HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2513, 18 August 1888, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

FRIDAY. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The report was received from the Waste Lands Committee ou the petition of the Wellington Manawatu Railway Company, asking for land ot the value of £'30,000, to which they claimed they were entitled by Act. The committee reported that the Company had 110 equitable claim ou the Government. Mr Izard moved that the report be re ferred back to the Committee f.ir further consideration, and spoke at some length 011 the question. After further discussion, Mr Sedd'-n moved that the debate be adjourned till Tuesday. Mr Izard opposed the adjournment, as it meant shelving the question. The adjournment was carried by 4G to 21. Sir H. Atkinson moved that the House, at its rising, adjourn till next day at 11 o'clock for the delivety of the Public Works Statement only. Agreed to. Replying to questions, it was stated that there was 110 truth whatever in the statement telegraphed from Nanier that the Government Insurance Department had refused to pay Percival Bear's life insurance policy. The Department had simply asked for the usual proof of identity, and no delay had occurred in the matter. The Premier added that he had to thank the Press Association for correcting the telegram, which had no foundation at all. That it was difficult for the Government to interfere in tho by-laws in force in the boroughs respecting the liberty allowed to the Salvation Army, but the Government would certainly do their duty if those byelaws led in any way to persecution. That enquiries would be made into the working of the Costley Training Institution in Auckland, with a view to see whether younger children could be admitted into the institution. That a sum would be put on the Supplementary estimates for the exhibition of New Zealand minerals at the Paris Exhibition. That the question of placing a sum on the estimates as a bonus for the encouragement of the manufacture of condensed milk and other industries was under consideration, and the Government hoped to make a statement 011 the subject before the session closed. That the Government hoped to make some proposal shortly respecting the claims of naval and military settlers. Tho House adjuurned at 5.30. Tho House resumed at 7.30. The debate on the mail servico was continued, and Capt. Russell moved a further amendment, postponing the consideration of the question till next session, the Government to make all necessary enquiries in the meantime. Mr Kerr spoke'strongly'against the 'Frisco and in favour of the direct service. The committee divided on Capt. Russell's amendment, which was lost by 25 to 37. Mr Fish moved that all subsidies be discontinued. Mr Steward thought they had better stick to tho direct issue. He could see no argument in favour of tho American route. Mr Whyte considered it absurd to suppose a subsidy of £25,000 was a matter of life or death to the ocean-going Company. He pointed out, under the law as it stood, steamers could be compelled to carry mails at a penny per letter, which would only mean about £0000 a year, as against £'50,000. Of course, he admitted something must be paid to ensure regularity in delivery. Mr Moss advanced a number of arguments in favour of the 'Frisco line. Mr Peacock urged that the 'Frisco line had good claims to consideration. Mr Hobbs confessed himself indisposed to support it unless America contributed more towards it. Mr Allen would like to see tenders called on every route, and laid before the House next session. Mr Beetham would vote against the 'Frisco service unless the American Government were prepared to act much more handsomely. Mr Bruce said ho wished to see our ships manned by sailors who would be of use in time of war, and not by yellow-skinned Asiatics, He would like to see communication with British North America, where we might find extensive markets for our produce. Mr Withy repeated his arguments of the previous night. The amendment discontinuing the subsidy to the' Frisco servico was carried by 4(5 to 27. Mr Samuel then moved a further amendment to discontinue subsidies to tho direct services. Lost by -18 to 24. The Premier said it was useless to go on with the remainder of the resolutions. He took the Committee to mean that the Government should call tenders for a direct fortnightly service, and submit thorn next session, and, in the meanwhilo to communicate with Canada and other colonies as to the possibility ot establishing a Vancouver line. After a brief discussion the Premier's motion was agreed to on the voices. (Left sitting.)