Parliament of New Zealand (FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON.—WEDNESDAY—JULY 16th.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1567, 30 July 1862, Page 4

Parliament of New Zealand ( FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON.— WEDNESDAY—JULY 16th.

Tfte Speaker took the cliair at 12 o'clock. V < THE MIM)TI.S, v The minutes of Monday's sitting having been read, and the question being put that they bo signed, ( Cableton said he wished to make a few obserjrtfr' ""nons before the minutes Were signed — at least-in tli eir ' present forttf. The proceedings of the house had bi en irregular, and he understood that bouio members w ire absolutely near losing their Bents by a prorogat on which was intended. He believed that it was qtiite competent for the Speaker to have takon the chair |on Saturday last, to receive the Governor's upeecb. I]he correct form of proceedings was this : — The Spbaker took the chair, read the prayers, and left the chair „by general consent, and without question put until fc&e Governor arrived, when there was nothing whatever, to « prevent him from taking the chair at two o'clock on Saturday, or at any hour it might be intimated that tho Governor was prepared to address the house. He would maintain that there was no difficulty in this The minutes of the former meetings were absolutely null in point of fact, the Speaker having left the chliir each day without 'queatkm'jmt. If they could adjourn for half an hour, uiey could adjourn for a fortnight or a mouth, aud so baulk the Governor addressing them, TLc whole sitting from the time the. Speaker took the chair on the 7th, until the Governor addressed jthe house was one continuous sitting, consequently ' the minutes were informal. It was not his intention to mo\e any resolution, but he felt it his duty to draw the attention of the house to the matter. The minutes ought to be withdrawn or altered in some way that they might not be drawn into precedent^ or they should be referred to the standing orders committee for report. -The Speaker said he had hitherto put the quettioiy that the minutes bo signed entirely on his own re-» sponsibility. Perhaps some hon. member would move,> that they be signed. • On motion of Mr. CaMjETON the minutes were thensigned.

BOARD OF WORKS, NELSON. Mr. J. A. Richmond presented a petition from tlieV Botud of Works, Nelson. [ The petition was received. civil commissioner's court, hawke'B bay. Mr. T. Russell presented a petition from a number of persons, at Hawke'a B*y, complaining of the conduct of certain proceedings of the Civil Commissioner's Conrt, thereat, and praying that a> committee of the house might be appointed to investigate the charges preferred. He moved that the petition be received. Mr. Dillon Bell moved that the petition be read by the Clerk. The motion was agreed to, and the petition having been read accordingly, was then received.

PAPERS. The following papers were laid upon the table of the house by the ministers. Return of all the European and Native Officers appointed to the various Districts by Orders in Council — she wiu« the names, offices and salaries. Papers relative to the purchase of the Coromaudel Gold Fields. Return of the number of Militia, Volunteers, &c, in the Colony on the 30th June, 1862. Further Papers relethe to disallowance of Provincial Bills. Further Papers relative to Military Defence (Military Road Parties at Taranalti). Despatches and Correspondence relative to the legality of the "New Provinces Act, 1858." Papers relative to the re-organization of the Taranaki Militia. Papers relative to the re-organization of the Wangani'i Militia. Further Papers relative to the Apportionment of the Public Debt of the Provincesof Wellington and Hawke's Bay (in continuation of Papers presented on the IBth June, 1S61). Further Papers relative to Governor Sir George Gicj o Plau of Native Government. Commissioners' Reports. Mongonui Taupo. East Cape. Bay of Plenty. Bay of Islands. Return of Officers in the Service of the General Government of New Zealand. ■* Return of Officers in the Service of Provincial Goven>m&its of New Zealand. . C'OIfUITTEK OX DEFENCES OF THE^OLO.VI. ,xJ[^- Dillon Bejj, said before proceeding to the Notices of motion, he wished to ask the Speaker's adv vice relative to some minutes left m his charge. Last session a joint committee of both apuses had beeu'np- , pomted to consider the defences of the^ cplont. The s proceedings of that committee had bi en'secret, and at** the close of the session he was directed to retain the minutes of the committee He wished now to know ■\\ii it would be the proper course for him to take with le^peet to those minutes, — whether it was desirable he should move the appointment of another c,omiDittpe and place them m their hands, or whether he should place them in the Speaker's hands. ' ' ' The Speaker said as the minutes were those of a joint\oramittee, the council ought to be consulted in the first place.

