General Assembly.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 215, 23 August 1878, Page 3

General Assembly.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15. ' In the House of Representatives — Mr J. E. Brown asked why certain sleepers and fencing wire obtained for the Western District Railway were sold, what was the first cost, and the price realised ? • The hon. J. Macandrew explained that some of the material was returned by the Government and some sold, on the advice of the Engineer-in-Ohief and Inspector. The first cost of the material he did not know, but it was sold for about L9OOO, chiefly because it was too light. He believed it would take about Ll2OO to replace the material.

In reply to Mr Manders, the hon. J. -Macandrew said some railway officials were allowed the usual holidays ; others, such as engine-drivers, were not allowed any, but were paid overtime instead ; and the Government did not. intend to change the system.

In reply to Mr Ormond, the hon. J. Macandrew Baid a return would be prepared showing the contracts for public works in which penalties had been enforced since the commencement of the Public Works policy, together with a return of contracts on which penalties accrued, bnt were not enforced.

Mr Ormond asked if the Government would extend the operation of clause 59 of the Land Act, 1877, which gives onethird of the price of blocks of land purchased on deferred payments for roads within such districts to the case of blocks taken upon deferred payments, prior to the passing of that Act, but for which payment has been made since the passing, or haa yet to be made.

The hon. R. Stout said the Land Act was not retrospective, and they did not intend to make it so. They must draw the line Bomewhere.

Mr Ormond asked if the Government would amend the present Land Act so as to enable Associations tc take up blocks of land under the deferred payment system, in the manner formerly provided for by the Wellington and Hawkes Bay Special Settlements Act.

The hon. R. Stout said those interested in the matter should apply to the Government. No application of the kind had yet been made to them.

In reply to Mr Fox, Mr Ballance said a report would shortly be laid on the table on the question of charitable relief, and the systems adopted in other countries and Colonies.

The hon. W. Fox asked whether the Government had received any letters from Rewi Maniapoto, commenting on the debate in the House.

The hon. J. Sheehan said a letter bad been received from Rewi in reference to the speech on the Address-in-Reply by the hon. member. The letter was written on behalf of R«wi by Dr O'Carroll, and in that letter Rewi said, " Why did not Sheehan tell them that I represented all the Waikato chiefs ?" and added that he was glad to see by the papers that the Government was not in danger of being turned out, and, therefore, he would return to Waikato. The letter was laid on the table. The hon. J. Sheehan laid the first batch of papers relating to the Waitara meeting on the table, and also reports of officers in Native districts.

Sir George Grey laid on the table all papers connected with enquiries made by the Government regarding the Eastern question.

Mr Morris asked when last February's census returns woidd be available.

The Hon. R. Stout said they were in preparation, and would be got ready as soon as possible.

Several private Bills were read a first time.

Mr Woolcock moved that in the opinion of this House the Goverament should this session bring in a Bill dealing with the question of payment of members. The Hon. R. Stout objected to pressure being put upon the Government in this way. The Government might possibly be able to face the difficulty next year. They certainly could not deal with the matter this session, as they had their hands full of more important measures. Mr De Lautour moved the previous question, which was carried on the voices.

Mr Moss moved—" That an address be presented to his Excellency to place a sum upon the Estimates to encourage the production of wattle bark in the Colony. " Agreed to.

Mr Bastings moved— " That in the opinion of this House the Government should cause a geological survey of New Zealand and topographical map of the same to be prepared." The Hon. R. Stout said that to do what the hon. member proposed would not cost less than a hundred thousand pounds, but they intended to employ Professor Ulrich during a certain portion of the year in ascertaining the geological and topographical information in the same way as he had already collected similar information in Southland. In the meantime Dr Hector, assisted by Mr Cox, had been, and still was, engaged upon a geological suivey of the Colony.

Mr J. 6. Brown thought the Government should take charge of so important a work.

The motion was agreed to. In reply to Sir R. Douglas, the Government promised to furnish returns showing all the sums paid as commission on the purchase or sale of any property on behalf of the Government for the past financial year, and to whom, and whether such was the result of tender or private arrangement.

