General Assemblg of New Zealand.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 548, 15 August 1865, Page 5

General Assembly of New Zealand.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [JHOM OUR SPECIAL nBPOBTEB.] FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1865. The Speaker took "the chair at twelve o'clock. After the usual prayers, the Clerk read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were duly confiimed. OBDEB PAPERS. Mr. Dillon Bell called the attention of the House to the fact of the non-distribution of the order papers. He hoped some steps would be taken to have them distributed among the members before the opening of the House. The hon. F. A. "Weld said the Government wera in exactly the same predicament, and they had sent down a very strong message respecting them to the printers. PETITIONS. Mr. Oejtond presented a petition from several Maoris at Hawke's Bay. Petition received. MlJHires OF THE BEV. MR. VOLKNER. Mr. Ceachoft Wilso.v, C. 8., asked whether it is true that Mr. Volkncr was openly assassinated in consequence of his having communicated to his Excellency, copies or originals of a treasonable correspondence on the part of an European then residing in the colony, and if so, whether any provision has been made for his widow for life or for the period of her widowhood, and for his children, until they come of age. In asking this question, he said that the reason he asked it was for the sake of those whom the murdered man had left behind. A rumour was current, that the reason of his murder was the same as was alleged in the question. When he was in India, a law was current there, that when a murder had been committed the family of the murderer Bhould maintain any persons who were dependent on tho murdered man.

The lion. I'. A. Weld said, that owing to au order paper not having in his hands until that moment, he had not known that the question would be asked. He had seen one letter from the assassins of Mr. Volkner, and they did not in the least allude to any such reason as his lion, friend had spoken of. He was aware of the circumstances to which he referred, for lie had had a conversation with his Excellency the Governor about it, and his Excellency stated that the Rev. Mr. Volknor liad communicated information to the Governor as to a letter, not written by a European, nor shown to any European, a letter which had been conveyed by a European from Wi Thompson to Opotiki, and the Rev. Mr. Volkner thought that the letter was one calculated to inflame the minds of the natives, but he believed the European was not cognisant of the contents of the letter. The antecedents of the European in qaei« tion were such as would preclude the idea of him not disclosing to tho Governor anything of that naturo. The natives had written one very insulting letter against missionaries and white people in general, and threatened all kiuds of vengeance, but they did not allude to this matter. "With regard to pensions, tho Government had not considered that question at all. It would open a large field of pensions at once, if the widows and children of those murdered were to have pensions, and the Government had not thougho it their duty to commence that system. Mr. Crackoit Wilson".—Could not the estate of the murderers be made over to them ? r.U'EKS. The hon. F. A. Weld laid on the table, further papers relative to the loans of tho Province of Southland. PROVINCIAL AUDIT ACT. Mr. Carleton said the Provincial Audit Act since it was amended, had been an inoperative one. The only cure that he knew of to make it ope-ative, was to enablo the law to get at the Superintendent himself and make him amenable. He referred the Mouse to the Ist and 2nd George 1., on this subject, which he *aid was applicable to the case. He a-ikod the hon. member at the head of the • Government, whether it be the intention of tho Government to amend and make effective " The Provincial Audit Act."

The lion. F. A. Wild hoped the hon. member would excuse him it' lie said that he did not know of this question until a few minutes before. Ho could not make out the remarks lie had made in consequence of the noif-e in the House. He hoped the hon. member would defer his question for a few days until he could consider the question. Question deferred accordingly. I'ArERS. The hon. Colonial Treasures laid on the table a statement of the receipts and expenditure of the revenue of New Zealand up to the 30th. June, 1866 ; also, a despatch from the Secretary of State, respecting the presentation of a Victoria Cross. 11E1'EAL OF THE MILITIA ACT. The Hon. Major Atkinson" moved for leave to bring in a bill to repeal " The Militia Act, 1858," and " The Militia Acts Amendment Act, 1860-1861," and to make other provisions in lieu thereof. And said, in moving the motion standing in his name, he would state that the bill was not quite ready for distribution among the members. If the House would allow him to bring in the bill to-day, he would not press the second reading for a few days, until members had seen and considered it. He also intended to bring in a Volunteer Act. Leave was granted. Bill read a first time, and ordered to be printed and to be read a second time on Thursday next.

