ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

Evening Post, Volume XX, Issue 168, 21 July 1880, Page 3

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

Yesterday's sitting of the House was not bo barren as the generality of sittings have been, though the "cry" was great in proportion to the " wool." Two private bills woro run through their second reading in a few minutes. Mr. Ortnond was informed that the Government did not intend to add to the Property Tax Act a clause relating to a tax upon professional incomes. Mr. Kolleston stated that it was probable an Inspector of Prisons had b^on appointed by this time by the Agent-General. The present was a most appropriate time, he thought, for auch an appointment. Mr. Hutchison elicited from Mr. Oliver that the rails would bo laid down to the new railway station on tho reclaimed land by tho time tho building was completed. The Minister of Justice informed Mr. Reid that there was too much work upon tho paper to permit of a bill being brought down this session to amend the law of libel. Mr. Richardson having introduced a bill to amend tho Christohurch Drainage Act, the Honso went into committee on tho Maori Prisoners Bill. Lobby rumor led to the supposition that the bill would bo stonewalled by its opponents, who would sooner quit this sublunary Bphere "unknelled, uncoffined, and unknown," than permit such an iniquitous measure to pass ; but. nevertheless, the bill had a comparatively easy time of it. It is true there was a little skirmishing and a few divisions took place, bnt_ all was over by five o'clock, i and tho bill was ready for presentation ! to the "Lords," with a mere scratch or two upon its face. Clause 2 was amended at tho suggestion of Mr. Bryce, making the ! Act to remain in force until the last day of October next, when the Governor, by proclamation, will have power to extond the time i for any period not exceeding three months. Mr. Sheehau's amendment re trial of tho prisoners was nogatived by 38 to 21. In the evoning tho Native Land Sales Bill was resumed upon the second roading. Major To Whooro spoko against it for an hour, and ho, with Me3Bre. Macandrew and D« Lautour, advocated referring the bill to a special committee. The latter gentleman spoke at groat length, dealing out sundry accusations against tho Native Minißtor, and generally condemning tho bill. Ho commented upon the absence of any enunciation of native policy by the Government, and thought Mr. iiryco ought to have come down with a clear and definite statement of policy. He hold that the present bill would tend to demoralise the natives. He went into the Patetere correspondence at great length, and condemned the amount of personal Government displayed by the Native Minister, and tho manner in which he played into tho hands of speculators in his anxiety to Becuro repayment of advancos. Mr. Bryce objected to imputations, whioh could not be proved, being cast upon him ; but Mr. De Lautour retorted that " the House would be the judgo of that." This remark waa received with cheers from ono side, and expressions of dissent from the other. Mr. Do Lautour further accused the Native Minister of illegally negotiating with an European company who wero seeking to acquire the Patetere land. Captain Russull supported the second roading of the bill, reserving to himself the right of moving in Committee certain umondments. Tawhai looked at the bill from a purely jsd point of view. It was, inhis opinion, " a tax upon the Maoris," and therefore ho objected to it. He Baid the Native Minister was like a roaring lion, Booking whom he might devour, and he dovourod tho land and Maoris together. Sir W. Fox objected to the Maori membors opposing every native bill without expressing any opinion as to what should take ita place, and he suggested that a bonus of JJSOO should be offored for tho best device for settling the difficulty. Messrs. Gisborne and Balknce approved the principle of the bill, which was sound, though Mr. Ballanco held that tho provisions must be modified in committee. Mr. Moss and Toinoana having announced their intention to oppose the bill, 35 minutes were lost in discussing tho adjournment of the debate. A division was called for at 1.20 a.m., and tho motion lost by 27 to 18. Mr. Eamlin then moved the adjournment of the House. This, after 20 minutes' further talk, was lost, when Mr. Lundon again moved the adjournment of the debate. This was carried, and on the question being put as to when the debate should be adjourned to there was another round of talking, in which a good deal of personal recrimination took place. Eventually, at 1.45, tho House adjourned till 2.30 p.m. next sitting.