NOTICE OF MOTION. Major Eicuardsox gave notice that he would move on Thursday next, "That it is desirable that this Hou«e should be informed, in so far as may not be inconsistent with Military considerations, as to the measures which are proposed to be adopted for the vindication of the law in the case of Ngatiruanui and Taranaki tribes, which deliberately and without provocation, basely murdered unarmed British subjects, residing on lands purchased from the Crown and under the piotection of the law, and which also wantonly destroyed the propei ty, and captured, and now openly depastuie without molestation, the live stock of the inhabitants of New Plymouth. That it is also desirable that this House should be infouned, with the same restriction, when theorder will be revoked which [prevents settlers from proceeding to resume possession of their houses in tKe Tataraimaka block, an integral portion of that Province, but claimed by the above mentioned tribes on the ground of conquest fiom the Crown." Mr. Cablkton asked was ib competent to receive such a notice of motion ? Tho Speaker said he would consider it, *and before the notice came on for consideration, if it were beyond the rules of the home, he had no doubt the hon. member would be prepaied to modify it i -Major Richard-son would, by permission, withdraw the n'otioe, and put it in a modified form. MINER-5* FIUNCHISE ACT,_IB6O Mr. Gillies asked,— Whether it is the intention of governments propose to this house any amendment of the Miners' Franchise Act, 1860 ? He wished to explain that he did not desire to put any embarrassing question to the government. He put the question for purpose of gaining information, so that, if ministers wero not prepared to take action in the matter, private members might. ?ir Pox said the government was disposed to give the < best consideration to the matter, and would, as eaily as it possibly could, intioduce a measure having the accomplishment of that object in view.

REPRESENTATION OP OTAGO. Mr. GlLLius asked-whether it la the intention of the government to introduce any measure for increasing the number of representatives of the province of Otago in this nouse, or otherwise for redistributing the representation somewhat more in accordance with the present population and interests of the respective provinces. Mi-. Fox leplied that the two questions hinged on one another, and the solution of the two problems must depend on each other. The government were piepaicd to_ recognise the claim ofthe Province of Cn-vjo to an increase in the number of its members, and if tl3t 13 increase could be given without disturbing the relative representative position* of the other provinces, it would be done. The had given both subjects very deep consideration, and when they had made tip their mind, they would decide what steps weie necessary. ADDRESS OP CONDOLENCE TO HER MAJEBTY. Mr. Fox said he believed that he would best consult the feelings of hon. member^ if he, moved the resolution sending in bis name, without making »ny lengthened observations iiy, doing so. Although it would bepainful to revive that great sorrow, which must be ever fresh in her Majesty's heart, it would bo unbecomipg m them if they aUowed this, the earliest opportunity to pass away withqpt expressing the deep, heartfelt, and unfeigned sympathy of Her Majesty's subjects &, this portion of hen dominions, forher»ad bereavement.' He begged to mdve the adoption of the following address to hermost gracious Majesty :-£■ - > " Most .Gbacjoos Sovieeibn, r-We. your Majesty b dutiful and lojal subjeoU, the^Houie of Kepreien-' tatives pf Ne\v Zealand, : in , Parliataout assembled, humbly ti»^« a£e,fir»t "jQjiportunity of oifering to yonr* Majesty our sincere condolence on the afflicting. <lisp«naation of 'Providence with which your Majesty and tht Pritnh JSmpire h/ive been visifc«d, in the death ofifis : Royal Highness the, Prince Consort. We,\)eg most respectfully to assure youp Majesty of our heartfelt; participation in the general feeling of sympathy with yppi: Majesty under this calamitous bereavement. We' .would also express the deep sen* o entertained $y tjs of the irreparable loss which the empire has sustained in

the death fef a Prjnoe, whoie tender ■ attachment jto your ifftjesty, eminent virtue* And high attainment* - unceasingly devoted to the beat interest! of all claw as of your Majesty's' subjects, — won for him generaMo re and adininradn, and will causo hu name ever to be held in grateful and affectionate "reniainbranbe. We onto up our earnest prayer* to Almighty God that He ■will comfort Mid sustain your Majesty under thUrheaVy affliction, and that wo way long enjoy ! the blaMhigs flf-A~j l eign with which the welfare and happhießS [of % 1$- j/ouv Majesty's dominious 'are so intimately as io'.jsated." •' ' Mr. DitLOK Bern said he had besn i^quested to perform the duty «f seconding the rcioluiion. [En doing po he would follow the example of the moy »r, and' content hiinielf with saying that whenXer M*je*ty receives this address from her most distant colony, ihe may 'realize that, there is no portion of her liominiifnß in which 'the virtues of Pr nee Albert were not appreciated, and where her own irreparable loss is not most deeply felt ;.nd sympathised with. • I resolution was then put and passed, and it was that it should be forwarded* to hia Excellei^oy the Governor for trammission to her Majesty.