CONSOLIDATION- OF PROVINCIAL LOANS. This bill was withdrawn for the present, in consequence of containing a clause for the appropriation of money. The Speaker ruled, in reference to these matters, that the bill had an equivalent in one which had been passed by the Imperial Parliament. The mode of procedure then was aa follows : —Leave was given to bring in a bill on the same day ; it was printed and read a first time, nnd ordered to be read a second time on tho Ist May, and referred to a committee of 21 members. On the 6th June the committee presented its report, and the bill, as amended, was ordered to be printed, and was re-committed to a committee of the whole House. The committee to consider the propriety of authorising the payment of the monies therein specified. The Chancellor of thcExcliequerthen by her Majesty's command, stated that her Majesty recommended the clause to the consideration of the House. lie (the Speaker) found that he was in some measure -wrong in ruling that the bill wliich they had before their consideration a few days ago, could not be proceeded with. It ought to hive been drafted in a different form. The appropriating clause should have been in italics. But with regard to those bills containing appropriating clauses, the House could proceed up to the stage of going into committee. Ihe Houso might resolve itself into a committee of the whole to consider that clause, and then some of his Excellency's Ministers might rise and notify to tho House that the Governor authorised them to go on with the appropriating clause.

NATIVES COMMISSION" Bill,. The ATTonNEr-Gr.KEEAL moved the second reading of this bill in accordance with the above ruling of the Speaker. Mr. Stafford said that a3 there was a very thin attendance of membera in the House, it would hardly be fair to the absent members to proceed -with the bill. He would saggest. that it should bo made an order of the day for some future day. The Attorney-General agreed with tlie remarks of the lust speaker. WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. The Attorney - Genkhal moved That Mr. Croshi 1 Ward's name be added to the Waste Lands commit tee. Carried. STANDING OIUJKUS COMMITTEE. Mr. CakU-TON' moved, " That Mr. Wells and ■Re'-noUs be appointed to th' Joint Committee of ~tiindina Order-." Mr. Dili.os Belt, said that he thought 2t very strange 011 the part of the hon. member (Mr. CarleSon) that he had not placed his (Mr. Bell's) nam* oa this Committee, as lie was on that r °;» mlttee session. He also called his attention tn the fact, that one of the members of the proposed ® member of the Audit Committee, and tho St * n ° l "£ o" cxprcrfv stated tlmt no member serving on UMcis t\l»i . ho liable to on any £ A o He thought it a personal slur on I other Conmutlee. He luft ses , ilm . I Amoved, as'an amendment, that the name of Mr. I Stafford be substituted m place thereof.

■a. 1 = The Speaker ruled that ho was out of order. His course would be to negative the motion, and give notice of motion for the change of names.

Mr. Staffokb declined the honor. Mr. Dillon Bell moved that tho selection of the Committee bo proceeded with by ballot. The SrE.' KER said he would not be able to put the motion, as it was contrary to tho standing orders.

Mr. Colf.nso thought the House ought to pause before interfering with the selection made by the Chairman of Committee, which he had 110 doubt, was made after due consideration.

Mr. Reynolds was surprised at tho remarks made by his hon. friend, the member for Wallace. His remarks led tliern to infer that both Mr. Wells and himself (Mr. Reynolds) were untit to undertake the duties of the committee. He hoped that bis name would not now be put down tor the committee. The Attornet-Gksehal said it was very important that tho members of this committee should bo interfered with as little as possible, as it was a committee which required the attention of members ■who were thoroughly acquainted with their duties. He suggested that the debate bo adjourned till Tuesday. . , Mr. Carleton desired to oiler a few remarKs. The hon. member for Wallace seemed to have got up in a fault-finding mood. Tho hon. member omu fault with the nomination of Mr. Wells, uiasmuc 1 as be was on the Audit Committee. Tho fact was, tlia this motion was on the paper before the election ot the Audit Committee. The animus displayed bj the hon. member arose from something which too ~ p adjust session, when the hon. member found himself as nothing on the commifce. Although a member ol the committee, he acted the part ol an advocate with regard to a particular bill. The Speaker regretted tho tone of the debate, but he could not stop 'the remarks of the Chairman of Committees, as he was only making a personal explanation. . . , Mr Carleton contended the truo grief was, that he had hindered that hon. member Inst ses.-lou, ir.llll acting as lie ought not, Piid interposed Ins au hon y as chairman of Committees. Mr. Bell also made a statement in the House with reference to himself, which was not quite correct. He was willing to consent to ail adjournment of the date, anil postponed the next two motions. Mr. Dillon Bei.l said Mr. Carleton was wrong 111 stating that he was opposed to any bill last session, and he could not conceive the grounds on which the hon. member made that statement. The debate was then adjourned till Tuesday next.

