NOTES AND GOSSIP FROM THE LOBBIES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4285, 21 July 1899, Page 2

NOTES AND GOSSIP FROM THE LOBBIES.

Speaking on the looal Option Bill Mr McGuire said he thought such an important proposal as was contained in the Bill should be referred to the people by way of the referendum. The Parliamentary correspondent of the Ha wke's ßay Herald says: — "The leader of the Opposition enlightened the members of the House whilst speaking on the Lands for Settlement Aot Amendment Bill as to the reasons for the purchase of the Hatuma estate (Hawke's Bay}. Captain Russell warmly declared that the Government had a grudge against the owner of that property, and for political reasons they had taken the whole of the estate. The trustees offered the Government sufficient for settlement, but Ministers refused their offer and insisted o_ taking the whole lot. They refused| to allow them to retain a single acre, and the owner was driven off the land without being allowed to retain a single acre. This was a case in which the Government interfered themselves over and above the Board. He had the very best authority for his statements, and he challenged the Premier to deny them. Captain Bussell repeated that he had the very best authority for the statements he made respeoting this property, and he challenged denial of them from the Premier."

Mr Holland presented a curious petition from Charles Wesley Butler praying for a fall inquiry as to the reason of his detention in the Auckland lunatic asylum. He brought up a further petition from Caroline Hinsch and 711 others also praying for this inquiry.