GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 364, 12 August 1875, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Electric Telegraph.]

{From a correspondent of the Press.) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, August 11. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. THE CONFISCATED LAND. Mr Reeves moved tor a return showing in detail the lands disposed of under the New Zealand Settlements Acts, and regulations issued thereunder, showing in each case the date and terms of disposal, names of purchasers, consideration given, extent and locality of laud disposed of, and date of authority or regulations under which the disposal was made ; also showing the public reserves made of such lands, and the objects for which such reserves wt-Te made, He asked how much of the three millions loan had been returned to the colony from the sale of confiscated lauds. No information was ever given as to the mode in which those lauds were disposed of. He would show by one notable case that large estates were disposed of absolutely contrary to the law as laid down by the Government. One impression the public always understood was that these lands should be set apart for settlement. The country knew very little of the method of the disposal of these lands. To one case he desired to direct special attention, more especially when the Government was pressing great changes which would give them larger powers than they before possessed. There was a large swamp in the centre of the Waikato district which was a tract of most valuable country, containing about 80,000 acres. Not very long ago that land was disposed of to a company of capitalists, in contravention of the law, which requires that all lands should be submitted at the upset price of five shillings per acre. [Hear, hear.] It was disposed of to the company for the virtual sum of 2s 6d per acre —disposed absolutely by private treaty under a private arrange-

merit with the Government. The purchasers were Messrs Thomas Russell and Company. Who the company were he did not know, except the names of two gentlemen assoiated with Mr Russell, who were largely connected with a financial institution closely connected with the financial business of the colony. The manner in which this estate was disposed of is deserving of careful con■adoration on the part of the flouse. This and had been held by the Government from ihe earliest date of confiscation—eight or ten years ago. During that lime the House was repeatedly informed by the Government that peace had been secured at enormous cost to the colony—that a system of public works had been instituted upon the land, by which it would be settled, and a railway would run through the estate or in close proximity to it. Why could not the Government have held the land a little longer, until the railway was made, when its value would have been enormously added to. Why not have improved the estate itself, and nothing could have been easier. Some few years ago when the Government Came into office, the demilitarised force was to be employed in making roads and other public works. In this case why were not the constabulary employed in opening up this valuable tract of land, instead of the Government having ,to give the capitalists £IOOO as a return from their miserable purchase money, to make roads and to virtually drain the swamp. If the funds had not been forthcoming the money could have been taken from the roads north of Auckland loan. Why have made these gentlemen a virtual gift of half a million of money ? He failed to see any reason for dissipating the public estate in that way. He contrasted the mode of dealing with it and had it been dealt with by the Provincial Government, when such a transaction would have been impossible with the approval a Government which administered the land in strict accordance with the law—[OhlJ —which did not drive bargains with capitalists in bank parlors—[Oh !]—where every transaction was fair and open, and every man got justice and fair play. [“No ”] In the Provincial Council it woulo not have happened as it did in the Legislative Council last session, when the matter was referred to, but had not been discussed. He said advisedly had such a charge been brought against the Provincial Government in the Provincial Council from which he came, they would have had a long and stormy debate. The press would have taken the matter up, and if no better defence was made than that made in the Legislative Council last session, the Government would have been charged with being guilty of a gigantic job 'or a wanton waste of the public estate, or been immediately ejected from office. In the Council last year when the question was brought forward, the Premier made the admission that the Government had acted contrary to the law, but in describing two most important parts of the transaction he was inaudible. The Provincial Councils would not have so dealt with the question. How many more transactions of a similar kind there might be on the records it was impossible to say. He had heard there were larger transactions. Returns would be asked for, which would make a fitting conclusion to the system which had been in force for many years of administering these lands, and of which there was no satisfactory record. [Opposition cheers.]

