HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 29, 21 July 1880, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, July 16.

Sir George Grey condemed the Native Prisoners Bill as violating every principle of law. He said it was the most unjust measure ever proposed under such circumstances to a Legislature. It also placed the Government hi a false position, making them an instrument to keep innocent men hi gaol without a trial. While Sir G. Grey was speaking, the Premier was apparently correcting a "Hansard" proof, and Sir G. Grey suddenly stopped, declaring he would not proceed till the Premier was attending. He then remained standing silent for upwards of an hour. The members, in the meantime, were rising to all sorts of points of order, but the acting-Speaker ruled that no. one else <jould interrupt- Sir G. Grey while he remained standing, and that there was no rule to make him speak. At length a chair was obtained to prop Sir G. Grey up. After a most extraordinary scene, Major Atkinson declared that the Premier had been attending and taking notes aU along; and as Sir G. Grey remained silent but standing, the acting Speaker asked him to give way to him, which he did, and Mr. Seymour then left the chair for half-an-hour. On resuming, Mr. Hall declared that he had been attending all the tinfte, when

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Sir G. Grey expressed regret that the Statement had not been made before, and proceeded with his speech, asserting that the Governor had solemnly promised a deputation of Maori members that the prisoners should be tried. ' He appealed to them as Christian gentlemen to oppose the bill. Mr. . Tawhai gave an account of his connection with the West Coast Commission. He refused to act, because Sir W. Fox and Sir-F. D. Bell were responsible

for much of the past trouble. The Go- ** ' vernmerit boasted of a bold policy, and 11 ' yet were afraid to let 180 men return to a district where there were 800 soldiers. The action of the Government was calculated to drive the whole native race into rebellion. Sir W. Fox denied that Sir F. D. Bell or hnuself were responsible for any of the past native troubles. He had been the Leatlof tliepeftce-at-any-price party. The . .Acts p&SBeA for foe suppression oS l-ebeftion when Sir George Grey wns Governor were far more cruel and arbitrary than the present bill. Mr. Sheehan supported the Bill as in accordance with the policy of the late Government. It was to the interests of the prisoners and the peace of the colony that "the Bill should pass. Were the prisoners dismissed, however, it should only be after the trial; as he did not believe Te Whiti was over anxious for peace, and to release these men now meant., war. Mr. De Lautour opposed the bill. Mr. Reader Wood-strongly condemned - it, and. did not believe there would be any danger in releasing the prisoners. Major Atkinson said the release of the prisoners meant war, and he would not remain an hour longer in office if the bill • was thrown out. ' Mr. Moss opposed, and Colonel Trimble supported the bill. Mr. Hall moved the . adjournment of the debate.