Friday, August 13.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1076, 20 August 1869, Page 3

Friday, August 13.

Amongst other reports brought up yesterday was one from the Privileges Committee, to the effect that Mr. Fox's letter \o Major Brown was not a breach of privilege. Mr. Fox, in answer to a question from Mr. Kelly, said that the Government intended to propose a pension of £100 a year for the widow of the late Rev. John Whiteley. Several bills were advanced a stage, and Mr. Reynolds attempted the life of the Southland Acclimatisation Society's Grant Bill, but failed by 47 to 6. In the evening the Government troops resolutions were reported from committee to the House, and were read a second time. The first four were tljen agreed to, but on the question that the fifth— the Ghoo.rka resolutions — be agreed to, being put, Mr. Stafford moved that it be not agreed to, and complained bitterly that the Government was leading the House blindfolded into expenses the amount of which' it was impossible to calculate, as the Government gave actually no information as. to its intentions. . Mr. Dillon Bell replied, and reiterated statements already frequently made as to the proposed defence policy of the Government. As to the selection of the commissioners, the matter had not as yet been either thought on or talked of by the Government, with the exception of a few casual conversations with members of the House. As to the three names mentioned, the Government had never spoken to Dr. Featherston, and did not know whether he' would be willing to go home or not. No offer had been made to Mr. Wilson by the Government, or even hinted at, and as for himself, he intended to go home. on private business about Christmas, after shearing ; but until the time came he could not say whether he would accept a mission or not, even if offered to him. Mr. Carleton thought the introduction of a foreign race .like the Ghoorkas would have a bad effect on the minds of the friendly natives, who would look on it as an attempt to exterminate them. Mr. Hall made another long speech— about his twenty-fifth on the subject — against the resolutions, and Mete Kingi strongly protested against the Ghoorkas as a murderous people, worse than Hau Haus. They must not be brought here, for the Maoris were very frightened of them. -]Mtr.' Jollie thought the introduction of the Ghoorkas would lead to a war to the knife between us and the Maoris as a race. Mr. Fitzherbert said the Ghoorkas gave no quarter, and he should strongly oppose their introduction, as it would be fatal to all hopes of friendly relations being ever again established between us and the Maoris. lie quite agreed with the rest of the resolutions. Mr. Cracroft Wilson, in rather an excited manner, defended his dearly-beloved Ghoorkas from all the imputations cast upon them, and then, after a few words from Mr. Richmond, the House divided, the resolution being carried by 32 to 29. On a division of 22 to 15,, the bill for forming an Incorporated Law Society was read a second time; and several other bills were advanced a stage, after which the House adjourned.

The following are tbe Government defence resolutions as altered by the amendments of Messrs. Oraiond and Wilson, and which were to-day reported from a committee of the whole House: — (1.) That, in the very threatening aspect of native affairs, the maintenance of a highly disciplined and well organised force has become a matter of imperative necessity. (2.)' That, the presence in Che North Island of ai small body of Imperial troops would greatly; assist the Colony in its' efforts to form and' discipline such a force, and would tend to', check the spread of disaffection amongst the native race. (3.) That, in conformity ■with the above, this House is of opinion' that commissioners should be sent to England'to treat with the Imperial Government for securing the services for the Colony of an Imperial force, not exceeding 1000 men, for a period not exceeding five years ; and this House engages to make provision, in respect of the cost of such force, upon such terms as may be agreed to by the commissioners on behalf of the Colony. (4.) That the commissioners be instructed to lay before the Imperial Government the grounds upon which the Colony feels justified in asking for assistance, and to ascertain to what extent aid, either in men or otherwise, will be afforded. (5.) That the commissioners be also instructed to confer with the Imperial Government and military authorities as to. the description of force, whether Ghoorka Regiments or other body of disciplined men, in addition to the one thousand imperial troops already authorised, it will he most advantageous' for tbe Colony to employ for its defence — it being clearly Understood that such force will be subject to:tlj^c;oritrol. of the Colonial Government ; and that the commissipriers be . empowered ,tq...epnclyde. arrangements for the organisation and employment of such force for a p'er|tid not-exceeding three years,, provided •ithai^tbp whole cost of ittp the Colony does iiot ix^edthe Bum pf £70^000 per annujm.