TREATMENT 0? A KAIIVK CHIEF. Mr. Fitzgerald was about to ask a question about the treatment of a native 'iliief,_ taken prisoner at the Wereroa pah ; but, as Sir. A\ eld was not 111 his place, the question was postponed till next sitting day.

ELECTRIC TELEGBAI'H. Mr. Stafford moved — "For copies of all contracts for the erection of an Electric Telegraph, and of all correspondence between the Government, the Telegraphic Engineer, and other person) relating thereto. He said he wished to call the attention of Government to this subject, that they might have an opportunity of enquiring into the circumstances of the contract for o portion of the posts between InvercargiU and Nelson. He (Mr. Statlord) had not seen the contract himself, but li 9 knew the present MinUti} were not responsible for it, as it was entered into before they took oQice ; nor did he know the character of the correspondence he moved for (but last session in consequence of information, lie (Mr. £*tailord) believed correct, he drew the attention of Government to the fact, that they were quite worthless. The work would consequently be verv expensive a thing to be avoided in the present financial sta'e of the colony. As the House had provided for the work in previous sessions, it should be well done, eo that they mi"ht not be called on in future years for large sums repairs. The wood 11 50 d was clnetly milk wood, which had not grown to maturity, was unlit to put into the ground, and was very little more durable than a bulrush. Even the birch posts were saplings only, and equally unsuitable for being put into the ground. He (ifr. fetatiord) would also call ilniisters' attention to the fact that t::e posts were too far apart, from which, it was to be feared, that ill consequence of the strain, the wires would come into contact with the ground, and the communication ■would be stopped. The execution of the work required the most careful supervision 011 the part of gome ofilcer ofthe Government. He (Mr. Statlord) trusted that the Government —if they had not already d one s0 would think it right to direct their attention to that portion of the line not yet erected ; as, if the work was conducted as hitherto, the result would be great waste of the Government money and great disappointment. The Government would understand that he (Mr. Stafford) aid not wish to 'attribute any blame to them, for it was not their contract, although they might have contributed to the increase of the mischief by neglect, but he was not desirous to state thev had done so. Sir. FitzoEhald seconded the motion. He said the work was very unsatisfactory. The expense at all times of keeping telegraphic wires in repair was very great; and in this country, where the wires had to pass through land without roads and with no signs of civilisation, the expense would be enormously greater than in England, where the poles were placed along the railroads. He (Mr. Fitzgerald) was sorry that the Government, in making the telegraph, did not make it of mateiials which would "not decay at all. (Hear, hear.) When he wa3 in England, he was instructed to see about eome poles for Cante'bury, and saw some with cast iron bases, but the upper part of wrought iron. They would outlast whole generations of wooden poles. They were not altogether satisfactory however, because they were not sufficiently strong in the upper part. The work should be dor.e in as permanent a manner as possible. He trusted the Postmaster-General, who would probably reply on this question, would al-o inform the House what had been done with regard tn the cable to connect the Northern and Middle Islands ; whether it had been ordered from England, and when it would be ready ? The Post.m Asteß-Ge.v kita 1. said the Government were indebted to Mr. Stafford for bringing this matter forward. In last session the question appeared of so grave a character that he (the Postmaster-General) considered it desiiable immediately after tho session to place himself in communication with the manager of the work. There had a great deal of correspondence on the subject. (The Postmaster-General here read some of the letters, from which it appeared that the manager had authority to depart from the specification.) On passing afterwards to head-quar-ters at Wellington, he (the Postmaster-General) was struck by seeing a vast number of poles at Picton, and called the manager's attention to them. He (the Postmaster-General) considered the posts perfectly worthless. He measured them and examined tho heart, and found they were of 110 good whatever. He would obtain the letters sent to the manager and incorporate them with his answers. With regard to tho question of the lion, member for EUesmere (Mr. Fitzgerald) instructions had been given at home for 30 or 40 miles of cable, not to be carried out without the highest professional advie o The route had been surveyed by Mr. Balfour, and the cable would cost altogether £20,0"0 ; £10,000 for the first cost, and £10,000 bringing it out, laying it down, and other incidental expenses.