MOTION POSTPONED. The next motion (address in reply to the Gorernpr's speech) was postponed until tbe other motions on jthe paper w?re disposed of. '

COVMITTKE3 ON PRIVATE BIIX9. . J ; On the motion of Mr. Oabmton, Messrs. Rus|sell and Gillies, and, the chairman of committees, were ap- ' pointed members of the joint committee of both houses upon private bills. On the motion of Mr. Carleton, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Brandon, and the chairman of committee*, were lappointed members of the joint committee of both houses upon standing orders concerning private bills. '

STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE. | On the motion of Mr. Carlkton, a »elect committee on (Standing order* were appointed. ■ Committee to consiit of Mr. Shaker, Hon. Mr. Fox, Messrs. Brandon"*. I^omettl Gillies, Jinssell, and Graoroft' Wilson, C.B.

HOUSE COMXIITTEK."*. . __ •' Mr. Cracroft Wilson, 08., mcrved^tnat a house committee be appointed for the scBuon,'with power to confer with tiny similar committeo of the legittytive council, with a view to promote the convenience jand comfort of members of both houses, to consist of Messr*. Domett, Fitzherbert, Carter, Dillon Bell, and Hon. Mr. Henderson. Motion put and passed.

FACILITATION OX CROWN GRANTS BILL. Mr. Wabd moved that lea\e bo given toiutroduce a bill to facilitate the preparation and issue of Crowu grants. Leave was granted, and the bill having been brought up was read a first time and ordered to be printed. The second reading was appointed for Friday next. CROWX LAISDS COMMISSIONERS' BILIj. Mr. Ward moved for leave to introduce a bill to confer certain additional powers upon commissioners of crown lands. - Leave was granted, and the bill was brought up, read a first time, and ordered to be printed. The second rending of this bill was also fixed for Friday next. • Mr. Ward said both bills were nearly identical with, bills that had been circulated in the colony. GOMMITTEE OF SELECTION ON PRIVATE BILLS. On motion of Mr. Jollie, a committee of selection on private bills was appointed for the session; to consist of Mr. Fitzgerald,-Mr. Weld, Major Nixon, and Mr. C.irleton.

PRIVATE GBIEVAKCES COITMITTKK. Mr. Jollie moved. That a select committee be appointed for the session to consider and report upon petitions upon private grievances ; to consist of Mr. Dillon Bell, Mr. Brandon, Mr. Mantell, Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Cracroft Wilson, 0.8., Mr. Weld, Hon. Mr. Crosbio Ward, Mr. Ormoud, and Mr. E. Graham. Question put and agreed to.

RETURNS RELATIVE TO VOLUNTEERS. Major Nixon to move for a return showing the strength of the various volunteer corp<? in the colony on 15th January, 1862, and on 30th June, 18G2, - respectively. Also, for a return to 30th June, 1862, showing the number of resignations in these corps under the provisions of the volunteer regulations, dated 16fch January, 1862. Motion agreed to.

