GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 588, 25 July 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(By Telegraph.) OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. Wellington, July 15. His Excellency the Governor opened Parliament at Wellington yesterday, at two o’clock. The Volunteers formed a guard of honor. In his opening speech, the Governor said : Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, — It gives me great pleasure to meet you at so early a moment after my assuming charge of the government of New Zealand, to which Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint me. 1 am gratified to learn that the condition of the Colony is extremely prosperous, and that the Colonists at large are manifesting faith in its resources, and are developing them with energy and enterprise. The public works already authorised have been proceeded with as rapidly as circumstances have permitted ; but, m order to render effectual the policy of public works which has been adopted by Parliament, you must bear in mind that the principle upon which those works were undertaken involved not only a system of arterial communication throughout the country, but the consequent settlement by numerous occupiers of lands so opened up. Papers will be laid before you indicative of the anxiety of the General Government to promote and assist immigration. 'I he increasing success of the Life Assurance and Annuities Department is highly satisfactory, and whilst the system of eta e insurance affords great advantages to the colonists, it does not close the door to private associated enterprise in the same useful direction. At the Intercolonial Conference, held during the recess, many important results were arrived at, to some of which your attention will be directed. In consideration of the unanimous desire of the Conference, Her Majesty’s Government have obtained the assent of the Imperial Parliament to a measure by which the Australian Colonies will have a right to enter into reciprocal traffic arrangements. I do not doubt that this concession will be granted to the Legislature of New Zealand, which has constantly advocated its justice and expediency, and I express a hope that such care will be exercised in making a proper and reasonable use of it, as will prove that it has been wisely sought and granted. Arising out of the Conference, though not directly associat d with it, are proposals for the establishment of cable communication between Australia and New Zealand, and Normantown and Singapore, in joint connection with the other Colonies. Your early attention will be invited to these proposals, which await and are subject to your concurrence. I regret that, whilst so many other subjects received such a satisfactory consideration and decision at the hands of the Conference, upon the subject of mail services an unanimous conclusion was not arrived at, and, in consequence, it awaits your final arrangement. My advisers have given much consideration to the matter. Whilst they are anxious to re-open the Cali ornian service, they are only disposed to do so on terms which wdl do justice to the requirements of the Colony, and which will not disassociate New Zealand from the use of the Suez service. Negotiations are still pending, but in all which have been entered into the approval of Parliament has been made an absolute condition. The work of making roads iu Native districts in the North Island, and thus through their aid, opening up the country for future settlement, has been prosecuted during the year with steadiness and success. It is gratifying to observe that the opposition originally manifested at several points to this undertaking is gradually lessening, as the Natives more fully understand the intentions of the Government and the benefit accruing to themselves from these works, in affording employment in the several districts, and in giving an increased value to tribal lands. It is gratifying to observe the Natives generally appreciate the advantages of peace, and are directing their attention to industrial pursuits and to the establishment of schools in which their children can obtain the advantages of an English education. The murder committed in Waikato by certain Natives has attracted much public notice. While lamenting the occurrence of a crime now happily so rare, I would announce with satisfaction that it has evoktd from the leading tribes throughout the Island a general and public condemnation, as well as renewed declarations of their loyalty. The Government have left the criminals to the ordinary operation of the law. That operation may be early in a district s ill remote from European settlements, in which they have taken refuge; but the Government, while mindful of the requirements of justice and of the protection of industrious inhabitants, have not deemed it expedient, by any precipitate measures, to risk the disturbance of the generally peaceful condition of the Colony. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives— The Estimates, prepared with every desire to consult economy to the utmost extent consistent with the requirements of the public service, will be laid before you. Your consideration will be asked to subjects relating to the Civil Service. The public revenue is increasing, and the improved credit of the Colony is shown by the enhanced value of its securities. Honorable Legislative Councillors and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives— Measures -will ho laid before you to initiate the reconstruction of theconstitution ofthe L. Council; to amend the laws relating to the Goldfields, to provide for education ; to consolidate the laws relating to' prisons ; to amend and consolidate the electoral laws ; to establish a silver and copper mint; to amend the insolvency laws, and to abolish imprisonment for debt; , to provide for the election of a native district council; to amend the law relating to native lands, and to give increased security to persons insuring their lives. I ednfide to your careful attention these and other measures designed in the interests of the whole Colony, and of the two races which inhabit it, and I trust that Divine Providence will bless your efforts to discharge efficiently your onerous duties*

Mr Vogel is ill, and not able to attend the House. After the Speech, the House of Representatives met, when Mr Wakefield drew attention to an article in the Evening Post of Friday last, charging him with being a hired advocate and pamphleteer of Messrs Brogdens, and stating that such a position was inconsistent with bis position as an independent member of that House. The article insinuates that Mr Wakefield’s connection with Messrs Brogdens did not cease with writing the pamphlet. The article proceeds: to refer to the position of Messrs Harrison and Tribe in connection with the Messrs Brogdens inquiry last session. The Speaker asked whether Mr Wakefield intended to conclude his remarks with a motion. Mr Wakefield replied in the affirmative. After the article was read, he said he did not suppose the writer of the article would be summoned to the bar of the House. The article insinuated that he had placed himself in a false position, by having accepted literary employment; but he argued that such acceptance was nut inconsistent with his position as member of the House. The vote was not affected by the proposal contained in Messrs Brogdens’ pamphlet, which was quite distinct from the contracts. The House would see it was a totally new proposal. He had no ill-will against the writer of the article in the Post ; however, being bound to conclude his remarks with a motion, he would move that the article be considered on a future day. The motion was not seconded, and lapsed. Correspondence of the Agent-General relative to immigration and public works was laid on the table. Other correspondence was produced relative to a cable between New Zealand and Australia. Mr Fox gave notice of a motion that Mr Seymour be appointed Chairman of Committees ; and Mr Murray for Select Committees to inquire re mail services and telegraphs. Mr O’Connor gave notice of motion for returns of the coal production of the Colony. Mr Webb gave notice that he would move the Address in Reply to the Governor’s Address. Mr Bathgate gave notice of motion for the introduction of a new Insolvency Bill, Prisons Bill, Gold Mining Bill, Assaults Prosecution Bill, District Courts Act Amendment Bill, Municipal Corporations Waterworks Act. Mr M‘Lean made a Ministerial statement regarding the changes in the Ministry since the prorogation. The reply to the Address was fixed for the next sitting day (Thursday). Mr Steward has given notice of motion asking Government whether they were aware that serious blunders are being made in the construction of the Moeraki line. Mr Gillies gave notice of motion for a return of the quantity of gunpowder authorised to be sold or issued to Natives. • Mr Rolleston gave notice of motion, re the Canterbury Water Supply Bill. The proposed alteration in the Constitution of the Legislative Council, referred to in the Speech yesterday, will probably be to make it elective. The modification will be based on recent Australian plans : each member of the Council to represent a district, which shall include a group of districts returning members to the General Assembly. There is to be no special qualification beyond those required by members of the Lower House. The term of election is to be seven years instead of five, and the adoption of the system to date from the next dissolution. July 16. When the House met to-day, in reply to Mr Williamson, the Premier said that as several applications were expected on the subject of railways, he would make a statement on the subject simultaneously with the Financial Statement, which he hoped to make in abeut a fortnight. In the House to-day, in reply to Mi Murray, the Premier said be expected the Clutha, Dunedin, and Lawrence Railways would be opened about September, 1875 ; meantime, asmuch as possible would be made available. The Kuapeka(?) Annexation Bill was read a first time. Mr Vogel, in replying to a question by Mr Williamson, as to whether the Government intend to ask the authority of Parliament to extend the Waikato Railway to a point on the upper boundary of the confiscated line, and to connect the main line with the Thames district at Tararu, said that many applications bad been made for various railways and public works. If the Government were not