Sir. Eyes spoke as to the worthless character of the posts, and suggested that wooden posts with iron sockets would, perhaps, be an improvement on iron oneg.

Mr. C. WiT-Son', (!.T3., asked if it would not be possible to obtain manuka on the lino. Ho also said that the effect of having wooden posts witli iron sockets would be, that the wood would decav through rain getting between it and the iron. Iron posts ■would be best, but tho expense would, probably, be too groat for the Colony.

The hon. F. A. Welj> said it might havo been possible to get manuku in a short p:a-t of the line but unless inanuka had a heart, it was worthless. He •would remind the House that the Postmaster-Gene-ral had found the contract made and the posls on the ground when he came into office. He agreed with the hon. member for Ellesmere, that iron posts •would have been cheaper in the long run than wooden ones.

Mr. Stafi'Ohd protested against any great outlay •of money in the present embarnssed circumstances ol' the colony, to meet which, additional taxation was proposed. The hon. F. A. Weld said there was a money ivote. Mr. Stafkg.hd said lie was not a Ware of it. The hon. F. A. Weld also paid that there was an allocation for the purpose, in this Loan Appropriation Act.

Mr. Stafford said, there was an end of the matter 'then. He merely wished to protest at ]>resent against ■i.oy unnecessary financial outlay.

On the question being put, the motion was ordered. POSTAL SERVICE. The Postmaster-General stated, in reply to an lion, member with regard to the late non-arrival of tho mail by tho Tararua, that Captain Tine Hall said lie had advertised his time of sailing at 5 p.m. and lmd waited till 8 p.m. when no mail had arrived. Ho (the Postmaster-General) would take an early opportunity of seeing that belter arrangements were made. MURDER OF. Mil HEWITT, 01' WANGANUI. Mr. Ckachoft Wilson, 0 B , moved for all papers connected with the murder of 111*. Hewitt, ofWangauui, and in doing so suid, that if murders were not avenged, encouragement was given to commit further murders. He would mention a circumstance to show the feelings of the natives with respect to unavenged murders. Some throe years since a gentleman was residing on the anganui River A\ho had married a woman of the native race. hen fear w as coming over the settlers in the outskirts of Wanganui in consequence of the native rebellion, this gentleman asked his wife if she was afraid. She replied, "Do you thinlc I am an English woman, and that if a hair of my head is hurt, my tribe will not rise to avenge me."" He (Mr. C. Wilson) had understood that Mr. Hewitt was a member of the Provincial Council, and presumed he was a man of mark in Wanganui. I order was to be maintained in New Zealand, tho perpetrators of such murders should be discovered and punished. The friendly natives had done wonders, and judging by analogy from the experience ho had in that land (India), where his best years had beiii spent, ho would say that by means of them it would not be ditlicult to discover these murderers. He presumed any correspondence on the subject would be laid 011 the table. Keturn ordered.

WILI.IAM THOMPSON'S riTITtoN. Mr. Bmome postponed the motion standing in his name with respect to tho unconstitutionality of the Legislature receiving communications from persons in a state of rebellion, till Tuesday (to-day), when he will move it as an amendment to a resolution by Mr. Fitzgerald same subject. HEI'HESENTATION 01' SIOUTHLANI). Mr. Dillon 15ell moved that the petition of tho Speaker of the Provincial Council of Southland for a further representation in the House be printed. Carried. petitions or soi'thlanh settef.ks. Mr. Dili.ov Bell moved that, the petitions of cer* tain settlers and runliolders of the Province of Southland, 011 the subject of .the Land Law of that province. be printed, and referrod to .the Waste Lands Commissioner. Carried.