Sir D, McLean said the Government would have the returns prepared. There was not the slightest doubt that the original expectations from the, confiscated lands had not been realised. None of the three million loan had been returned' to the Colonial Treasury, as was expected when the confiscation was first commenced. With reference to the particular transaction under notice, be would at once explain how it arose. The transaction was good, sound, public policy. An application was made by Mr Russell, on behalf of a company, to purchase a tract of swamp country between the Waikato and Taupo. He applied at a lower price than the Government would agree to He (Mr McLean) insisted on the upset price of 5s per acre. Other lands in the district were open at the same price, but none taken up. This particular land required a large expenditure to make it available. Mr Russell’s Company agreeing to make roads to it was one of the reasons which induced the Government to agree to the sale. That was his view of the transaction, which was well for the settlers in the neighborhood who had been much benefitted by the company’s purchase. With reference to Mr Reeves’s observation, that it had been in contemplation to make a railway in that particular locality, if any railway was to be made it must be by the company. The Government advised with the Inspector of Surveys as to the cost of making roads through this swamp, and on his recommendation insisted on the company making roads for wheeled carriages, which have since been converted by the latter into a tramway, thus enhancing the value of the adjacent property. He was certain the Government could not have got better terms than obtained from Mr Russell. The returns that would be presented, would show that the administration of the confiscated lands under his management had been as satisfactory as could be, considering the difficulties encountered.

In answer to Sir George Grey’s query if the transaction was in conformity with the law, Sir D. McLean said the transaction was as yet incomplete, requiring proclamation, which could not be issued until certain native difficulties were overcome. Sir G. Grey complained that equal justice had not been done to the whole of the Queen’s subjects. The motion was agreed to. RETURNS. The sessional returns laid on the table of the area of lands held under depasturing and other leases (exclusive of goldmining), and rents, &c, paid, showed the results up to December 21st, 1874, divided into provincial districts thus—for depasturing purposes,— Auckland, 73,390 acres, rent £00; Taranaki. 04 acres, rent £23 9s ; Hawkes Bay, 181,745 acres, rent £5869s 2d; Wellington, 6800 acres, rent £l2 Is 8d; Nelson, 667,517 acres, rent £4476 6s 6d; Marlborough, 1,035,589 acres, rent £4236 19s Id; Canterbury, 4,839,463 acres, rent £45,020 12s 2d; Westland, 155,000 acres, rent £4lB 11s 8d; Otago, 6,464,218 acres, rent £63,692 lls8d; Southland, 847,823 acres, rent £6843 2s fid. Total, 14,270,622 acres, rent £125,348 18s Id. The total area held under mineral and other leases, excluding gold mining leases, was 8796 acres, an i he rent paid £16 9 4 19s 3d, together with £24 18s royalty. A return showing quantities and value of coal imported into New Zealand for two years ended June 30th,

1875, showed as follows—Auckland, 31,444 tons, value £49,858 ; Thames, 2705 tons, value £4987 ; Wanganui, 130 tons, value £100; Wellington, 70,110 tons.value £122,906; Napier, 6427 tons, value £14,646 ; Nelson, 7736 tons, value £14.98« ; Lyttelton, 66.904 tons, value £125,361 ; Timaru, 7392 tons, value £19,234 ; Oamaru, 4441 tons, value £12,108 ; Dunedin, 54.001 tons, value £71.756 ; Invercargill, 3066 tons, value £5553. Total, 254.359 tons; value, £440,995. QUESTIONS. (1) Mr Montgomery asked the Treasurer if he would lay on the table a statement showing the amount to be charged to each province during the current year to make up the sum of £127,120, for which credit has been taken in the estimate of ways and means, under the head of “ Contributions from land fund for interest on cost of railways completed.” (2) Mr Von CTer Heydb asked upon what grounds it was proposed that a railway wharf, at an estimated cost of £25,800, should be built for the port of Wellington out of colonial funds, whilst at Auckland wharf accommodation required for railway purposes had to be provided by the Auckland Harbor Board out of moneys to be raised under the Harbor Board Act, 1874. (3) Mr Harrison asked if Government vsould lay upon the table a return showing the quantity of coal shipped from each port in New Zealand coastwise, to supplement the papers already placed on the table. (4) Mr Swanson asked what was the position of Meurant’s claim for compensation on account of being