HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1922, 30 October 1884, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

TUEDAY. Replying to Mr Macandrew, Sir Julius Vegel said before the Government took any steps towards establishing a Government Land Bank information would jiavo to be obtained from England and India. Mr Wi Pere moved " That Wahanni he heard at the bar of tho House prior to the second reading of tho Native Lands Settlement Bill Agreed to. Sir Julius Vogel moved tho second reading of' the New Zealand International South Sea Trading Company's Bill. He said that in 1874 there was a considerable amount of correspondence with reference to initiating a chaiter company on this matter. The South Sea Islands, during the last few years, had attracted notice from all parts of the world, and the English Government had now issued a protectorate over the south-east portion of New Guinea. It seemed to him that, whilst thee islands were being sought after by the principal nations of the world, something ought to be done by the colony. The attention of Australia had been drawn almost exclusively to this subject lately, but the result could not be regarded as satisfactory to New Zealand. He thought the annexation of New Guiuea was of the least importance to New Zealand as compared with that of other islands. Sir J. Vogel referied at some length to the importance which the trade of the Islands was destined to exercise on the colony as a whole. He quoted from a speech on the subject made by Sir George Grey in 1883, and said it was an eloquent tribute to the importance of the Inlands. He (Sir J. Vogel) thought it useless for them to think the trade of the Islands would come theii way unless they made some efforts to secure it. He thought if the present measure was carried they would be able to obtain a large German interest, especially in tho Samoan Group, and so unite English and Gerimn interests. If they neglected the opportunity afforded them now of securing this trade they would always regret it. Even if the bill were not carried the Government would feel proud of having introduced it, although they would greatly regret if it were not pushed into law. He procpeded to explain the objects of tho bill, and said that the sacrifice the colony was asked to make was so small, and the objects to be attained so large, that it would bo a matter of extreme regret if the bill were not passed. He admitted that it was rather late this session to go into the whole matter, but the impoitance of the matter should not ho over-looked. If the bill weie thiown out he thought the House would in the future greatly regret their action. Mr Wakefield said there was nothing practical in the scheme. The trade of the islands was aheady being developed in a natural way. The bill would establish a monopoly and would open the door to all sorts of jobbery. Col. Trimble and Mr Thomion opposed the bill, and Mr J. C. Buckland supported it. Mr Moss said tho proposed company would ciush out many companies already existing. Ho contended that such companies as these stopped trade. Dr. Newman and Mr Garrick spoke against the bill and Mr Macandrew supported it. Sir J. Vogal having replied, tho second reading was lost on a division by 30 to 28. The amendments made by the Council in the East and West Coast Railway Bill were agreed to. Tho H.mse went into committee on the Land Act, 1896, Amendment Bill.

WEDNESDAY. Thk House met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to questions, it was stated that the line known as Field's Ti.ick, between Makirikiri Valley and the North Island Trunk Railway line, would be carefully considered before any expenditure was authorised; the Government had already roceiveda lanze amount of information as t o t ne w or iing of the Contagious Diseases Act, m those, countries where it was in force. On the motion with refer enC 9 to the District Railways being called m> Sir J. Vogel "aid he was glad to be able to inform the House that the Government had agreed to alter this, resolution in such a manner ab ho thought would proyoke little opposition. Mr Bryce asked if the Treasurer intended to discuss the motion at once. Sir J. Vogel replied that he would simply move it, and take the discussion on it nj\t day in Committee. After a lengthy debate, during which it was contended by Messrs Bryce and Rolleston that according to Parliamentary practice it would not be competent for the Treasurer to move a motion which had practically been already rejected by the action of the Upper Hou-<e in throwing out the District Railways Bill, the Speaker ruled that it was competent for the House to debate a resolution on a subject which had been previously rejected as a bill. Sir J, Vogel in replying said he would simply move at present that the House go into Committee to-morrow to consider the resolution as follows: — "That the difficulties surrounding the railways constructed under the District Railways Act, and the hardships to which the ratepayers are subjected in connection therewith are such that this House considers the Government should seize a favourable opportunity to center into an agreement to acquire the said lines by lease and purchase, such agreement to be subject to the ratification of Parlramont, and to contain a provision that until Parliament has had an opportunity of giving Biich ratification all proceedings against ratepayers shall be stopped." The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, Amendment Bill, the Road Board Act, Amendment Bill, were reported, and read a third time and passed. The Life Assurance Policies Bill, was further considered in Committee, reported and read third time and passed. The River Board Bill, Wellington College Conßrmation Bill, and Timber Floating Bills were read a second time. The Codlin Moth Bill was committed and passed with a new clause moved by Mr Stout giving power to prohibit the importation of affected fruit or trees. The bill wat reported and read a third time and passed. The House went into committee on the Elections Bill.