The Government promised to furnish all correspondence between the Government, the Otago Harbour Board, the Dunedin Corporation, and the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce with respect to the reclamation of the Otago harbour and the Railway Station, Dunedin, with a lot of other correspondence bearing on the same subject.

The interrupted debate on the Hon. W. Fox's motion for a return regarding Government advertisements was resumed. Mr Fox having replied, the motion was agreed to. *** -

Mr Rolleston moved—" That this House is of opinion that the time has arrived when the Colonial Government should establish an asylum for the deaf and dumb in the Colony." The hon. gentlemen quoted returns showing that the number of male and female deaf and

dumb patients in the Colony made it imperative on the Government to establish such an institution.

Sir George Grey said that the Government would see that a sum of money would bo placed on the Supplementary Estimates for the purpose.

The motion was agreed to. Mr George moved the second reading of the Gold Duty Abolition Bill. He considered the duty, small as it was, essentially a class tax, and most unjust, inasmuch as a gold miner was exceptionally taxed as compared with other classes. Besides the gold duty, the miner had to pay extra if he took out a lease or built a battery as well as a miner's right fee. Often the gold tax and others represented the profits on mining undertakings. Mr Gisborne seconded the motion.

The hon. R. Stout said this was asking the House to vote away funds of localities. He looked at the . duty more in the light of a royalty than a tax. Oi course it rested with the Counties what action should be taken. He thought a clause might be introduced in the Bill when in Committee making it optional with the Counties whether they abolished" the tax or not.

Messrs Joyce, J. 0. Brown, Pyke, Woolcock, and DejLautour, supported the Bill which was opposed by Messrs Manders, Rowe, Saunders, and Whitaker. A division was taken, and the Bill was thrown out by 35 to 34* On the adjourned debate on the removal of the Electoral Disabilities of Women.

Mr Feldwick moved the previous question. The Speaker then put to the House, " The question is that the question be now put." The result being — noes, 44 ; ayes, 8. The debate thus stopped, aud the question was shelved. The following Bills were read a thh'd time and passed :— Oamaru Waterwovi-s Bill, Land Claims Initial Settlement Dili, Nelson Harbour Bill, Disqualification Bill, Southland Boys' and Girls' High School Act Amendment Bill, Waitaki High School Bill, and Ellesmere Reclamation Bill. The Catlins River Bill was read a second time, and the House adjourned at one o'clock. FRIDAY, AUGUST 10. I In the Legislative Council — ! The Hon. H. J. Miller asked the Colonial Secretary what steps were taken by the Government regarding the nomination ' of immigrants,, what faculties were afforded for securing correctness in applications, and for ascertaining the character of nominated immigrants, especially ?n places where there is no Immigration officer. The Hon. Colonel Whitmore said precautions were being taken by the Government in accordance with a letter received from the Agent-General. The Public Reserves Bill and Executive Councils Bill were read a second time. On the latter considerable disscussion took place, from which it appeared to be the general opinion that there should be more than one member of the Executive Council Upper House. Several Bills passed in the Lower House ', were advanced a stage. j In the House of Representatives. — • Mr Pyke presented a petition from the i Catholics of Otago and Southland praying j that their schools may be placed on the I same footing ass other schools. | Mr M'Lean asked who were appointed ! under the Inscription of Stock Act ; if the j agency was offered to Sir Julius Yogel. I and if not, why not ? ' j

The Premier said the agents appointed were Mr W. J. M. Larnach, Sir P. G. Julyan, W. C. Sargeaunt, and Mr W. F. Ommanney. About the same time Sir J. Yogel had intimated that he would probably resign ijthe Agent-Generalship, and as the Government knew that he was thinking of entering into something else, the agency was not offered to him.

Mr Bowen asked whether the attention of the Minister of Public Works had been drawn to the injury done to the Kaiapoi Embankment by the groin above the Key bridge ; also, whether he would have the injury repaired.

The Hon. J. Macandrew replied that several surveys had been held, and the Engineers were unanimously of opinion that it was taken by the local bodies which had caused the mischief.

The Hon. J. Macandrew, in reply to Mr Feldwick, said that in the Fisheries Bill to be introduced by the Government would be clauses protecting the seal fisheries on the coast of New Zealand.