LANn rt'KCHjLSKS IN OTAGO. Mr. Wayne moved, " For a return of the number of purchasers, as well as the acreage bought by them, in " the Province of Otago, between the -Ith of January and the sth of April, ISG>. Also, for all correspondence on the subject between the Colonial Secretary and the Superintendent of Otago, or between the Colonial Secretary and the Commissioner of Crown Lands in that province, not already laid on the table." lie said that at the end of last year the Provincial Government of Otago, in order to meet their liabilities, sold certain lands under 11 proclamation, which he (Mr. Wayne) considered illegal.

Mr. Reynolds said this was entirely a Provincial matter. The proclamation was no doubt illegal, but. no advantage could be gaiued by the interference of the General Government.

The Postvaster-Genekal said ho was not aware if the papers were 111 any of the oiliees. .Mr. Wayne, in reply to hon. members, said lie had reason to believe the papers could be obtained. He thought this was 'decidedly a ease in which the General Government should interfere. (lU'ar, hear.) Keiurn ordered.

11AV or ISLANDS SETTLEMENT COMMITTEE. On the motion of Mr. Cab:-i:ton, Mr. Domett was appointed to this committee. r.-.TirioN' or hghki'a tamaiiiengia ajii other.-. Mr. Dii.lon" Peli. moved that this petition be refenv 1 to the Private Grievance Committee, but as Mr. .Tollie said he had not seen it, he afterwards postponed the motion till Tuesday (this day.)

MASTKII3 ANII SERVANTS BILI. (SECOND HEADING.)

The Attorn'ky-CtEnebat,, in moving the second reading, said that the bill was prepared somewhat on the model of similar bills in force on the same subject in the .Australian colonies, but the Act of Victoria, from which, he believed, this was remodelled, was somen hat more stringent on the servants. As the details would require great consideration, he would, if the bill was read a second time, propose that it should be referred to a select committee.

llr. J. O'Nkii.l said he hoped the Government would allow modifications to be made in detail, for lie found that two justices in a private parlor could do with a servant whatever they thought proper. Such business should be done in open court. In conclusion, Mr. J. O'Seill said he thought this matter would have been better left to the Provinces, as the servants brought out to some districts might be very different from those in othe::s, but he would vote for the second reading, on the understanding that alterations would be made in the details.

Mr. CliAcaorT Wilson' st.id he presumed that the meeting of two or more justices, referred to in tho bill, would not take place in a private parlour. After a few more observations, he said ho would vote for the second reading.

Mr. Jouv Willi ohon said he certainly thought the General Government should legislate in this matter, for it would bo desirable to have tho same law oil over the colony on this subject. He would vote for the second reading, but he quite agreed with Mr. J. O'Neill, that modifications in tho clauses would be desirable.