LEAVE OP ABSENCE. On motion of Mr. Fitzgerald, leave of absence was given to Mr. Moorehouse for a fortnight. LIBRAIU AND PRINTING COMMITTEE. ( Mr. Dillon Bell to move " That a library and printing committee be appointed for the session ; to consist of Mr Speaker, hou. Mr. Fox, lion. Mr Wood, Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Stafford, Mr. Domett, Mr. O'Roike, and Mr. Caileton." jUUtft&S IN REPLY TO HIS EXCELLENCE 'rt SPFLCH I^^Pne Speakeii said,ijbefore calling upon the lion. ' member whose name appeared on the notice paper to move the addiess in leply to the Governor's speech, ho would point out tßat the way m which the resolution was put on the paper was different from the couise followed last; year. As it stood there would be but one question to be put from the chair — that the address be agreed to— and there could be but one discussion on it. This was not the course adopted at home, nor w.vs it the course previously followed by this house. The proper -mode of procedure was for an hou. member to move a lcsolution thatanaildiess in reply to Ids Excellency be prepared. That a committee then be appointed to prepare the addiess, and when the committee bring up the address, that it be read a fust and second time and agreed to by the house. By this means they possessed the surest safeguaid against hasty consideration of the moat important subject that could be brought before them, rei haps the hon. member would move in the first instance that an 'address in reply to his Excellency's •peeeh be prepared. Mr Fitzherbert then rose and said— He thanked the lion, the Speaker foi his suggestion, and he quite coincided with that view, and would move "That this house do resolve that an address la reply to his Excellency's speech be piejiared; aud that the hon. Mr. Fox, the hou. Mr. Waul, the hon. Mr. Wood, and the hon. Mr. Henderson bo appointed a committee to prepare the address." He regretted very much being called upon to move this address for very many reasons. However complimentary to himself the honor of the selection might be, he could not but feel that there were very many members who could perform the duty in a manner much more satisfactory to the house and certainly more satisfactory to himself. It was therefore with feelings of great diffidence that he appeared charged with the duty, in\ olviug as it did, a difficult position which induced him to feel a sympathy with that class of good natural but _ easily imposed upon persons called godfathers and godmothers— rwho undertook the lesponsibihty of standing sponsors for the offspring of their friends. In moving the £\ddrens he felt very much in the position of one of those good natured persons lie referred to— the godfatheis— and if he faded to notice all the beaiifciejr of this firsb-born he would leave it to those to wnpm£ the paternity belonged— his hou. friends on the rft*hit (the ministers) to come to the rescue and be eutfiu 4 / siastic in its prais>e. (Laughter.) Ho proposed fir St* to offer some observations on the vaiious paragraphs in the speech which 'his Excellency had favoured them wren. On the subject of the lirsfc paragraph, he believed' he would best considt the wishes of' the "h^use by not offering any observations upon it, jfaore especially, as any such remarks had been anticipated by the resolution passed that morning. Bni ho would say that he shared to the fullest extent the sentiments of the resolution, and was sure that every j inhabitant of these islands joined in the deepest sym»' pathj» with Her Majesty for the irreparable loss sustfinedrby her and by the nation at large. The next subject touched upon was one of deep aud pressing importance. The appointment of Sir George Grey to undertake tho duties and responsibilities of governing this colony at a niost .critical period of its history, was a very noticeable, feature. A debt of gratitude was duo to Qreat Britain for the selection of in's Excellency, and to his Excellency for having accepted so onerous a commission. (Hear, hear.) If any doubts had arisen iv tho minds of the colonists of New Zealand as to. the propriety of that appointment, such doubts were/to be taken as an'indicatiofl oF that jealous guardianship of our constitution without which the vitality of a free country, tinder whatever basis it might rest, 'would s'oori become extinct. If, any doubts existed they must; at ohco be removed ' upon a perusal of the documents which had been laid , before theou ,In every lino of them there appeared a, jealojo/j regard ior the constitutional position of the colony. Their} perusal would shew that no single ( ste]) ndjd been- jJakeii without remembrance of the fafctf^^re^rfltontaiive 1 institiitiionn existed— existed .not only in name bub iv reality. His Excellency made a constant reference to ft, and shewed every 'deaire'^fcp, work,m conformity, and in unison with me representatives dfjth.e people., That wasja matter of .the greatest possible congratulation ;">^-tbey should 1 also ibe ready -to act in unison -with 'tier 1 Maje^ty'i , representatives. 1 , ,A? ,jM' paper* h# /oflfy.jecently,. (been laid upon the tabieiho would perhaps -be pardonecl if he 'referrfld to one or two despatches, .ciV hibiijnfi the ''cbnktitutifonal view t<) which'; heuhad referred ;l»is Excellency in a de»p*teh/dated3»fehj October, lSßl^to the Duke of Newcastle, invetemne to a memoranda/* MrHFox; on the applicability! .0?, the existing, form of Government to the ,p'reseht,oir-> cum«fcancef of the colony, gays :~t'i» Your Gr§oo will, //