The Hon. J. Ballance, in reply to Mr Feldwick, stated that the Government were taking steps to reorganise the Volunteer force. He would lay particulars before the House in a few days. The Hon. J. Ballance, in reply to Mr M'Lean, promised to lay on the table all unpublished correspondence and instructions between the Government, the Crown agents, the loan agents, and the AgentGeneral.

A return was promised of the number of electors registered on the several electoral districts on the new rolls for this year. The following Bills were read a first time : — Excise Duty on Beer, Customs Tariff Act Amendment, Preservation of Fisheries, Bluff Harbour Board Amending, and Duty on Joint Stock Companies Bills.

A good deal of objection was taken to the introduction of a Bill for increasing the annuity of Sir Wm. Martin from L 333 to LSOO, but the Bill was read a first time after a division, the votes being 52 against 7. Protests were then made by Messrs M'Lean and Swanston against the practice of giving pensions. They said this being an exceptional case should be treated exceptionally, but the House ought to set its face against establishing such a dangerous precedent. If they did this for Sir Wm. Martin, they would be sure to see several others following in his wake.

A second Imprest Supply Bill for another L 250,000 was read a second and third time and passed.

The hon. J. Ballance explained that the Treasury had only L 30,000, and in another day or so there would be no funds at the Bank.

The House will go into Committee of Supply on the Estimates.

A considerable portion of the afternoon was occupied over the question of how a petition praying for relief or a specific sum of money should be introduced.

The evening sitting was occupied over the -Estimates in .Committee of Supply.

TUESDAY, ATJGUoT 20. In the Legislative Council — The Hon. Colonel Whitmore received permission to introduce next Friday a Bill to amend the Friendly Societies Act, 1877. On the motion of the Hon. T. Fraser, a select committee was appointed to prepare a congratulatory address to the Queen on the successful result of the Berlin Conference, for the consideration of the Executive Councillors. The Trades Union and Literary Institutions Bill were considered in committee, and progress was reported. In the House of Representatives — The Hon. J. Sheehan gave notice to ask leave to introduce a Native Land Act, 1878. The Hon. W. Fox asked, without notice, whether it was a fact that liewi was at present under constraint and surveillance, and could not be seen outside without the presence of a policeman.

i The Hon. J. Sheehan said that he had been unaware such was the case, and if he found on inquiry it was so, he would prevent such a thing being continued. He believed there was a gentleman named Thomas, formerly in Her Majesty's service in India, who was endeavouring to negotiate with Rewi in regard to some i block of land, and he had been communicated with to desist from interfering between the Government and Rewi at such a critical period. [ The Hon. F. Whitaker called attention : to the appointments of members of the Cabinet, to show that there were doubts as to the validity of the appointments of certain members of the Ministry. It appeared to him, if he was correct in his facts, that the Premier and four of his colleagues came within the provisions of the Disqualification Act. The hon. gentleman went at length into the circumstances of the different appointments, and quoted very minutely the law bearing upon the subject. The Hon. R. Stout intimated that he would take time to consider the arguments used by Mr Whitaker. In reply to Mr Hobbs, the Hon. J. Macandrew said a sum of money would be placed on the Estimates to enable Volunteers on duty by train to have free passages, provided they have certificates from their commanding officers. In reply to Mr Gisborne, the Hon. R. Stout said the Government did not this session intend dealing with the present system of crown prosecution, and with a view to its improvement by assimilating it to the Scotch system or otherwise. The Hon. J. Sheehan, in reply to Taiaroa, said it was correct that the late Sir Donald M'Lean promised 5000 acres in Marlborough and Nelson to the Ngatimu tribes, and the present Government intended to make good that promise. In reply to Mr M'Lean, the Hon. J. Ballance said the only correspondence between themselves find Sir Julius Yogel relative to his" proposed retirement from the Agent-Generalship, was of a semiprivate nature, and the Government did not feel justified in making it public. Several Bills for Triennial Ejections of the House of Representatives, and Mr Curtis's Bill to amend the Education Act, 1877, also a Government Bill imposing a J duty upon Joint Stock and othei* Companies, a Bill to impose a tax on land, | and the Martin Annuity Bill, were read a second time. I

