LAST NIGHT'S SITTING. Representation Bill.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1424, 18 August 1881, Page 2

LAST NIGHT'S SITTING. Representation Bill.

Mr Hall resumed the debate. He hoped the House would not adopt the amendment. With reference to the first clause the difference between Mr Wood and the Government was only one of degree. The Government proposals were to base representation as nearly as possible on population ; the question at issue was the second proposition. Unless it was really practicable to apply one law to the natives and Europeans that proposition was impossible. It was no use to deceive themselves on this point. Obedience to the laws and payment of taxes were preliminaries to the power of making and enforcing the laws. The Fencing law and other similar laws were not applied to natives for their own sakes. We did not let them sell or mortgage their lands, and their lands were exempt from local and many other forms of taxation. If the special representation waa abolished as proposed political power would soon pass from the natives to the very worst class of Europeans. When the time comes when the North Island by increase of population could claim an increase of representation no one would more willingly concede to the request than he would. Mr Tomoana oould not support the amendment. Time should be given the Maori people to understand what was really proposed. Bad results might follow any sudden change. Mr Giaborne would at the proper time move an addition to the first part of Mr Wood's amendment to thin effect, '• Prot vided that the present number of representatives returned by any Provincial district should not be reduced." He was not prepared to assent unreservedly to the second part of Mr Wood's amendment. Mr Moss said that out of the total population there were not above 10.000 out of the 40,000 people amongst whom the Queen's writ did not run. He strongly supported the proposal to allow the natives equal electoral right* with ourselves. Mr Lundon supported the amendment, contending it was unfair to refuse electoral rights to the natives who obeyed the law, because there wore some who did not do so. Mr Hurst also supported the amendment, and spoke strongly in favour of the North Island being given equal representation in proportion to the South as at present. He held that property, as well as population, should* be considered. Mr Speight urged the right of the natives to equal electoral rights with Europeans. (Left Sitting.)

The wicked Nihilists hare determined that the' new 1 Czar shall not live. As 'soon &a green apple* come into the market, they are going to send him a barrel. )'.'».' , j.