YESTERDAY AFTERNOON'S SITTING. Wellington, Last Night, LAST NIGHT'S SITTING.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1261, 29 July 1880, Page 3

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON'S SITTING. Wellington, Last Night,

LAST NIGHT'S SITTING.

The House met at 2.30. Mr Wbitaker presented a petition from the Patetere Block natives praying that the proclamation over their lands be removed. In replying to questions, it was stated that the Government did not think it advisable to frame a Bill during the recess providing that Ministers before taking office should have to be elected by their constituents. — The Government was desirous of giving every encouragement for the development of goldfields, but at this late period of the session they were not disposed to discuss the desirability of a Commission being appointed to report on goldfields — The Government intended to fulfil their promise mada re introducing Re-Distribution of Seats Bill, and it would be circulated at once. Mr Hall gave notice that he would move the House to sit on Friday at 11 a.m. to dispose of certain non-political measures on the order paper, if the Governor's assent on the Miori Prisoners Bill was reoeived and a notification that further Imprest Supply Bill would be naked. Mr Hall, in alluding to the speech made by Sir George Grey on the Maori Prisoners Bill, in which he stated that the Governor had promised a deputation of Maoris that the trial would be brought on in January or February last, said he had the Governor's permission to state that no such promise was giren. TeWheoro and Tanui stated that they were present at the interview referred to, and they distinctly understood the promise in question) to have been made to them. Sir George Grey stated that he had taken the precaution to take the statement, made by the Maori to him, in writing, and get them to sign their names thereto. He thought a misunderstanding had arisen, but, still, he was not by any means disposed to think the Maoris were solely responsible. Permission having been granted, Sir George Grey moved — " That his name be struck off the Native Affair* Committee, " The motion was carried without dissent, Mr Thomson moved the recommittal of the vote for the Native Lands Court (£10,267), with a view to getting it struck out, as it was passed at a late hour last night when most of * the members were absent. Mr Macandrew comolained that this was anotheTW the irregularities resulting from the HdTQse persisting in sitting at untimely hours when only a few members were present, and who were not in a fit state to transact important business. He supported the proposal for striking out the vote. Messrs' Bowen and Moorhouse spoke in favor of the vote. The debate was interrupted by the adjournment at 5.30 p.m.

Mr Thompson's motion to re-commit the, Native Lands Court vote was negatived on the voice?. On the motion to go into supply, Mr Tote moved an amendment offering