PARLIAMENTARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 130, 17 June 1885, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Telk---A_"i_.]

[FROM OVJI SPECIAL 11EPORTKII.)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, .IUNE IG.

Wellington-, this day. Durl-- Monday and Tuesday a large number of members arrived, and when the House met at 2.30 there were 05 members in their places. Death of Mr Sbeehan.

Aftor the noticos of questions, motions, and presentation of petitions, tho PREMIER rase and moved tho adjournment of the llouso. In moving the adjournment, he said that sinco tho House met last one of its members,viz.,Mr Shcehan.had died. Hedied on Tuesday aftornoon, .at Petane, near Napier, and shortly after information of his death was received hero Sir Georgo Grey asked tho Govornmont if they would place tho Hinemoa at tlio disposal of his friends to convoy tho body to Auckland Tho Government at once accedod to tho request, and tho Hinemoa left on Saturday afternoon for that purpose. As eomo members .verb awaro, tho deceased was tho first nativo of tho colony of European descent who had obtained a soat in tho Houso, and tho first native of the colony of European descent who bad obtained the position of Minister of tho Crown, and ho had also hold many positions of importance in tho province of Auckland, and in the Houso ho had proved not only to bo possessed of great natural ability and high education, but was a keen debater, a clear thinker, and his kindness of heart had been recognised by members of both sides of the House (hear). He (the Premier) felt sure that all members of the House felt the deepest sympathy with the deceaeed's young widow, and desired to convey to her their sympathies and condolence. All would regrot that tho young life of one possessed of such ability should have been so soon cut down. He need say no more. Personally, he hod been a colleague of deceased whon a Minister of the Crown, and ho did not vary in his kindness and good-heartcdnoss. Sir Georoe Grey rose and seconded the motion, amidst a death-like silence. He said nothing could e.xcood tho kindness and readinosswith which the Government had acceded to the proposal thattheHinemoashould bo placed at the disposal of Mr Sbeehan's family for tlio purpose of conveying his body to Auckland. They had shown a deep sympathy on the occasion, and he felt grateful for tho mannor in which they had acted. In reference to tho present motion, it was customary for tho House to pay a tribute of respect to a departed member. At least, he believed it was almost an invariable and general rule; but on this occasion peculiar interest attached to Mr Sheehan's death. Ho was highly gifted by Providence, and was noted for his great kindness of heart, and besides rendering many great public services to the colony, was the first European born in tho colony to take a seat in tho House. On this latter ground peculiar irterest attached to him, and much was expected of him. For ono session he was removed from the House, and.then .again earned a seat, and in many parts of the country ho was expected to tako a large share in several important measures which were to como boforo the piosont Parliament. I'orsons looked forward with renewed hopo to his fulfilment of tho early expectations forraod of him, whon ho was unfortunately cut down at tho vory moment whon his sorvicea wero most likely to be useful. Undor theso circumstances, coupled with the fact that ho was leaving a young and deeply attached wifo behind him, tho caso was a peculiarly melancholy ono, and ho was sure that if tho Houso acceded to tho motion which had been made, the inhabitants of tho provinco of Auckland would feel exceedingly grateful to thorn Ho trusted, therefore, that tlio Houso, without division- in fact, without any dis-ont — would ncccclo to tho motion which tho Premie! had beon good enough to tako. The motion was then carriod, and tho House adjourned.

Mrs Symonds a Petit! a.

Sir George GkKY presonted a petition from Mrs Arthur S. Syniotds, widow of Judgo Symonds, praying for a monetary grunt as a recognition of hor husband's services to tho colony. Cuptain Symonds arrived in tho colony in 1840, and in 1845 was a police magistrate nt Auckland. He sorvod through llono Ilcko's rebellion, nnd was subsequently Nativo Secrotory and Judge of tho Nativo Lands Court.

Ohrlstadolphlan Petition.

Tho text of tho Christadelphian petition, presented by Sir George Grey, is as follows ;— That tho potitionors havo conscientious objections to carrying armsor the usage of same, as boing contrary to tho commands of Jesus Christ. That an exemption clauso be insortcd in tlie Militia Regulations for tho benefit of petitioners. Sir George Git-Y, in presenting it, said he believed the petitioners wore willing to render service in attending to tho wounded, but objected to fighting on conscientious grounds.

