PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 5230, 9 December 1879, Page 1

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Monday, December 8. The Council met at the usual hour. The Hon. Colonel Whitmore gave notice to move that the Agent-General ought to he appointed for a limited term, fixable by Parliament. Mr Whitaker’s General Harbor Act Amendment Bill was read a first time. Among the reports tabled was one on the petition of Te Oneone re the Kinross case, Rum ■kes Bay, The report recommends the Council to allow its officers to appear and give evidence in any future action regarding the case, or the Council itself to institute proceedings against Kinross. A long debate ensued, which was continued until the adjournment at 4.45,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Monday, December 8. The House met at 7.30, Mr Hislob gave notice of motion to the effect that it is incompatible with the office of Agent-General for the Colony to take part in Imperial politics, Mr Kelly asked the Government if it was true that Rewi had gone to Te Kuiti dissatisfied with the present Government. The Hon. Mr Bryce said he did not think so. The Government had been informed of his intention to visit Te Kuiti, and, as he was an invalid, at his request had provided him with a carriage to convey him to his canoe. He (Mr Bryce) had inquired re the letter in the newspaper, and found it was not from Rewi but from some one in the Waikato, Major Te Wiieoro said the letter was from a friend of his, and stated that Rewi was dissatisfied with the Government, and would not return to the European side ; and those chiefs who turned out Grey must bo left to themselves. The Hon. Mr Rolleston, in reply to Mr Gisborne, said ample barrack accommodation had been provided for all classes of immigrants arriving in the Colony. The Premier, in reply to Mr Gisborne, said it was not advisable to lay the telegram re the loan on the table at present. Its purport was the same as published. The Premier, in reply to Mr Fisher, said Mr Penrose Julyan’s retirement as Crown Agent for the Colony was not consequent on any difference with the New Zealand Government. He retired with a pension. The Premier, in reply to Mr Macandrew, said he would to-morrow state what measures would be proceeded with this session, The Government was most anxious to get the session ended. Mr Macandrew suggested that the business not disposed of should be brought on in the same order next session. In reply to Mr Sodden, The Hon. Mr Bryce said there was no intimation on the part of the Government to go to war with the Maoris. They were as anxious to avoid it as the newspapers weie.

The Land Tax and Customs Duties Amendment Bills were read a first time. The Revision of Statutes Bill was read a second time. The Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners Trial Bill, adjourned debate on the second reading, caused some discussion. The object of the Bill is to give power to try the Maori prisoners whenever the Government think proper. Mr Sheehan spoke of the danger of releasing the Maoris without trial, and the importance of taking the powers sought in the Bill. The Hon. Mr Bryce supported this view, stating that if the House insisted upon the trial of the prisoners next month, according to the existing arrangement, he should resign his office, as he would not undertake the responsibility. It would be dangerous to release them now. Sir George Grey opposed the Bill. A division on the second reading was then taken with the following result: —Ayes, 57 ; noes, 12. The House then went into committee on the Bill.