deprived of certain lands at Newmarket, near Auckland, which claim the Government promised to investigate two years ago ; also, what the Government intend to do in the matter. In answer, Ministers said—(l) -The information would be supplied as early as possible. (2) There was no harbor board valuably endowed in Wellington, and the Government seeing the necessity for a wharf made provision for it. (4) Judge Fenton’s report on the subject would be laid on the table shortly. first readings. The following Bills were read a first time : —A Bill to provide for- compensation in land to certain tramway owners in Westland Christchurch draining —Wellington Athenaeum Incorporation—Oamaru Waterworks Borrowing—Regulations of Mayoral elections at Blenheim and Auckland. TAXATION. Mr Wakefield’s motion, re taxation, lapsed, FRIENDLY SOCIETIES, Mr Rolleston moved that it is desirable that the provisions of the Friendly Societies’ Act, 1867, whichjrequire action on the part of the Colonial Government, and which have hitherto remained to a large extent inoperative, should receive the immediate attention of the Government. That further provision is required to enable the several societies more effectively to manage their own affairs, especially in respect of registration, the regulation of tables of contributions, a periodical valuation of liabilities, an efficient system of audit, and the securing the proper responsibility of their officers in respect of funds or property entrusted to them. That, in order to secure such provision and fully to ascertain the requirements of the several societies, a draft Bill be prepared and circulated among the friendly societies, inviting their suggestions and concurrence, prior to the next session of Parliament, and that snch Bill should be then submitted to Parliament.” Hon C. O. Bowen replied that the Government would be most happy to accept the suggestions of the member for Avon, because the status of the friendly societies was a matter of great and urgent importance. With regard to the interference of the Government with these societies, that was a very delicate question. Indeed it was a question how far the State should interfere with the action of voluntary friendlysocieties. Seeing the immense interests involved, he thought the societies were entitled to professional assistance from the State, and should have the opportunity,, without being compelled to make use thereof, of some sort of assistance and some check upon the actuaries employed by them. Not very long ago he’ was -much struck by the extreme liberality of a society in a case that came under his notice. A young man in hie employ became suddenly ill, and had recently joined a society. He got from it an amount which astonished him, and he instituted an enquiry as to how such an amount could be given, but had misgivings as to how far the society could really give such assistance. The Government would endeavor to make itself as much acquainted with the subject as possible during the recess, and if they thought it advisable, would bring in a Bill next sessmn. They would disseminate it among the societies and get their opinion upon it, but it might not be advisable to introduce such a Bill next session, because he considered it advisable to be guided by the experience in this matter of the Imperial Parliament. In answer to Mr Swanson. Hon C. C. Bowen said the Government intended to at once introduce a Bill for the punishment of fraudulent officers of societies. THE CONFISCATED LAND. Mr Creighton moved— (l) For a return showing the area of land within the confiscated boundary in each province, and approximate number of Europeans located thereon. (2) The area of confiscated land granted by the Ministry to settlers and others. (3) The area of the confiscated land sold, and the amount in cash and scrip received for the same. And (4) The area of the confiscated land now available for settlement in each province respectively. He expressed the opinion that the three million loan referred to by Mr Reeves was indirectly returning five per cent. THE WARD CHAPMAN CASE. On Sir C. WILSON’S motion for papers relative to the enquiry instituted during the recess by the Government, re the WardChapman business, The Hon C. C. Bowen said the enquiries by the police resulted in their not being able to elicit anything beyond what had been obtained by the committee. The Government therefore did not consider it advisable further to proceed with the matter. Certain officers of the telegraph department who had been guilty of indiscretion had been punished; Sir C. Wilson considered the matter was left in a very unsatisfactory state. SECOND READINGS. The following Bills passed the second reading—Napier Waterworks Loan, Goldfields’ \ct Amendment (No 4), New River Harbor Board Land, Invercargill Gaa Loan Amendment, Taranaki Waste Lands Amendment,

