NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 139, 13 August 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF EEPEESENTATIVES.

Thursday, August 11. DEFERRED PAYMENT LAND. Mr. Bastings moved, That it is desirable in the interest of settlement that the ballot be reverted to under the deferred payment system, and, contingent upon this resolution being carried, that Government be requested to give effect to the same by amending the law bearing upon the subject. — The motion was carried. THE VAGRANT ACT. Mr. Bowen would scout reading the Vagrant Act Amendment Bill as it had come from the Council. He would in Committee propose extensive alterations, such as that flogging should only be inflicted on a Supreme Court sentence, or for a second offence. Messrs. Dick, McLean, and Brown opposed the Bill altogether. Mr. Sutton thought it should be read a second time and be amended in Committee. Mr. Seddon having announced his intention of speaking for an hour against the Bill, the House was counted out at

Friday, August 12. The House met at 2.30. NOTICE OF MOTION.

Mr. Bryce gave notice that on going into Committee of Supply, he would move a further reduction of departmental cost, to the extent of and that the Government be directed during the recess to give effect thereto by means of reduction of salaries, consolidation of offices, and otherwise.

QUESTIONS.

Beplying to questions put, it was stated the Government was aware that the ownership of lands in the Thames district

was passing from natives to speculators, but they could not say it has been alienated to the prejudice of mining interest, and they considered it necessary to push forward the purcnase of certain freeholds from the natives. — Native matters in the Middle Island were under the supervision of Alexander Mackay, and for the translation of documents ample provision would be made by the appointment of licensed interpreters. — The grounds upon which Government gave its assent to the introduction of the Timaru Harbor Board Bill were that it contained other besides endowment proposals, and they did not desire to burk discussion on the subject.

NEW BILLS.

The Patea Harbor Board Borrowing and Eating Bill was introduced by Major Atkinson, and read a first time. Prisons Act 1873 Amendment ; Public Domains ; Friendly Societies, and several other Bills were read a second time.