I am, Bure,<iperH»e ( ,theBe papers, with great interest, and will *gre« -vyith me in thinking that the oalmnejjs of the, view9 expressed in thorn', at a, time of considerable ©xoitement, are veyy creditable" . to, the inhabitants of New Zealand." No. 3of % enclosures coininonced thus: <" Ministers are .aware, that the question has been raised, and may be raised again now far 4 the form of constitutional government bestowed-, upon this colony by the* imperial ")p*rliameat in 1852 is ; adapted to the present circumstances, arid whether a suspension 'of the constitution might not -facilitate the^odjustmont of the difficulties of the present crisis." » To ,bon. members jealous '<5f constitutional rights tljis style was very significant. Ministers then proceeded to show the inextricable confusion that would arise from the adoption of suph a course, and' it was m refeienco to this minute that hw Excellency had made the remarks quoteclNothing could be more satisfactory than the loyal i manner iinvhich their institutions were to be upheld. ! Paragraphs 3, 4, and 6 touched upon a matter^f the greatest ' importance, and one which received a groat deal of attention ' from the .legislature in previous sessions, and had caused a great difference of opinion inside and out. He need not say that ho referred, to those satisfactory relations which had grown up between a portion of the Maori race and the'.gtfvernment. It was no doubt a theme upon which very considerable discussion might take place if it were either desired or desirable ; but, however that might satisfy any individual desire of .distinction or of triumph, he declnred most empli.itieallyi that in dismissing the matter ho desired exclusively to'confine himself to the present and future j-^-of the he would emphatically say, "let the dead bury their dead." He did not inteud to enter into any historical, critical, political, or party discussion of the matter on the present occasion. He would no more do so than he would approve of firing on a fatigue party sent out to perform the last obsequies for then- fallen comrades after battle. Concerning the present aud the immediate future of the question — particularly as regarded the relations now subsisting, and which ib was proposed should hereafter subsist between the Native aud European inhabitants of the colony, most particular attention was invited. By moving the^jt&dresshej did not feel himself necessarily bound to subscribe to, every act of the jniuistry ;, nevertheless he felt bound to say that the perusal of the documents had afforded him for the most park most unfeigned satisfaction, and he hoped the .house would be prepared to give groat credit where credit was due. The information contained in those documents was of the most comprehensive kind. In the third paragraph's Excellency, referring to his attempt to restore the friendly relations which formerly existed, says:— -" My hope of success depends mainly (under divine Providence) on the co operation and support which I may receive from the colonists and the resources you may place at my disposal." That, no doubt was a Very great part of the question, and the financial bearing of it boing a speciality belonging to this branch of the "legislature, its aspect was most satisfactory. The only hesitation he could have, if he had any hesitation, in. expressing this opinion, was the fear that he should form a too hasty conclusion. The thing appeared almost too cood in a financial point of view. The estimate of. His Excellency iot carrying out .the proposed plan of Native Government was £49,000 ; and how was it proposed to meet this expenditure T Hih Excellency in a "minute on the cost of the proposed institutions forihe government of the u&tives, " dated Auckland^ovembe? 29ttj, 1861, says Np'The expenditure proposed to be incurred for introducing such a system of government amongst, the natives, may be stated at (say) £60,000, when the proposed plan is iv full operation ; but by that time a considerable part of its cost will be defrayed by local taxation. Ultimately, it should not only 'defray its own cost by local taxation, but leave a considerable tiim in aid of the revenue, applicable for tho administration of justice, local improvements, or suchlike charges. Upon the whole I think it may be safely calculated that in about seven years it wdl defray its own coJit, and yield somo surplus revenue, besides giving a stimulus to the productive energy and to the development of the resources of the colouy, which will largely increase its commerce, trade, and general revenue. I consider it so essential for the safety of the colony, and for the prevention of the impending general war, that this plan should be brought into operation w ithont further delay, that I will incur, as I have already stated to hjunisters, the responsibility of foregoing, on behalf of the Imperial Governmout, the cost of half the expense of the proposed plan, whatever that may be, from the colonial contribution of £33,000 towards the Co6t of maintaining British troops in this colony, a reduction being made in this sum contributed by the ]Jfouie Government, as the revenues raised under the proposed plan, so iuciease as to defray a part of .the whole