FRIDAY'S SITTING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1550, 10 June 1882, Page 2

FRIDAY'S SITTING.

The House met at 2.30. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions put it was stated : — That a measure to extend for two years more the Waikato Confiscated Lands Act, with reference to application of hapus for land in confiscated territory would be introduced, and the present was deemed a very suitable time to give effect ,to that movement. — County Councils were authorised to sue natives for (payment of rates on lands held under Crown graiits, under clause 57 of the Rating Act, 1856. '

NEW BILLS. The following bills were introduced and read a first time : — Tenant Fixture (Mr Moss) ; Supreme Court Appeal Law Amendment ; Criminal Law Local Court (Mr Dick) ; To Establish a Harbor Board for the Port of Picton (Mr Connolly).

PEACE PRESERVATION BILL. The West Coast Peace Preservation Bill was reported. On the motion for third reading, Mr Macandrew protested against the bill, adding that these so-called native difficulties were occasioned by the high-banded injustice of Europeans, and successive Governments. If Te Whiti had committed any crime he was entitled to a fair trial before condemna- , bion. All concerned in the Parihaka affair wou Id yet blush for it. He hoped the Governor would refuse his assent to this bill, and so save us from ourselves. Mr Shepherd supported the bill as a. matter of expediency. Mr Huchinson protested against the bill. Mr Kelly spoke against the imperial Government being inited as has been insinuated in the debate, to interfere between the Government of the colony and L Te Whiti! It could not understand that question, and should not therefore attempt meddling with it. Mesrs Bracken, Seddon , Te Wheoro and M., W. Green- spoke against the Bill, and Mr Levestam in favor. Mr de Lautour reviewed the whole history of the case, and shewed the necessity for steps being taken to put an end to ex postficto legislation. Mr Bryce protested against the theory set up about the Governor's interference. Where a member found himself in a minority, he had no right to appeal to a power outside the Legislature. The House divided :— Ayes, 56 ; Noes, 21.

INDEMNITY BILL. The House went into Committee on the Indemnity Bill, which passed without amendment, and was reported and read a third time, and passed.

LAW PRACTITIONERS BILL. Sir George G-uey moved the second reading of the Law Practitioners Bill. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.