PARLIAMENT OF NEW ZEALAND.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4714, 2 October 1872, Page 5

PARLIAMENT OF NEW ZEALAND.

In the House of Representatives, on September 24, Mr. Stafford, in answer to Mr. Vogel, said it was not the intention of the< Government to proceed with the Fisheries Bill this year. There was a portion of the bill which, would be very usefu', but there was another portion which was not at all of a satisfactory character. He did not think it was a very satisfactory kind of legislation which gave to the Governor power to state what the law should be. It was not law made by the Legislature, but by the Executive only, and therefore they did not propose to consider the subject this year.

VVAIKATO RAILWAY. Mr. Reid, in answer to a question by Mr. Sheehan — whether any and what action has been taken with reference to the offer of an English company to construct a railway from Wharekawa, Hanraki Gulf, to Mercer, VVaikato— replied that the offer which had been received was of rather a vague character, but the Government were disposed to consider favourably any proposal of the kind. The matter had been referred to tho Agent at Auckland in orcler to ascertain the exact nature of the conditions proposed before they entered into negotiations with the company. As soon as these particulars were received the Government would be in a position to enter into consideration of the matter.

PETITION OF J, B. RUSSELL. In the House, on September 26, Mr. Wood moved that the report of the' Public Petitions Committee, recommending the Government to inquire into the allegations contained in the potition of Mr. J. B. Russell, of Auckland, be adopted. He stated that complaints had been male to the Government by Mr. Eussell in reference to the conduct of Mr. Beokham. towards him, in consequence of which Mr. Beckham was requested not to repeat the conduct complained of. Had Mr. Beckham changed his conduct after the receipt of that reprimaud, there would have been no necessity for inquiry ; but, instead of there being any change, Mr. Beckham's conduct became worse, and Mr. Russell had been compelled to decline accepting new business, And to declare that he should have to relinquish the practice of his profession until some * change was brought about. lie thought the opinion of the Pablic Petitions Conmittee was sufficient to justify the liouae in orVr-" ing that the inquiry be made. — Mr. Gillies quite concurred with the spirit of the recommendation of the committee, but he could scarcely «oraply with the precise terms of their report, for on looking round he could not put his finger upon any officer of the Supreme Court to whom to refer the matter. —Mr. Bathgvtk suggested that the Registrar of the Supreme Court at Auckland might undertake the duty. — Mr. Gillies thought the duty was of too delicate a matter to put upon the Registrar of the Uourt, who was bvought into contact with, all the members of the profession, and might not care to be placed in so invidious a position. If the hon. member would be satisfied that an inquiry should bo made, the Government would do all they could to satisfy the object of the hon. member. — The motion was amended in accordance with the suggestion, and agreed to ' The following petitions have been presented : — Petition of 59 settlers of Poverty Bay, praying to have certain roada constructed in that district. (Mr. W. Kelly.) Petition of T. J. Hensbaw, late of tho Whangarei Ranger 3, praying that his pansion be increased. (Mr. O'Rorke.) Petition of five aboriginal natives on Thames district, praying that a rule laid dowa by the Governor, prohibiting them from selling their lands to private individuals, may be set aside. (Mr. Parata.) Petitioa of 42 Roman Catholic inhabitants of Poverty Bay, praying to have certain alterations in the Education Bill. (Mr. W. Kelly.) Petition of John Chadwick, of Tauranga. Subject : That the Government have laid out a road through his farm, which he considers unjust, and prays to have the matter investigated. (Mr. Kelly.) Petition of 44= merchants and other inhabitants of Tauranga, praying to have that town declared a port of entry. (Mr. W. Kelly.) Petition of Jamea Foot. Subject : Claim for compensation for losse3 alleged to be sustained through tho action of hostile natives. (Major Jackson.)