expenditure incurred on account of it." JJpoji tliis subject then there could not be any doubt. The words were plain, clear, and intelligible. Tho proposed speciality was to be £50,000, one- half of which would be defrayed by tho Imperial Government. The despatches were extremly precise in that matter ; fi om a cursory perusal of them the meaning was plain. Where was the "lavish expenditure and "reckless extravagance" they had heard so much of. No doubt hon -members had heard wonderful stones of the lecklcss expenditure that was to take place m New Zealand under the new order of things ; how young men (and he did not kuow why he should not say old men too) had learnt to believe that they would only have to come to New Zealand and they would be appointed native commissioners and pocket £500 a-year. The figures before the hpuse ■would not justify such golden expectations. If such ideas prevailed, the following minutes would effectually dispel the anticipations of even the most enthusiastic :—: — Ministers have lead and consideied His Excellency's memorandum of the 29th November, 1861, relative to the cost of the proposed institutions for the government of tho natives. Assuming the annual cost at that stated by His Excellency, and that half of that amouut isaheady provided by the colony for special native purposes, ministers consider his Excellency's offer to enable them to provide the other half by appropriating to the native service the colonial contributions towards th^ cost of tho imperial troops, as liberal and satisfactory. It will be necessary, however, to work in with his Excellency's plans the amount already appropriated, partly by civil list and partly by special act, so as to make it available for the maintenance of the new machinery. This may prove a matter of some financial difficulty; but as it will be sometime before the system contemplated by "his Excellency can be generally introduced, there will be opportunity gradually to adapt it to the existing arrangements. Ministers do not shrink from tho responsibility of adopting plans involving so large an expenditure. On the contrary they consider that circumstance? absolutely require it; and requjro ,also that the emergency shoidd be faced at once. It would 1 be idle to attempt tho solution of existing difficulties by proposing plans for the social improvement of the natives, dependout on possible votes of the Crenei al Assembly. But his Excellency must not Tnitapprehend the extent to which banisters can pledge the colony in a matter of finance. They can and will recommend to the General Assembly to irialce the requisite provision for the intended objects, Mind they can and will stake their own position .as ministers, on the Assembly adopting then? recommendation ; but they have no constitutional power to bind tho Aasembly befoio hand." He entirely subscribed to such a. constitutional dpotrihe. In this matter the ministers had acted in the truest constitutional manner. So much then for the. financial aspcot of the question. As he should best bo consulting the convenience of the 'house by not' entering into minute criticisms of the feasibility of the scheme, ho would briefly summarise the details. The plan of the government was to take certain i irregular meetings styled iruttanffttsS which had a kind of •traditional force or influence on the native mind, — to take these rvnangas as a basis for tho plan. To give A direction to them by tho appointment of Europeans to preside at and direct them. To bring these irregular assemblies under tho force and direotion of law, to 1 enable. them to pass bye-laws for the better social arrangement of themselves ; to constitute legal tribunals in which the Aatives should take part and to- introduce jcorfcaiii reforms As to the management of native reserVes-^-tho issue of brown grants, and the individualizatlon of Native titles and the sale of land by thq 1 Natives. Tllese- appeared to him 'to', be tl}f leading ideas dictating the' introduction of the plan. He would not go into the question of detail between the^governor and tho ministers, but he would confess he inclined more to tho position taken bylijs Bx^ cellency on the matter, than that taken ' by the ministry. Whether the scheme waslikely to succeed iri practise -was a matter which he would leave to .those who ■ had a more extended knowledge of ' tho \ative», to say. It was an experiment well worthy, of a trial. In ■*- financial 1 aspect it was exceedingly satisfactory', and in a .political aspect it vm npt^one whit leas satisfactory. The one thing most essentially requisite for the. success of (the soneme was ft| sufficient time to 'letithe &o\y> •itfetittitions work, j T ,was .necessary to familiarjs,e ' the^iuitires with' them. . .Much ,a^, or, thAperton* /appointed, to, (Carry lout, the admijijstjratjons oi tho scheme; , ; Tho s^greatpoliticalj, problem of, the right man in. /fibeoright plftde, appointed at the right fame, was solved jby the -appointment) of- Sir Qeorge, Grey, and. $ jwos to be 'hoped that the same fortunate selection jpoula .bfy fide iv impointing the right men in, the right pfacjsj the right, time, to carry out the institiipona. It t hi* hope pf success, would be materiaU^diiiimiihftil.;

