General Assembly.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 216, 30 August 1878, Page 3

General Assembly.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21.

Tn the House of Representatives —

Mr Barton asked without notice whether Tthe Government had any intention of forming two Provinces, with a Government at Auckland and another at Christchurch, in accordance with a statement made in a leading Wellington print? The Premier said that the rumour was a mere political canard, without the slightest foundation. Tlie Government had always taken the House into its confidence.

The Hon. R. Stout, in reply to a question, said the Government contemplated introducing a Drainage Bill this session, but the measure was so large they feared they would not have time to deal with the matter this session.

„^,JThe_Hon. J. Macandrew, replying to S&ttf Hodgkinson, said there was no inimesAiiate likelihood of a survey being made for a line of railway between Queenstown and Cromwell

■The Hon. J. Sheehan, in reply to Mr Richmonl, said a provision would be introduced into the Licensing Bill to equalise licensing fees throughout the Colony. Mr Hamlin asked— (l.) If a Rifle Association were formed on the basis of the

National Rifle Association of England, , would they consider a proposal to hand over to such association the equipments hitherto used at Colonial meetings 1 (2.) Whether they would place a sum of money on the Supplementary Estimates in aid of

the funds. of the association. (3.) Whether j they wiH be prepared to consider a proposal to aid such association by aUowing them the use of a Government reserve in some central part of the Colony for a few days each year. :"-'- The Hon. J. Sheehan said the Government were prepared to favourably consider the first and third propositions. When they saw that an association really meant ; business it would be time enough to talk about subsidies. Mr Bastings moved — " That the House at its rising on Thursday, the sth Septem- ; ber, at 5.30, adjourn until Tuesday, the - 9th, at 7.30, to enable members to attend the opening of the Dunedin-Christchurch Railway." The motion was agreed to without discussion. Mr Saunders withdrew his motion for repealing the Counties Act. The Hon. J. Sheehan, in reply to Mr Fox, laid upon the table further communications from Rewi to himself regarding - Mr Fox's remarks on Native matters, ancl in which Mr Fox was caUed "an unbeHeving man," and recommended to foUow the example oi Sheehan and Grey. The Hon. R. Stout, in reply to Mr Fox, • said they had no objection to ask His Ex--7 cellency to lay on the table all such cor- \ respondence and papers as Ministers might A advise His ExceUency might be so laid 7 upon the table. I Mr Manders moved that it was expedient 7 that railway employes should obtain a week \ or a fortnight's holiday during tlie year, i the conditions to be arranged by the I managers of the railway depots. A The Hon. R. Stout hoped the House l would negative the motion. i Motion negatived. i It was agreed, on the raotio7i of Mr f Green, that returns should be prepared I showing the total amount of consolidated | revenue received in each Provincial disX trict for 1877 and 1878 ; also, the expeni- diture within the same district for the i same period. J The Hon. J. T. Fisher, in reply to Mr Ade Lautour, said that, as a whole, the I system of employing women in the teleI graph offices had not b.-en satisfactory. I Women seldom reached to efficient | operators, though being very weH adapted | fpr certain kinds of clerical work. Statis- ! tics on the matter would be laid on the | table. I The Government, on the motion of Ml* A Manders, agreed to instruct the Goldfields I Committee to ascertain, in so far as they | Bee fit, whether it was not practicable to % amend the appendices and regulations of I the Mines Act, 1877. A At the evening sitting the Mines Regug lationßUl and the Napier Stamp BiU were g read a second time. j| The adjourned debate on the ParliaI mentary Representation BiU (Mr Whita|ker's) was resumed and resulted in the | measure being withdrawn. A The House resolved itself into a ComI mittee of the whole to consider an address Ltothe Governor, requesting his Excellency | to place upon the Estimates a sum to en- | courage by way of bonus the production A of wattle bark in the Colony. I The Premier said the Government had I considered the subject. The Government I would place on the Estimates L4OO for the I compHation of a book setting forth all the | exotic plants likely to succeed in New I Zealand. They thought this plan would |;better meet the object aimed at by the I hon. member for ParneU than offering a $ bonus, as proposed. I Agreed to. | Mr Stout, in moving the second reading ]of the Administration BiU, explained | that one of the provisions of the Bill was I to place aU real property in the same posiI tion as personal properties — personal proI perty to be distributed in the same way las personal property in aU caess where | Papons having children died intestate. £ The BiU contained several other provii sions, the operation of which would confer fa considerable boon on the (people of the I The BUI was read a second time. ! \L \ THURSDAY, AUGUST 22. |V CI *'*-.xhe Legislative Council — fA^The greater part of the afternoon sitting | of the Council was occupied by a discussion |on the Address to the Queen, moved by |the Hon. T. Fraser, congratulating her IMajesty on the result of the Berlin Con- § ference. After verbal amendments the fLAddress was carried. g. The Hon. Henry Chamberlain's motion |lor a return of the price per acre received ■g for aU Government lands, excepting town R.*d suburban lands, sold in the Provincial Wk Districts of Canterbury and Otago during ■She year ending 30th June, 1878, and also ■fen* 0 Hon. J. Hall's inojtion for a return of ■pae names of the Counties in which the H|?hole ofthe Counties Act has been brought ■pttto force, were carried. ■|A The Executive CbuneiUors BiU was read BRa third time and passed. Hp: 3"he Nelson Harbour Board BiU and the ■vamaru Waterworks RHI were read a Hfegond time.