Christchurch Hospital Scandal.

Tho recent statomonts mado by tho Wellington Pres. rospocting the management of tho Christchurch Hospital was introduced by Mr Lance, who moved for tho production of papers respecting last year's inquiry into the management of that institution.

Leave of Absenoo.

Leave of absence for Mr Mitchelson for 14 days on private business was moved for by Mr Hurst. Leavo was also granted to Messrs Buckland, Gillies, and Costor,

Education Roport.

Mr Wilson gave notice to move that hoad toachors of schools bo supplied with copies of tho report of tho Minister of Education.

Destruction of Lomon Trees.

Mr Moss to-day (Wednesday) gave notice to ask tho Government if thoir attontion had boon called to tho wide destruction of lemon troes in Auckland by an insect which has lately mado its appearance, and if they intend causing an inquiry to be made as to thobost means of euro and futuro provention.

Tho Address-In-Reply,

Tho present intolerable flatness of political matters was evidenced by the comparatively small attondanco in tho House at tho evening sitting, when tho Addroes-in-Roply was to bo moved. Usunlly tho gallcrios aro crowded, but last night, with the exception of tho strangers'gallery, there was a boggarly array of empty benches. There wero not 20 ladies in tho ladies' gallery, thoso including, of courso, the inevitable Mi s Batkin, who has seldom missed an evening sitting of tho llouso for many sessions post. Thoro wero several of the new lords in their gallery. Precisely at 7.45, Mr P_aiison, resplendent in a dress suit and whito tie, rose to move the Address inReply. He received an encouraging round of applause. After claiming consideration at tho hands of tho House bocauso ho had not previously spoken, ho referred to Mr Sheehan's death, mentioning that in losing him he folt he had list a personal friend, whom he had known for many years, and whoso kindly disposition had prompted him to render assistance and advice to young members. He assorted there wero signs that tho commercial depression was passing away, aud said the depression amongst the agricultural population in tho South was due to the total collapse of grain production. Another cause ot depression was that the system of free immigration was hardly suited to tho settlement of this c Jitntry. Inspired evidently by tbe recent cr deisms of the omiesion of reference to the JS.S.W. Contingent ih the Speech, he pro-, ceded to say that while the Soudan war had resulted in the loss of some of the best and bravest British_ soldiers, there was some compensation in the fact that tho trouble had had the effect of evoking a feeling of true ' loyalty throughout the colonies of the Emplie. He believed thero was a school of politicians in England who had always prophesied that when England got into difficulties the colonies would take the first opportunity of separating themselves from the Empire. The late loyal manifestation had gono a long way to disprove these ideas. He was a colonial—a native of Now Zealand—and thought he could say on behalf of colonial natives that there were none more loyal than the native-born inhabitants of New Zealand (hear). While it was gratifying to see that New South Wales was in a posi.ion to be able to give practical expression of ita loyalty by sending troops r.o the Soudan, the Government of this colony was perfectly justified, considering the circumstances, in taking up the position they did, and not availing themselves of a similar opportunity. But when the Old Country got into difficulties, such as had more lately arisen, he had no doubt Sew Zealand would give a practical illustration of its loyalty when the time and occasion came. In speaking to this question, he could not help congratulating the Maoris for their offers of assistance, and thus showing tho strong feeling of love they had for the Crown and Emphe. The loyal offers made by tho colonies would afford stronger bonds in the way of Imperial federation than all the Acts of Parliament tbey could pass. The

