PARLIAMENT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 255, 31 May 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPBESENTATIVES. Tuesday, May 30. sir john hall.

Mr. Sheehan, in complimentary terms, moved a resolution congratulating Sir John Hall on his knighthood, and expressing a hope that he would long be spared to enjoy the distinguished honor conferred on him by his Sovereign in recognition of his long and honorable public life.

Mr. Macandrew seconded, and Major Atkinson and Mr. Montgomery supported. Sir John Hall, in acknowledging, expressed a hope that his public life was only interrupted, not finished.

QUESTIONS.

In reply to questions, the Government promised to provide for the exploration of the Fiord country, and intended to refer the question of preventing obstruction in the House to the Standing Orders Committee.

ADDRESS IN REPLY.

The House adjourned for a short time to enable the Address in Reply to be presented to the Government.

NEW BILLS.

The Employment of Females Act Amendment Bill (Green) and a Bill to make other provisions for the election of school committees (Mr. Steward) was introduced and read a first time.

CHAIRMAN OP COMMITTEES.

The Hon. Major Atkinson proposed Mr. Hurat as Chairman of Committees, a position he was well qualified to fill, from his Auckland Provincial Council experience and general qualification. Sir John Hall seconded the. motion, expressing his full assurance that Mr. Hurst would prove a satisfactory chairman.

Mr. Hurst begged that his name might be withdrawn, as he found that provincial, and other- jealousies still existed against him. The Hon. Major Atkinson with regret to the request, and substituted the name of Mr. Hamlhh

Mr. Pish severely blamed the Government for vacillation and needless delay in this matter. Their change of front was embarrassing to the House. He thought tho election should not be a party matter, and as an independent member he proposed Mr. Thomson as chairman, as he had had great experience in the Otago Provincial Council, and was also an old member of the House.

Mr. De Lautour seconded Mr. Thorneon.

Mr. Smith regretted that the action of the Government compelled him to vote against Mr. Hamlin. Mr. J. C. Brown supported the nomination of Mr. Thomson at some length. Mr. McKenzie rejoiced that the Govornment was not making this a party queßtion, as it left him free to support Mr. Thomson.

Mr. George eaid the question w^s a party one, and it was all nonsense saying it was not. He would therefore have to vote for Mr. Thomson.

The House divided, anil Mr. Hamlin was elected by 44 to 41. At the evening sitting, on, going into committee of supply, Mr^ Hamlin thanked the House for his election. •

INPREST SUPPLY. . -.

An Imprest Supply Bill for £300,000 was passed through all stages; Major Atkinson announcing that he won Id deliver his financial statement onTuesdav next

WEST COAST PEACE BILL.

Mr. Shoohan then resumed the itetijUo on the West Coast Peace Preservation Bill, warmly approving of the Native policy of the Government, which horwas glad to hear Mr. Bryco now for tho first timo acknowledge was a continuanco of that initiated by himself in the . Groy Government. Neither tho preseut Government, nor tho Grey Government was responsible for the native difficulty, thai responsibility rested on Sir Donald McLean in having neglected to follow up Colonel Whitmore's election in 1869, afterwards in holding out delusive hopes to the natives of getting back their lands* actually evon paying for some. The public safety was the first law, and that safety demanded that Te Whiti should not at present be allowed to return to Parihaki. This was noi a party question, and ho heartily supported this and the Indemnity Bill. Mr. Moss opposed the Bill very strongly, quoting largely from Sir W. Fox's report to show how badly used the natives had been, and that the confiscation had been practically abandoned. Te Whiti should be tried in course of law, and bis guilt or innocence proved. Mr. Montgomery spoke at length to the same effect, and strongly objected to tho House stepping in to prevent To Whiti receiving justice at the hands of a jury. To pass the Bill would be to place a blot on the history of New Zealand, which would afterwards be regarded with sorrow and shame.

Major Te Wheoro contended for Te Whiti's right to a fair trial, and remarked that Te Whiti had been the best Mend Government had. Mr. Stevens supported the Bill. Te Whiti might not have deserved imprisonment, but certainly it would be most dangerous -to allow him to return to Parihaka; and as such course might cause a general native war, a foreign travel, if it could bo arranged, would be the best thing for him. To settle the native difficulty, the individualisation of title and simplification of native land court procedure was essential.

Mr. Daniel opposed the Bill as contrary to the spirit of English law; ami Captain McKenzie, Mr. Hobbs, and Mr. Watt supported it. On the motion of Mr. Holmes, the debate was adjourned, and the House rose at 12.15 to this afternoon.