He looked "upon the native question as a great political schooling for the colonists. His attention had lately been drawn to an ' article in the colonial press in whioli he so completely oononrred that ho would read it. It expressed what ha would Bay if ho could say it so foroibly and well:* "To us, and to our children, it seems not too mucnwfeay, thisNiative problem has been given as a solemn trust ; and that, not for the' benefit of the liative race only, but for our own. For, sure w6 are," that the faithful and earnest attention to the solution of this problem will react upon ourselves, or even whether it be through war ; lifting our national mind out of the petty incidents connected with our own race, and educating us for that stand amongst the nations of the world which these islands miist inevitably one day take. Are we of the Middle Island prepared to ignore our share of this duty, afad to reject our share of this discipline? And for what? A few thousand pounds, and those not contributed out of our own pockets/ He confessed his entire subscription to the sentiments •^pressed in that article. It now only remained for him to remark what was the present position of the country — the status de facto. It was not a position of war, nor was it a poiition of .profound peace, but it was a position which he was thankful to be able to record. It had been a position of peace for the last twolve months ; they had it without compromising the dignity of the British name, and without truokling to tne Natives. For a period of twolve months they had had peace, and they could only appreciate that inestimable blessing by addressing their attention for a moment to the consideration of what their position would have been, if instead of a period of peace it had been a period of war. He could only say on behalf of bis constituents and himself the peace was most satisfactory. They were very grateful for it, aud ho would venture to say had it been a period of war ho did not thiuk one of them would now be in an independent position. How long that peace would last he could not say. The dignity of the British name was not to be compromised; on the contiary the most careful legard was shewn, not only to the existing' claims of the Europeans, but also to their prospective position. The following part oi his Excellencyjß speech was full of assurance on that point. He sajw :— "At the same time lam not unmindful of what is ducto'the European population, which relying on well known treaties and guarantees, has made this country its adopted home, and is entitled to expect that the progress of colonization shall not be unueceSFcrily or improperly obstructed." To that view he would pin his faith, and believed it would be carried ont. The next subject was one replete with inteiest to the^house and to the colony. It referred to the contemplated loan of £100,000 for making roads through the country, a portion of which had been anticipated in forming the road to the banks of the Waikato. A more wise or prudent step could not be taken. His only exception to the proposal wjs the smallness of the amount, as he would much rather see £1,000,000 asked for— -(hearr hear) —than £100,000. Making roads was one of thobe tilings where economy was the greatest extravagance. There was a great central portion of this island, and whenever the day arrived that they would have a ministry bold enough, or wise enough, looking far into the future, and economical enough to be extravagant on this point, to make a great highway from Auckland to Wellington — when that great woik would have been done, from that day Aative disturbances would die out, and be for ever at an end without the interference of tho military in another way than that jurwhich it had been so beneficially applied, as referred-Bxin the Speech — making the road to the Waikato, which he believed was tho most economical road ey#r made in the country. There would be no real durable peace until that great work was done, and when done it would confer a lasting bettefit' on both races. If, in the centre of this island, instead of a few straggling Europeans, scattered here and there, a large European population: Was settled, it would solve many pi oblems which now present themselves. He had travelled up the East Coast, aud had seen deserted p»Xs, — chapels built at considerable expense, tumbling to ruins, neither -dative or other ,im" uister there;— in vain he looked for ji&tives ; the one or two ho saw were wretched old meu, crawling out of what in courtesy might be called wharcs. Yet the climate was beautiful aud the land fertile, — what then was the reason of this wretchedness ? It was the absence of Europeans amongst them in sufficient quantities. Coming near to the valleys of the Hutt, he saw f/atives of the same tribes, riding on carts and horses, buying meat at the butchers', eating bakers' bread, consulting the doctors, wearing not only coats aud trousers but also those inner gdrmouts so necessary to human life, living in boarded houses, . their wives going to market singing, happy, contented, aud fat; whilst, iv the remote districts, they lived scarcely like human beings. Looking at the matter philosophically, it was the line upon line, and precept upon piecept m the solution of' the question. If there was a great European population set in in the open part of the northern island, the natives of that part of the island would share the advantages, aud at any rate the native war would be at an end,. The next subject referred to was the volunteer; forces. "He did not know that the minis1 try intended to introduce any bills on that point, 'but he considered them quite right in aiding the development of that system of defence which h.ul so ' f nobly and successfully been developed at home. ! The next paragriph referred to the lapul and unexpected development of the settlements of the"lniddle island, aud the sudden development of their iesources, which may speedily be followed by a similar development in the northern island. {Heatyhoar.) The steam postal service was' next refoired to. It was truly a vexed question. It was one ou which naturally enough people choso to hold their own particular views. He had read tho PostmasterGeneral's report with pleasure. It appeared to him a very able report, recording a number of 6xcellent and practical refoiins. By it he noticed there was an iucieasein the number of steamers employed to seven: theio was the surveyor of tho contiact mail steamers, as proposed by a former ministry : the prepayment of letters by postage wwass s in all cases demauded: the abolition of that system, which he could never understand the reason for, of paying out of one hand into tho other by stamping government . letters : and lastly he noticed the introduction of the money, order system. These rofoims showed that there was great activity in the department of the Postmaster-Geueral, and if m the distribution of tho increased steam communication eaoh province could not be served in accordance with its own viows, the problem was almost impossible of solution. He was not prepared to say th^at the system was a perfect system, the centre of thoisland being left in a great measure without direct communication detracts from its value. Whilst speaking pn this matter he might say, that by the help of the 31OUS0 some modification might be made to lemedy this defect. A great step had been made in advance however, and Ynmisters deserved every credit for it. It was a matter of deep regret that the overland mail between Taranaki and wanganui had been discontinued, and that it should bo impracticable to reorganise it. There might be good reasons for that, aud time he hoped might be a curative. In tins report lay tho recognition of a principle, in which he did not altogether concur. He concuned "in tho importance of establishing frequent communication between the provinces for governmental as well as postal purposes," but the next jiaragiaph recognised a point of equal importance ' ' the desirability of maintaining and improviug if possiblo the stiictly commercial and passenger advantages rendered to tho several, parts of the colony by the contract steamers." Now he would humbly submit that with the commorcial part of it the bovernment had nothing whatever todo. ltwasnotatningtobe arranged to suit commercial interests ; but the system of subsidizing steamers was full of enormities in every country, and it was not to be supposed that this colony should be au exception to the rule. Ho hoped, however, that tho day was not far distant when they would have more rapid communication than steam affoided — when the two islands would bo connected by means of the electric telegraph laid down in Cook's^ Straits, a work which they nad recent and roli.vble data to provo was quite practicable— a very important and usefid work would be accomplished. s'ho next paragraph referred to th,e loss of the ''White Swan. 1 ' They all 4oplored the loss very much, but it was a matter that was so mixed up with subjects of so much congratulation that tho loss was almost overlooked iv thankfulness for tho wonderful preservation of life. Upon heariug tho news a very great panic seomed to seize some weak minded people, who cried out deploring the unlucky fate of New Zealand ; so many vessels wrecked on her coast, always having something wrong to happen at tho wrong time — they seemed ready to sink down and, at once submit to their fate. Why a country without storms was uo country at all. (Laughter.) He did not believe in without , storms. England without storms might not probably be in the .position she now holds, if, a storm pad not detained the ■ Texal fleet iA the #m.c of the mutiny, at the Nore^though it might be treason to say it. Storms had a great many advantages, although >wo might not see -them at tho time. It, was very unbecoming wheneyer the wind blows or the earth shakes— (great laughter)— to cry out' " Oh dear what will become of us." Iv reference to the next paragraph he believed that the same legard foi the opinions of the 'house was indicated. With regard to tho £10,000 voted last year for native purpopes, he believed that the conduct of tho im'nistersj waj| exemplary. 'Ih»t sum, he^mderstood wan not to ;

