YESTERDAY'S SITTING. Wellington, Last Night.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1571, 29 July 1882, Page 2

YESTERDAY'S SITTING. Wellington, Last Night.

I The .House met at 2.30. Replying to questions, it was stated :— The increase of pay to the railway employe's would take effect as from the 21st July inst. — The Government had been prosecuting the work "of replanting forest trees, and with the view of further stimulating exertions in , that direction provision would be made 6n 'the'supplementary estimates for encouraging local bodies to prosecute' the work/ * The following bills were introduced and read a]lst tune :— Roads and Bridges Construction ; Counties Act, 1876, Amendment (Atkinson) ; Resumption of Land for gold -mining purposes ; Goldmining on Public Reserves (Rolleston.) The Speaker ruled that as the following bill standing in the name of Sir Gr. Grey dealt with the question of taxation, it could not be introduced by a private member : " To Reduce the burdens now imposed on the people by enabling reduction to be made in the property tax, and customs through the imposition of a tax on land in proportion to its valve exclusive of improvements." The following bills were read a second time : Mining on Harbour Board Reserves ; Mining on Education Reserves ; Mining on Water Race Reserves ; Canterbury Rivers Act, 1879, amendment ; Stamps ; Cemeteries. The adjourned debate on the Native Reserves Bill was resumed by Mr Tawhai, who stated that he in common with his people looked upon the bill as most unsatisfactory. Mr Bryoe said that the Public Trustee would be assisted by a commissioner in controlling these reserves. The idea was first mooted in the Native Affairs Committee of placing these lands under the trustees, inasmuch as that it would remove them beyond that political influence which was at times alleged to be exercised upon the Minister, of the day. He agreed in the proposal, * and would be prepared to accept an amendment in the direction of having a ! Maori placed on the board. His advice in the management of the board would be invaluable. The individualisation of title was only one object aimed at by the bill, but as they well knew that was a work of time, and would have to be proceeded with cautiously. He controverted the opinion that the Maoris as a people were decreasing. If they were to be a prominent race, then it was necessary that an inheritance should be provided them. Mr Beetham spoke hi support of the bill. | Mr Wihtakeii also spoke in its favor. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30. adjournment.