misled, further applications, to the amount of millions, would be made, and the Government were prepared to come down with a statement regarding their intentions, at the same time as the Financial Statement, probably a fortnight hence. The Premier promised to bring down a report on telegraph and mail services. The Native Minister promised a report on Native affairs on the East Coast, early. The following Bills were read for the first time : —The Joint Stock Companies Amendment, and Municipal Corporation Waterworks Bills. In reply to Mr Murray, Mr Bathgate said the latter Bill would not interfere with the rights of third parties. The District Courts a mendment Assaults on Constables, Gold-mining, Prisons, and Insolvency Bills were laid on the table. Mr Seymour was elected Chairman of Committees. The Sessional Committees were appointed. In a debate regarding the Printing Committee, Mr Murray and Mr Thomson a' tacked the composition of the Committee, insinuating that printers unduly preponderated, and supported the Government from selfish objects. The Committee was agreed to. Mr Gillies moved for a return of tho cost and revenue under the Public Trustees Act. Mr Bathgate replied that the cost wai Ll5O. Mr Gillies moved for a return of the amount of gunpowder authorised by each officer of the Native Department to he supplied or sold to Natives, which was agreed to. ' Mr O’Connor moved for a return of the annual importation of coal, with its value; also for a return of the field-work by each officer of the Geological Department during the past year. They were agreed to. The Municipal Corporation Water Works Bill was read a first time yesterday. It provides that debentures may be made redeemable within fifty years from their issue; that debentures may be given in exchange for works purchased by a Council. The Assault on Constables Bill provides that persons assaulting, obstructing, or inciting others to assault or obstruct, are liable to a penalty of Lid or two months’ imprisonment, with or without hard labor. Persons offending against the Act may be arrested without warrant. The House then adjourned till to-morrow. July 17. The Engineer-in-Chief gives the estimate of the revenue from the Nelsen and Foxhill Railway as LB.OOO, and the working expenses L 7,000. The traffic ef the line will almost entirely depend on timber. L 2.000 are expected from passengers. He considers it quite hopeless to look for working expenses on the Kaiapoi and Eyreton Railway, which will not be less than L 2,000 or L 3.000 a year. The Racecourse and Southbridge Railway will pay a dividend in addittion to working expenses. The Rakaia and Ashburton line runs through poor, shingly soil, which is unfit for cultivation. He estimates that the Timaru and Coleridge districts will yield a passenger revenue of L.3,000, and a freight traffic of L 1,400, which is equal to the working expenses. The Ashburton and 1 Timaru Railway will open a district oi

100,000 acres of cultivated land, and the estimated revenue is L 43.000 a year. The whole expenditure will be L 28,000, leaving a net revenue of L 15.000. The WaitakiMoeraki Railway passes through one of the best districts in the Middle Island, in which 60,000 acres are under cultivation. The estimated revenue is L 17.000, working expenses L 14,000. The Tokomairiro and Lawrence will yield an annual profit of LB,OOO, the working expenses being LlO 000, and the gross revenue HB,OOO. The Winton to Kingston Railway will yield a net profit of L 7,500, the estimated receipts being L 26,000, the working expenses L 18,500. The Brunner Coal Railway working expenses are estimated at L 4,000 a year, and it will require the production of 23,000 tons of coal a year to pay working expenses. The report en the North Island Railways will soon be published. In the House to-day, Mr Mervyn moved . for copies of the contract entered into on behalf of the Government for the construction I of a water-race from ManuherikiatoNaseby. tie said he understood that no provision had been made for the completion of the contracts within the specified period, and that the General Government had little to do with the public works of Otago. Mr Richardson said the contracts were let in the usual way. Tenders were called for under the direction of the Public Works Department. He was not aware whether there was any provision for a period for completion. Mr Murray gave notice of motion that the Government ought to take immediate steps to prevent the further purchase of land from the Natives by Europeans, until a measure is passed to regulate such transactions in a manner more satisfactory to the Natives, more consistent with the progress of bona fidt colonisation, and the maintenance of peace in the Colony. The Speaker announced the receipt of a telegram from Mr Hallenstein, resigning his seat. He said he must await the formal resignation before issuing the writ. In reply to Mr Johnston, the Premier said two securities of L 25,000 from Messrs Webb and Holliday were held by the Government. Mr Webb had refused to pay, but the bonds were good, and the Government would recover the money. The sum of LIO,OOO had already been stopped fromtthe money due to Mr Webb. The Volunteer Land Scrip Act was read a first time, and