any material extent exceeded. .' If that "were the case very great credit was due to the ministers, for not haying on their own authority loosened the purse string*' without consulting the"hou«e. The next subject touched upon was cognate with the last, and he admired the plaiu way in which it was put forward. A plain, answer was required to a plaiu question. The little.bill againt us amounts to £190,000. He conceived that repudiation was not in accordance with the spirit of the house, and this u assembly would never repudiate any of their just debts. Far better for them -to throw themselves on the liberality and generosity of that public and government which had done so much for the colony, and which had been at auch expense ia rearing and protecting it, and if necessary would still further extend its aid, than to enter a discussion upon it in a haggling spirit. Having regaul to that, he did not think any /member would not accept the burden of the debt, or who would encourage repudiation. They should tlnow themselves on the generosity of that nation which had been most generous, it was the better course to adopt. It was the most likely way to save undue expenditure and to preserve the colony from the character of repudiating its just, debts. The question was put plainly befoie them, let them show that they were prepared to deal with it in a statesmanlike manuer. Ho did not know of any colony blessed with representative institutions that has bad so noble an opportunity as this colony, or such noble objects Offered to its consideration as this Native question. The iucreahed population as exhibited by the census, shewed that they were merging out of a state of infancy into ii state of adolescence, not to say manhood, — their thought? then ought to expand in i proportion, and the happiness of that population be attained. They should not confine themselves to mere parish business. The home authorities, would be very much guided by the statesmen-like views and regard to humanity which the house would shew on the native question. With the 1 lth paragraph he believed the house would agree with it most sincerely. Having now gone through the speech paragraph by paragraph, he would say, taking it as a whole, it was well calculated Jo enlist the feelings and confidence of tho house, —in the fust place as the policy promulgated to the natives, appeared consistent with that horo enunciated, a great point which all assemblies looked at ; and, in the second place, with rospect to tho principles enunciated, inasmuch as tho chief characteristic of it was a regard for the consitutional privileges of New Zealand, and for it the ministers were entitled to every confidence. Having now discharged the duty of godfather to this first-born, aud having noticed all the features of the bantling, as was usual uj-on such mteiestmg occasions as christenings— (laughter) — he would resign it tothecaio of his honorable friends, — and begged leave to move, 4-" That a respectful addiess in reply to his Excellency's speech be presented to his Excellency, and that the hou. Mr. Pox, the hon. Mr. Henderson, the lion. Mr. Wood, and the hon. Mr. Ward be appointed a committee to prepaiethe address." Mr. John Williamson seconded the motion. The motion was then put and agreed to without further lemarlc The committee withdrew to piopare the address, and m a few minutes returned with the following draft:— /£- May it plkase your Excellency, — We, her Majesty's most dutifid and loyal subjects, the 'house of Eepieseutatives, in F.vihament assembled, beg leave to return our thanks to your Excellency for the speech which your Excellency has made to both houses of the General Assembly. We unite with your Excellency m an expression of sorrow for the death of His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, — in tho full appteciation of his private and public worth,— aud in siuceie sympathy wither Majesty under tin's great affliction. ' We offer to your Excellency our coiigiatul.itions on your reappoiritmont as Oovernoi of New Zealand, and we gratefully recognise the motives which have induced you, at considerable personal sacufice, to I undertake the arduous duties of that office in a time of great emergency. "We assure your Excellency that it is our earnest wish to be able to coopeiate with yourself in securing the piospenty and advancement of both races in these islauds, and that any measmes laid by yoiu I Excellency before us with that object, shall receive our most serious consideration. " We express in common with your Excellency, our great regret for the loss of the steamer ' White Swan' on thiß coast, while bunging many members of the General Assembly to attend the present session ; and our unfeigned gratitude to Almighty God for the providential preservation of the lives of all on board. We also cordially unite with your Excellency in thanking those who offeied generous hospitality, and gave valuable aid, ti> the per&ons who weie shipwrecked. Wo sincerely pray, together with youi Excellency that the Divine, blessing may support youivExeellency in the execution of your duty, and guide oai deliberations to tho attainment of the welfare and happiness of all her Majesty's subjects in New Zealand. The address was read a first and second time and agi eed to by .the house Mr. Fox moved, and it was agieed to,— that the Speaker, accompanied by as many hon. members as pleased to attend, shall ■« ait upon his Excellency to-moirow and piesent the addiess. tg^gffe house adjourned at 20 minutes befoie S.