House of Representatives.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 244, 23 October 1901, Page 2

House of Representatives.

The House met at ti.nO pan. COUNTIES HILL DKOI'I'KD. The Committee on the Counties Bill repotted that they had resolved not to proceed any further with that measure. After a short debate, the report was ordered to lie on the table, and the evidence to be printed. MAORIS AND DRINK. With regard to a petition that a full inquiry be made into certain allegations as to excessive drinking said to be indulged in by the Maoris in the Taranaki district at tangis, etc., the l'libhc Petitions Committee recommended that legislation be introduced with, a view of restricting the sale of alcoholic liquors to the native race. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers stated that no steps would be taken in regard to the proposal to impose an expert duty on bulk timbor until after the Sawmillers’ Conference had considered the question. That it was the intention of the Government to submit proposals to the .House for a line of steamers to run between New Zealand and South Africa. If the House went as far as to subsidise the line to the extent of Xbo,ooo a year the service would Ibe worth it. The Government wore in the meantime ascertaining what could lie done. Vessels of the " tramp ” class were wanted, and it would also bo necessary to establish coo! stores at the Cape. That the Government was not m a position at present to state what steps they proposed to take to meet the altered position of small farniars as the outcome of the Commonwealth tariff.

That by-laws were being passed by the Maori Councils to enable them to put a stop to excessive drinking among the natives at tangis, etc. It might be necessary to pass an Act this session giving the Maori Councils more power in that respect. The Hoit. Mr Carroll would make personal inquiries into the matter after the close of the session and discuss .he subject with the natives. The House rose at o.:!0.