the Municipal Corporations Waterworks and Assault on Constables Bills read a second time. A return showing the practical result of the Industrial Committee last session was agreed to. Mr H. R. Webb (Lyttelton) moved the Address in Reply, and referred to the prosperity of the Colony as due to the Public Works and Immigration policy. The country should feel grateful to the Government for having avoided another Native war, and the people of the Middle Island, he ventured to say, would approve of the action of the Government. He trusted the same good feeling would exist between the present Governor and the Ministry as with Governor Bowen. Mr Cuthbertaon (Invercargill) seconded. Mr Gillies said he would not move an amendment, nor would he cause a debate now, as other opportunities would arise. He only spoke lest it should be thought he entirely approved of the Address. The Address was then carried. On the second reading of the Municipal Corporations Bill, Mr Gillies asked whether the debentures were to be issued at par or at a price to be fixed upon. Mr Bathgate referred to the 22nd clause of the Municipal Corporations Act, and said they might be exchanged at par for value. The House rose at 4.30 p.m. July 18. The Upper House met to-day to consider the Address in Reply. Mr Waterhouse, speaking to the motion, congratulated the house that the Colony now had a Governor who was experienced in official life. He then proceeded to critisc the Speech. The departmental administration had been loose. He had seen a number of blank forms with Governor Bowen’s signature, kept in drawers in the Colonial Secretary’s Office, and he ordered the Under-Secretary to lock them up in a safe. He hoped there would be no repetition of this under the present Governor He (Mr Waterhouse) called such practices frauds ; a tighter system of administration was necessary. The most important requirements of the Civil Service Act had been neglected ; the only department which was classified being the Custom House. The Laud Fund Act had been a dead letter. The Attorney-General's salary was legally fixed at LI,OOO, yet he received L 1,200. The money voted for roads in the North Island was not properly applied. The allowances for travelling expense had been' exceeded Ministers and Judges were allowed two guineas a day for travelling ex;penses, but drew four. The Auditor-General was blaraeable for passing such accounts. The prosperity of the Colony was not entirely due to the Public Works policy, but to the prosperity of the pastoral interests and the increased price of wool which brought three millions into the country. He was a supporter of the Public Works policy. He criticised other parts of the Speech. The Address in Reply was agreed to. Mr Richardson read a telegram from the Agent-General stating that 2,650 souls had been sent to the Colony in May and June ; probably 1,200 would be sent in July. 16,500 tons of railway plant had been shipped, and the quantity includes sixteen locomotives, thirty-one carriages, and 163 waggons. Mr Steward asked the Minister of Public Works whether he was aware of serious blunders having been committed in carrying out the jetty works at Fort Moeraki ?—Mr Richardson replied that he was not aware of any. Mr Steward also asked whether the Government intended to take steps to •amend the works, so as to facilitate the shipping of the Port ? Mr Richardson said the Government would only use the present material. In the House to-day, Mr Harrison moved for a detailed return of the expenditure on the water supply on the goldfields, and the amount and estimated sum required to complete the works already authorised ; also a return of the' amount of the costs charged by the Government Solicitors for preparation of the mortgages on water-races, which were agreed to. Mr Shephard’s motion, for supplying copies of Hansard and Parliamentary papers to all the mining associations, was carried. July 19. Mr Fox has given notice of motion asking what is the intention of the Government regarding the petitions for an amendment of the licensing laws. Mr Waterhouse has given notice that he will move the appointment of a committee to consider the beat means of reconstructing the Legislative Council. Mr Steward has given notice of a motion to ask the Minister of Public Works whether the materials imported for the Waitaki Bridge arc of the description ordered by the Colonial Government; if not, by whose authority material of a different description was sent. If the present materials are unsuitable, to what use are they to be applied. Mr Cuthbertson has given notice for a return of the number of immigrants lauded at the Bluff, and what instructions were sent to the Agent-General regarding further shipments of immigrants to the Bluff. Mr Thomson has given notice for introducing the Clqthq Public Works Loan Bill,

In tha Upper House yesterday, Mr Waterhouse gave notice of a motion for the names of the agents employed in negotiating the Four per Cent. Loan, and for a Select Committee te examine into, the working of the immigration policy. July 21. The Volunteer Land Act repeals the Volunteer Land Act of 1865. The Joint Stock Companies Act Amendment Act makes the Act apply to associations for banking out of New Zealand.