In Committee on the Civil Service Act Amendment Bill, Mr Kelly moved a new clause to the effect that no person who was a Provincial officer on the coming into operation of the Abolition Act and transferred to the Civil Service on the said Act coming into operation, shall be entittled to any retiring allowance. The House divided on the question, and the clause was read a second time by 37 against 24. It was then moved that progress be reported in order to test the question raised in regard to Provincial officers. The House divided, the result being noes, 48, ayes, 22. At the evening sitting — The Civil Service Act Amendment Bill went through Committee, and the Sale of Food and Drugs Act Amendment Bill and Cruelty to Animals Bill were passed. The adjourned debate was resumed on the Electoral Bill. Mr Reeves would support the Government measure, as with few alterations it would meet all the requirements of the Colony for some time to come. He wanted the household qualification altered from an annual value of LlO to L 5, and the residence clause altered.

Mr Thomson said there was no general demand on the part of the. country for manhood suffrage. In considering this question it should be remembered that that Parliament was only a large Board of Works, which • for the past year had been living on the Canterbury Land Fund, and if that had not realised more than had been anticipated, instead of a surplus of LIOO,OOO, there would have been a larger deficit now.' They proposed to tax property and land to a large extent, while side by side they proposed to introduce manhood suffrage — two propositions that did not run on all fours. He considered manhood suffrage on its trial in America and Victoria, and the wisdom of it was still a moot question. It was claimed for manhood suffrage that it would educate the people in public matters, yet the Attorney-General in his article in the Melbourne Review deplored that the wealthy and cultured classes in Victoria did not take that interest in public affairs that they ought. Could they expect that the same state of affairs would not ensue here 1 He considered woman suffrage a mere matter of sentiment, and he would vote against this part of the Bill whatever he did as regards the rest.

Mr Russell would support the Bill, as he claimed to be animated by as liberal sentiments as any gentleman on the other side of the House.

Mr Cutten could not see that the Bill would make much difference one way or the other. Still he was not prepared to vote for female suffrage. That clause should not be carried without mature consideration ; it either went too far or not far enough. It appeared to him that the sex of women should be a sufficient bar to women . entering that House. In fact he could not treat the subject as serious. Imagine such a possibility as a woman contesting a seat against her husband. He would vote against the second reading unless the Government abandoned that clause.

Mr Turnbull would support the Billj as

he thought nothing could be more conducive towards the' laying the foundation of a new and great nation. The Hon. J. Sheehan said, regarding the woman franchise, the Government treated it as an open question. He for one did not approve of it. He believed the women themselves did not want the franchise. He was glad of the admission made by the hon. memher for N a pier, regarding the Premier introducing better measures than he expected, because the hon. gentleman at the head of the Government always had the gOod of the country at heart. He wanted that men should have a voice of the country, and not sheep. It was high time the owners of broad acres were shorn of some of the power they had long wielded, and be made to contribute in fairer proportions to the burdens of the country, and if they would not do it willingly they would be compelled to do so. On the question of Maori representation, he believed that the Maori members of the House gave their votes as conscientiously as other members. No doubt the country was anxious to see the double Maori vote done away with, but the time had not arrived when they could do that. It was wise to retain the qualification based upon rating, inasmuch as it taught the Maoris, and encouraged them to pay rates. This system had been in existence for fifteen years, and he prayed the House not to abolish it hurriedly, even if it was only to give the Maoris no cause for complaint. They should not take away the privileges they had been in the enjoyment of for so many years. He believed that in five years' time the House would be able to ask the Maoris to gire up the double vote, and that they would be quite willing to do so. He hoped the House would approve of this part of the ißill. by a large majority. He differed entirely from the principles of the Bill introduced by the hon. member for Waikato, though he doubted as to its being the real " Simon Pure," < and that it was brought in with the objects claimed for it by the mover. As to the remarks made by the member for .Napier regarding the Premier, it appeared to him that no higher tribute could be paid to -the Premier than to say that, after addressing thousands in the Colony, he did not do all he said he intended to do. No, he showed his wisdom and zeal for the Colony by allowing his opinion to be modified by the advice and experience of his colleagues. He hoped the importance of the measure wo\ild secure its consideration upon its merits, and not as a party measure.