In tlie House of Representatives — The Hon. R. Stout, in reply to. Mr M'Minn as to whether the Government would re-establish an immigration agency for Ireland, said it was under consideration, but Ireland had a far greater share in proportion to population than any other country* The Hon. J. Sheehan, in reply to Mr Wakefield, said the Licensing Bill woidd be marie the first or second, order of the day for Tuesday next, but they did not consider the measure one on which a Government ought to go 1 in or out. Mr Barton asked the Premier whether it was the intention o£ the Government to j introduce a measure for the creation of two large Provincial Governments, one for I each Island, the seat of Government for : the South to be at Christchurch, and ' for the North at Auckland ; the jurisdic- I tion of these Governments to be so large j that little or nothing will be left for the ! General Government to do ; the Postmaster General and perhaps Commissioner of Customs, with half-a-dozen clerks apiece, to constitute the General Government, and once in the year the General Assembly to meet. He also asked whether the published statement in the Wellington press, that Sir George Grey, the Hon. J. Macandrew, the Hon. J. T. Fisher, the Hon. J. Sheehan, and the Hon. R. Stout are all in favour of the scheme, had been authorised by the Government. The Premier said the Government had not considered the matter. He could not give the House any further information than he afforded yesterday, and could only add that the statement was not authorised. The Native Lands Bill and the Hokitika Harbour Board Amendment Bill were read a first time. The Hon. R. Stout, in reply to a question, said there were no papers to produce regarding the abolition of the Store Department. Mr Reeves moved — " That, in the opinion of this House, immediate steps should be taken to prevent the probable influx of Chinese." After discussion, the motion was withdrawn. In committee on the Milford Harbour Board Bill, Mr Whitaker. asked that the endowment clause might be postponed for a week, in order that the House should decide once and for all what course they should adopt in regard to the principle . of endowments ; he accordingly moved that progress be reportedAfter a discussion progress was reported. The second reading of the Wellington College Act Amendment Bill, moved by Mr Gisborne, was very strongly objected to by several members, on the ground that its object was to take away for its own, endowment land which belonged to the New Zealand University.

The Premier suggested that the best

way to settle the difficulty was to provide a separate endowment for it, of land set apart for secondary education. The debate was then adjourned. The Catlins River Cemetery Bill was passed through Committee.

The Waimakariri Harbour Endowment Bill was read a second time and referred to the Waste Lands Committee.

Mr Ormond moved the second reading of the Napier Harbour Bill, and the Bill was read a second time and referred to the Waste Lands Committee.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

In the Legislative Council —

The Hon. Colonel Whitmore obtained ! leave to introduce a BUI for the destruction of rabbits. The motion for a return of the price per acre received for all Government lands (excepting town and suburban lands) sold in Canterbury and Otago during the year ; ending 30th of June, 1877, was agreed to ; j also, the Hon. J. Hall's motion for a re- i turn of those counties in which the whole f of the Counties Act has been brought into j force, and of those in which the whole of the Act is not in force. The Fraudulent Debtors BiU and the Friendly Societies BiU were read a second time. The Council adopted an address to the Queen, concluding as foHows : — " In the success which has crowned your Majesty's exertions in the cause of humanity, justice, and honour at the Berlin Congress, we recognise the elements which, by consolidating the Empire and by erecting barriers against future aggression, give promise of an honourable and durable peace. " The Southland Boys' and Girls' High Schools Act, 1877, Amendment Bill, was considered in committee, progress was reported, and the BiU read third time. The EUesmere and Forsyth Reclamation BiU and Akaroa Ran way Trust BUI were discussed, and the debate was adjourned till 7.30. In the House of Representatives — Mr Barff gave notices to move for an enquiry into the working of the Jackson Bay Settlement. ! The Hon. R Stout, in reply to Mr Shrimski, said there was no provision for deaHng with auctioneers' licenses. The Hon. W. Fox asked the Minister for Works whether, at a pubHc banquet in Dunedin in March last, he made the foUowing statement, as reported by shorthand reporters for the local Press present on the occasion : — " There is now a pubHc opinion being engendered throughout New Zealand which may yet compel Parliament to restore to the people those privUeges of which they have been deprived, and to restore those Provincial institutions of which they have been deprived, not, probably, exactly as they were, but institutions greatly improved, and more adapted | to the altered circumstances of this Co- j lony," and if it is true that he did use [ those expressions ? The Hon. J. Macandrew said probably he used these words or something like them, but he 'could not be expected to remember exactly what words he said after such a lapse of time ; but if he used that language it was scarcely to be wondered at in his case, looking back on his past career. But The pointed out that in constructing Iris language the words referred to should be read with what went before and after ; in- fact the tenor of the whole speech should be considered. Mr Stevens, asked whether the Government will bring in a measure to provide for the management of charitable institutions. The Hon. R. Stout was understood to say. the Government did not so intend, but merely to legislate for the disposal of the funds. : .

