HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2512, 16 August 1888, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WEDNESDAY. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Replying to Mr Steward, Sir H. Atkinson said tlni Government proposed to expend 110,000 in the establishment of labour settlements as recommended by the deputation of Canterbury members. ivXr Seddon resumed the debate on the amendments made by the Legislative Conned in the Mining Act Amendment Bill, and moved awiendent that they be agreed to. After a discussion the motion was agreed by 34 to 20, and the amendment was lost, Hon. Mr Richardson moved that a committee to confer with the Council be appointed. Agreed to. The Natives Contracts and Promises Bill was read a third time and passed. Hon. Mr Mitchelson moved that the amendment made by the Committee on the Native Land Bill be agreed to. Taipua spolco on the Bill at some length, and said he was still opposed to certain clauses of it. Mr Reeves (Inangaliua) thought ,the native meinb'sr.s deserved great praise for the stand they bad taken. Sir G. Grey said the Bills had been most carelessly drawn, and groat confusion had resulted in consequence. He was speaking at the 5.30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30. Sir G. Grey continued his criticism of tha Native Land Bill at some length. Mr Carroll urged the Government when dealing with native lauds to see ample reserves are set apart for every hapu and tribe in the colony. Mr Ballance believed the opinion of the bulk of the natives had not been obtained en this measure. Some of the most influential chiefs in the Waikato wore adverse to the repeal of the native land administration. The Bill was read a third time and passed by Go to 13. The debate on the mail services was again postponed till 2.30 to-morrow, in consequence of the late hour. Mr Seddon objected strongly, on the ground that it would still further postpSne the delivery of the Public Works Statement, which had already been delayed to an unprecedentedly late stage of the session. ■ Mr Lance explained the Premier had consulted the Opposition before postponing the debate. On the motion for the committal of District Railways Purchasing Act Amendment Bill, Mr Walker said the whole position of the districts affected'by the Bill was most unsatisfactory, and always had been so, and pointed out several clauses which were particularly obnoxious. Mr Cowan urged that particular attention should bo shown to the Waimea Plains Railway, as it was really a part of the main trunk system. Mr Duncan commented adversely on the legislation on this subject. Mr Valentino said the Government had gone far enough in their concessions. Mr Whyte pleaded on behalf of the the Rotorua line, a great portion of whose traffic had been destroyed by the eruption. (Left sitting.)