation, and contended that this should rest solely in a court of law. He also maintained that promises should be made in the Bill for bringing up the prisoners for trial, otherwise it would enourage the belief that Te Whiti 's influence had been instrumental towards their liberation. He, too, would not oppose the Bill, but did so solely on the explanation of the Government. Mr Hall said that the Government was anxious to allow the prisoners their freedom, .as soon as possible, and they would be liberated the moment that could be done with safety. The powers sought by Go. vernment would be carefully and constitutely exercised, and it was absurd to describe the natives as an oppressed people. AH the oppression to which they were subjected to came from their pi'o-fet-sed, but false friends. The condition of affairs was exceptional, so much bo that no law in existence would meet the case ; that was the reason they had to ask the House for exceptional legislation. Mr Brown spoke in opposition to the Bill, but the debate was interrupted by the adjournment at 5. 30 p.m,