Government, he thought, should bo commended on tho energetic measures taken for placing tho principal ports in a stato of defence, but he would like to see them treating the Volunteers in a more liberal spirit. He would lilco to impress on tho Hon. Defence Minister the necessity of having professional officers to lead tho foicos. We had tho material, but required professional men who would be able to directthomovomentsof the troop? in the field. While there were numbers of colonial officers in their midst, he • ventured to think they lacked _ the experience which military officers required. With reference to public workß, he strongly advocated the construction of the Otago Central Railway and North Island trunk line, and was glad to find the former likely to be pushed forward in an energetic manner, and would be happy, in a few years, to sco it completed to tho proposed terminus. As to the proposed railway boards, he thought that tho more direct political management of railways was better for tho country. The remainder of his remarks was an echo and succession of "dittos" to the expressions in the Speech, the hon. member praising unreservedly the Government policy. In conclusion, he said the Government wore fully able and perfectly willing to givo us sound practical legislation, which he hoped would lift tho colony out of the period of depression and bring us back once more to prosperous times. Mr Hislop, who was well received, said that like the last speaker he had previously sat in tho Houso, and caused a laugh by adding this *"as a matter for regret, for when new members came to Parliament they had soma idoa of the way legislation ought to go, but he thought that a little experience deprived them of any hope in that direction. Since he was last in the House he regretted that many of their members had passed away, but regretted none more, perhaps, than that of the hon. gentleman to whom Mr Pearson had referred, of what was known as the "Young N.Z. Party." Mr Sheehan was perhaps one of the brightest of men, and they could not afford to spare a gentleman possessing his ability. As to the depression, he argued that instead of leaving abstract questions in abeyance, they should appeal to them on every possibly opportunity. It was his opinion, as well as that of tbe district he represented, that instead of abolishing abstract principles, it was timo the political leaders returned to the political primers. He could not follow in tbe footsteps of the member for Ashley, in saying "ditto" to every sentiment in the Speech. He could mt endorse tho reference in the statement, " We are delighted, depression is passing away, aud it is a proof of renewed confidence in the future of colony." He did not know that any person of sense had lost confidence in the future. (Laughter.) What thoy did was to lose confidence in those who were bringing about a political and financial ruin, and they had thoroforo endeavoured to bring about a change of that policy with a view of getting something better. The expression that tho depression is passing away might be in the sense that everything is passing away. (Laughter). They ought to tell His Excellency that they were of opinion that the depression would not permanently pass away till the return to a hotter system of government. He deprecated the continued changes of incidence of taxation, and suggested that thoy should bring about the best system of taxation, and that should remain for a groat numbor of years unaltered. He concluded by stating he was ploasod to sco the Government introducing for consideration tho questions of policy mentioned by the Promier in his election address, If adopted, it would be acting on tho principle of progress and reform, which those on his past of the Houso looked on as enlightened principles in all parts of the world. Mr Hislop sat down amidst applause, and after a brief pause, Major Atkinson- askod whether it was true the Government were prepared with all their policy moasuros,and if tho Address ia Roply wero at once disposed of, would he be in a position to bring down the Financial Statement on Friday, und the Works Statoment on Tuesday. (Mr Hurst house hero ruisod a laugh by interjecting, 'and proroguo on tho Ist of July.") If matters wore <<« ho had stated, ho was prepared to sit down at once, reserving tho full right, on behalf of hia side of the Houso, to discuss tho measures when introduced. Thoy had como prepared to do business, and while thoy would not swallow measures as a whole, would thoy try toeet thorn into shape. (Laughter.) He nsked tho Premier whether tho information was correct.

Mr Stout : I can only stato that if the Addrwi-in-I-oply is adopted to night, we _mll be ready with tho Financial Statement on Friday. (Ministerial cheers.)

An U0... Member : But what about tho Public Works Statement ?

Sir Julius Vooel : The statement that it will bo roady for delivery on Thursday is wholly without authority.

Mr Stout : If tho discussion of the Financial Statement is over on Tuesday, I havo no doubt tho Works Statement will bo ready in a few days. Our policy bills, I may cay, will be ready at once.

Major Atkinson (alter consultation with Mr Rolleston) : — " In that case I will delay any observations I have to make until another occasion, and whon the Premier hears thorn, no doubt he will be gratified (Laughter.) I wish it distinctly to be understood that in accepting the address this side of the House docs not accept the statements mode in the Speech They reserve the right to complete criticism of tho measures of the Govern • ment when they are brought down. The address was then prepared by the Committee aad adopted. A resolution to go into Committee of Woys and .Means on Friday was carried, and the House rose at 9 p.m.