Mr Johnston asked the Premier whether, at a public meeting at Dunedin in March last, he made, as he was reported by the Press to have made the following statement, or statements to a similar effect ; — " For years they enjoyed a free and liberal Constitution. No disasters occurred in consequence, but the development of the resources of the Colony, and a growth of happiness and contentment unprecedented in the history of British Colonies. These institutions were swept away. He asked whether the new one 3 were such as became free men, and were they likely to conduce to peace and happiness ?" If so, whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce such institutions as in their opinion become free men ?

The Premier said he was unable to state from memory whether he used those words at Dunedin, though he knew he used them in many other places, as they correctly expressed his opinions and views, and he had nothing to retract. As to the other part of the question, the introduction of institutions, &c, he intended to address himself to that as waß his duty.

Tho debate on the Electoral Bill was resumed, but the same was dreary and uninteresting.

The Hon. R. Stout proceeded to reply to the serious arguments urged against the Bill He regarded the property, qualification as the. only means of preventing tho disfranchisement of property-holders who dad moved from place to place. The residential clause would exclude these if they were away for six months. Indirectly property qualification would tend to split up large estates by encouraging the acquirement of small holdings. Only one avenue to the franchise would not have been desirable — not opening the door wide enough. But if anything more free were given it would enable hordes of men to come from an adjoining Colony to vote. The Bill was the only one which gave a man a vote without asking for property qualification. In this matter the Government did not go too far, but went hand in hand with public opinion. He defended the proposals to give persons votes in different districts. No harm could arise from the women franchise, because the question had been tested in school boards and municipal institutions. Ballot papers muse be numbered, otherwise there was nothing to prevent people voting at every booth in the place. Public opinion justified the special vote to the Maoris. If Maoris were equally represented with Europeans it would result in the Maoris* sending eight or nine members to the House. He contended that the Government fulfilled its promise, and claimed it was proposing to deal with the questions of judicature, finance and representation — questions of far greater importance than any other Government ever attempted to deal with in so thoroughly comprehensive i a manner. While the late Government j had said that nothing but political rest was required — in fact, had nothing to do — this Government had set before the country its aims, and would endeavour to carry out these aim 3, slowly and surely, as Gladstone, Bright, and Cobden had done in England.

The Bribery BiU was read a second time, and the Martin Annuity BiU was passed,

A very long discussion ensued in Committee on the third clause of the Savings Banks Profits Bill, which is in effect when a Savings Bank has, by investments of deposits, reaHsed a profit exceeding the sum of LIOOO, the trustees may declare any portion of such profits in excess of LIOOO shall be paid over to any institution or institutions.

A number of members protested against the proposal as unfair to depositors, and likely to lead to malpractices. Mr "Whitaker moved that the words " 10 per cent, on profits," instead of fixed sum, be inserted.

After a long discussion, it was moved that 7\ per cent, be inserted for 10, but it was negatived, and Mr Whitaker's amendment was agreed to. Objection was taken by Messrs Swanson and Macfarlane to making the BiU apply generally. It emanated from Otago — then make it apply to Otago only. A new clause was added, making the Bill apply to Otago only. The BUI was then reported with amendments, and the House adjourned. The Nelson Harbour BiU was referred to a select committee. The Rabbit Bill was read a second time after considerable debate, and referred to a select committee. The Fraudulent Debtors and Friendly Societies BiUs passed through committee without ammendments. The Oamaru Waterworks BiU was discussed tiU the hour for adjournment. TUESDAY, AUGUST 27. The Hon. R. Stout in reply to Mr Driver said the Government had withdrawn from sale certain lands at the sources of the SUverstream and Water of Leith which were required for water supply purposes. A petition was presented on behalf of Dr BuUer, in regard to certain landpurchase claims of his against the Government j After a discussion the petition was withdrawn. Mr Bastings gave notice to move — " That the House sit next Monday, and rise on Wednesday week at 5.30 p.m. until the 9th September." The Hon. J. BaUance in reply to Mr Atkinson said they proposed to take the second reading of the Land Tax Bill on I Friday next, when they would take a debate on the financial proposals of the Government generally. The Hon. J. BaUance read a reply from Victoria, to the effect that the Japanese Commissioners had left Victoria some time since. The Hon. >J. Sheehan in reply to Mr Bowen said the Government did not intend this session to introdxice a BUI dealing with the salaries of the Judges of the Supreme Court. Several Bills were introduced and read a first time. The OivU Service Act Amendment BiU was read a third time and passed as also was the Savings Bank's Profits BUI. _ Progress was reported on the Administration BiU, and leave given to sit again. The Hon. R. . Stout said the Government had advised the Governor to withdraw from sale aU Crown lands in vicinity of railways, especially iri; Canterbury district, so as to prevent the operations of land speculators;