BILL PASSED. The Wellington Corporation Offices Loan Bill passed. [Press Agency.] Wellington, August 12. On the House resuming at 7.30, Mr Luckie addressed the House at considerable length. He ridiculed the puerile attempts of the Provincial Councils to imitate Parliaments, but at the same time admitted that they have performed some good work. He referred to the second. Taranaki war, and paid a tribute ,of praise to the policy of Sir G. Grey (then Governor), who advocated the very best policy regarding the dealings with natives, viz, that of ternporising. [Reverting to the Provincial Governments the first blow was the new Provinces Act, and the second the consolidation of loans, but the third and greatest of all was the public works policy. He considered an old Parliament was more competent to deal with the abolition question than a new one. Those who objected appeared to him like asking a child to perform the duty of a man. He was supported by the opinions of Messrs Disraeli, Gladstone, Todd, and others on this point. Re Auckland province, a true Provincial Government had discharged its liabilities and had a balance to its credit, but at the expense of stopping all public works, and merely paying departmental expenses. He deprecated delay in passing the Government Bills, and considered nothing could be gained. He combatted Sir G. Grey’s argu-, ment that because the average taxation was £4 12s per head, therefore the labourer with a wife and four children paid £27 per annum taxation. This was perfectly delusive, as though £4 12s might be the average, the poor labourer did not pay that amount. Be the Upper House and its want of affinity with the mass of the people, he was surprised that Sir G. Grey, who framed the constitution, and who therefore provided for a nominee Chamber, and who himself had nominated many of the present members, should now sneer at ,his own creation, he was surprised at Sir G. Grey’s bad taste. With regard to thesupposed programme of the Opposition, he had no objection to a property-tax, especially where it affects absentees, and concluded by saying that from his twelve years’ colonial experience, he had come to the conclusion that it would be impossible to carry out their great policy to a successful issue, if they were subject to all the antagonism of the Provincial Governments. Mr Montgomery followed. He considered the Bill an imperfect measure, though it contained many good provisions. He doubted the possibility of the general revenue yielding £1 per £1 to Local Boards. If the land fund has to pay interest on the loan, how would it be with provinces having no land fund ? About this they had no sufficient information. He did not think that the municipalties would have been so enthusiastic in favour of the Government proposals if such large inducements had not been held out to them. The policy of the Government like a cupping of the provinces. It was an attempt on their land fund. He then gave calculations tending to show the Bill was not one to meet the requirements of the outlying districts. He instanced Bank’s Peninsula, which last year received £9,252 from the Provincial Government, but under the provisions of the Bill would only have received £2OOO. The other Boards would be treated similarly. He concluded by saying that while he was fully convinced that some constitutional change was necessary, he thought a Bill of this importance should be delegated to the decision of the people, and he would therefore vote against the second reading, and if it was carried and goes into committee, he will endeavour to effect amendments. Mr Tribe had somewhat changed his views since last session, but not in the same way as Mr Header Wood. Last session he said he thought it would be sufficient for the Government to bring the Abolition Bill to a second reading than let it go to the country, but since then, and from what he knew and heard of the feeling of the country generally, he was now convinced the Government would be absolutely criminal if they did not during the present session push on to completion their several measures. The country is ripe for them, and great injury would accrue to from any long delay. Mr Gibbs will vote for the second reading, but preserves the right to vote as he may deem right in what Government propose to substitute in their place. Abolition will be a boon to the colony for Provincial Govern ments have fulfilled their destiny. From his remarks apparently the speaker does not approve of all the provisions of the Bill, but hopes it will be amended in committee. The debate then adjourned, and is to be resumed on Friday at 2.30.