PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2326, 7 June 1887, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

|BY XISLKGUAI'H—I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.J

MONDAY. Wkmxvuton, Monday. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Public Revenues Bill was further considered in committee. Clause 4, appropriations of £28,000 out of Consolidated Fund, and £285,000 out of Public Works Fund. Mr Peacock asked Mr Ballance whether he had in his mind, when he had established the village settlements scheme, to spend £70,000 without the sanction of Parliament. Mr Ballance said ho had not intended to incur such a liability, but as the scheme proceeded he found fi rfcher c> p mditure was required to meet the necessities of the colony. He had intended to ask fur a vote of £50,000, which would cover all liabilities. No less than 1000 families had been put on the land, and that was his justification for expenditure. He was having a return prepared, giving fuller information on the whole matter. Mr Fulton referred to the appointment of Mr John Lundon, and the influence he possessed over the Minister for Lands. He said a political agitator had recently been granted a passage in the Hinetnoa from Auckland, and this passage had been given by Mr Ballance, at the instance of Mr John Lundon, which ho considered highly improper. After further discussion, Major Atkinson suggested that progress be reported till all the returns which Mr Ballance had promised had been laid on the table. It was quite clear that the vote would not pass till the House had received every possible information on the subject. Sir Robert Stout had no objection to report progress, but no other business could be transacted. Major Atkinson said this Bill was the appropriation Bill of the year, and has ( never been brought down by any Government till the last moment. Mr R. Stout painted out that the regulations under those village settlements were gazetted on May sth. ISBG, before the vote of £5000 was asked for. Mr Hursthouse felt convinced that not 1 per cent of the money advanced to those settlers would be paid. He was not opposed to village settlements, but the land should be of good quality to enable settlers to make anything out of the village settlement. In Nelson, some years ago, they only proved succesful as long as the Government expenditure continued. Mr Turnbull regretted that the question of unauthorised expenditure had been allowed to sink while so much had been made of the appointment of an agent. He was strongly opposed to perpetual [leasing, and felt convinced that the people would demand freeholds, which they would get. He thought the Opposition would have failed if they had not drawn attention to unauthorised expenditure, but condemmed the manner in which Mr Lundon had been attacked. Progress was reported after further discussion. On the motion for committal of the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act Amendment Bill, Mr Samuel said he should move a 'new clause allowing settlers to surrender their leases. Major Atkinson warmly supported 'the clause, and regretted that Mr Ballance had not accepted it. Mr Ballance said it would be dangerous power to give these settlers without further consideration. He hoped the clause would not be pressed this session. The House went into Committee on the Bill. A long discussion ensued on the third clause, as amended, making provision as to granting new leases on surrender. Mr Wi Pere hoped the Bill would be postponed till next session as he had an important amendment to propose. Mr Ballance said he would be quite in order in proposing the amendments. Mr Wi Pere hoped two native assessors would be appointed who wore not halfcastes, as Maoris would be likely to deal more justly with the leases. Mr Ballance agreed that the assessors to be appointed, should be full Maoris. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30. Clause 3 was further considered in committee. In reply to Mr Tiollcaton, the Premier said the Bill originated in the Public Trusts Office. He sympathised with the desire of the member for Geraldine that by an oversight the measure should not miscarry. Mr Wi Pere and Sir G. Grey wanted the Bill postponed. Major Atkinson hoped the Bill would be allowed to proceed, as it was wanted in the interest of the West Coast settlers. Unfortunately the PublicTrustoe considered himself bound by the letter of the law, and it was sought to place it on a less cast-iron footing. Mr Rolleston opposed the measure strongly. Sir G. Grey urged that the Government, under the present circumstances, had no right to try and push through such a Bill. In his opinion, the Bill had been brought on by Mr Ballance because he knew it would influence votes at the coining election. He denounced the attempt to force it through the House. Mr Samuel defended the necessity of the measure, and Mr Taipua objected to it at considerable length. The members continued to offer strong opposition to the passage of the Bill, and Mr Ballance moved to report progress. Agreed to. A return relative to special settlements was laid on the tabic, and the debate was further adjourned till to-morrow. The Chattel's Securities Act Amendment Bill passed through all its stages. The Counties Act Amendment Bill in committee gave rise to some discussiou.

[Left sitting.]