PARLIAMENT. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY. YESTERDAY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1719, 12 July 1883, Page 3

PARLIAMENT. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY.

YESTERDAY.

NATIVK LANDS COMPANY BILL. Mr Bryoe presented a petition signed by Ropata, Taita nnd 150 others, against the New Zealand Native Lands Settlement Empowering Bill, on the ground that they had been deprived of their lands without receiving any consideration therefor, except promises of money. The petitioners prayed the Government to make enquiries iuto the dealings of the company with the natives, and submitted that all bills relating to native lands should be introduced by the Government. Mr Bryce said he thought the present the proper time for the presentation of the petition, the consideration of the committee's report on the company's bill coming on presently. The petition was thon read to the House. Mr de Lnutour said the company never had purchased native lands so as to exclude the natives interested from the proceeds. The East Coast was crowded with agents of those desirous of purchasing native lands regardless of all public policy, and they could not see a corporation like the settlement company,—wishful to combine business with an honest desire for the benefit of the natives — without attempting to thwart them. What the company sought was the right to act openly in the light of clay as the trustee and agent of the natives. He moved that the bill be intioduced, and then referred to a joint committee to decide whether it was a private bill or not. Major Atkinson approved of this course. Mr Hurst suggested that all members of the House interested in the company should stand aside when the division was taken. Mr Moss said the bill was an attempt to create a monoply most dangerous in its proposals. Mr Bryce deprecated discussion at this stage, and the motion was then put and carried. The bill was read a first time and referred to the Joint Committee.

J* MISCELLANEOUS. implying to questions, it was stated that steps would be taken to make insurance compulsory among railway employes ; the establishment of a reformatory would be favourably considered during the recess. Deficiency bills to the extent of £100,000 were authorised. A return was oidered of all endowments for secondary education in the North Island, Nelson, and Westland, also money grants for the same puipose. Sir G. Grey gave notice of a motion regretting the intention of the Government not to deal witli lands benefited by railways.

DECENTRALISATION. Mr Montgomery moved, " 1. That the existing system of central Government has failed to realise the results anticipated, and that the promises and engagements made at the time of abolition of the provinces have not been fulfilled. 2. That, in consequence of this centralising policy, much discontent prevails throughout NVw Zealand. 3. That, to ensure economy and efficiency in the administration of local|,iffaii s, it is necessary that all such local affairs, including public works, should be withdiawn from the control of the central Government and vested in local governing bodies elected by districts having community of interests.'' Ho spoke at some length in support, claiming that the colony had not been so prosperous since the abolition of the provinces as it was before. Miijor Atkinson controverted the statements of the mover. Ho contended that abolition had been accomplished after an appeal to the country, and that the ppoplo would not consent to repeal the measure by which it had been effected. Sir G. Grey spoke in favour of the resolutions, accusing tln» Government of assisting their friends, and putting the burden of tavation on the working classes. Government had no right, he said, to allow a, pm'.ite member to bring forward resolutions on the subject of native l.uul reform ; they ought to lead in the matter. The debate was adjourned till Wednesday.

MISCELLANEOUS. The House met at 2.30. The Joint Committee on Bills reported that the New Zealand Native Land Company's Bill was a private hill. Mr Hutchinson mover! for leave to in troduce a bill to repeal the Contagious Diseases Act, which was refused on a division of 42 to J9. The Companies Act Amendment Bill (Shaw) was introduced and read a first time.

DECENTRALISATION. Mr Levestam continued the debate on Mr Montgomery's resolutions. Ho was strongly opposed to central administration, Mr J. W. Thompson said there was undoubtedly dissatisfaction throughout the colony, but it was not likely to find much expression while the colony went on borrowing. He himself was in favour of dividing into two separate colonies. The debate was interrupted by the adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr Fish continued the debate. He would prefer insular separation to a federal Government. Mr Holmes supported the principle of the resolutions, but if they were to be regarded as a vote of want of confidence he would not vote on them all. (Left sitting).