Mr. i'iT/.r;E]£Ai.i> begged leave to movo that the Bill should be read a second tiino that day six months. He regretted Unit the second reading had come 011 so soon, as now he could not go so fully ju.'o the subject as he otherwise would havo done. It was a Bill which went so completely in an opposito direction to that which any Hill ought to ; it was a Hill so entirely a retreat from the principle to which legislation »vas tending in the present civilised age ; it went back so much (if he might so speak) to the dark ages, that he hoped the House would throw it out. lie could hardly say that the relations between master and servant were satisfactory, for it was doubtful whether the old Acts in England, which settled those relations, were in forcc in this Colony or not. He knew that many Justices of the Peace were in the habit of giving judgments according to these Acts, and he also knew that sorao Magistrates did not consider them binding in the Colony. It was true that in other Colonies Masters' and Servants' Acta had been passed, and there was no doubt that the spirit of the legislation proposed was kindred to that of the other Colonies; hut ho would remind tho House that legislation theie hud been tainted to a certain extent by the presence of a convict population, and by the existence of a kind of slavery in the form of convict labor. Itu was also aw.re that if this Bubject was traced back in the law of England, the House would find th.it tho relation between milßter and servant had been regarded by the law of England as different from any ordinary contract, but still they all knew that in the early times of history the idea of slavery had entered into all relations of service. Age after age, however, this idea has been gradually disappearing from the Statute Book in (lie onward march of civilization, and people were arriving at Uie economical conclusion that human labour wan nothing more than an artielo of commerce, like cheese, Imtler, or potatoes, and its purchase and sale ought to he guided by 110 other law than that which guided tho ordinary transactions of commerce. l!y the Jiill, that commercial principle was contravened, for it stated thai a man should not sell his labor, under tho same obligations as he might his potatoes, or any other articles. The Bill said that if a man entered the serviec and bp>ke that engagement, he thould not be liable to civil action, as should properly be the case, but a criminal trial. That was an entirely false principle to ask the House lo legislate upon. He knew it was the old principle in England ; that tho servant in some branches of sprvice, was capable of being prosecuted criminally, but the House should not go back now to that principle, but should advance towards the true economical principle he had before enunciated. If the House would look through the Bill, they would find that the servantbreaking his contract wasliable to be sent lo jail by the Magistrates, while there was no provision for sending the master to jai'. if he broke his contiaet. He should wait to hear some argument why this clause of contract should be taken out of the category of other contracts and be made an exceptional j class; he would wait to hear soma arguments why j tho orders of maefci-rs and servants should not, as '

British subjocts, enjoy equal privileges and be liable to the same penalties. He saw a clause reciting that servants wilfully breaking or destroying their master's property were liable to be prosecuted. Even in tho old law of William 111., he believed, was in force in this country, tho less they had of such laws the better. Would any one tell him that servants at that moment were not liable to a civil action for wilfully breaking or destroying their master's property. An Hon. Meiiiiek—The servant is a man of straw.

Mr. Fitzgerald continued—He was not quite so suro that he was a man of straw; 110 was also not quite cortaiii that that argument did not apply aa much to tho master as to iho servant. Society was very different in this country from what it was at home. He remembered when he was ia Auckland some years since some one telling him a story of a private among the old pensioner settlers, and an ollicer who enrne from England at tho same time. After a few years, their positions were reversed. The private was in easy circumstances, and tho officer was working for his daily bread (An hon. member—lt is not correct.) At any rate then it was the case 111 tho South. Ho know a case of a master bringing a servant with him from England, and in three years time 110 was workiug for his former servant at so much a day. Tho argument cut both ways. He would appeal to the Houso whether they should not come to the conclusion that labor was a matter of barter, that a man could sell his labor as he could sell anything else ; that the master had 110 right lo prosecute him criminally unless he had committed some crime, and that the moral sense of the people would be deteriorated if this commercial question were confounded with breach of tho criminal law. In conclusion the 11011. member formally moved his amendment.

Mr. C' LtiNso seconded the amendment. He said that if the law of England was not in force in the colony, some law was necessary ; but this Act went towards tying down servants to a'.'tlial servitude. By it, even an oral agreement wus binding on the servants, any objection 110 took might be got over ill committee, but he feared not. Tho hon. member then mentioned several clauses to which he objected. Tho Act appeared to him very stringent, and he believed it would be found to work badly for both master and man.

Mr. tiTAFFOKD said ho trusted tho adjournment of the debute would be agreed to, as members were hardly aware that the bill wa; going to be read a second time.

The Attounev-Gexkiiai. said he would bo willing to refer the matter to a select committee. He could not entirely agree with the views of the member for hllesmere v Mr. Fitzgerald) in thinking that the relation between master and servant should be a commercial one. The servant was in fact in a dependent position, and might not bo able to pay damages in a civil action, In that case he would be liable to be sent to prison in the same way as if brought up on a criminal charge. It was desirable too, that workmen coming from foreign parts to work in this colony for contractors, should be criminally proceeded against. The hill on tho other hand gave the servant certain {-referential rights over the master in obtaining bis wages. He would not go into detail, as the matter would be referred to a Select Committee. On the question bring put the House divided, when the numbers were

Ayes—23. Noes—7. C. Ward (teller) J. FitzQerald (teller) Bunny Colenso ]! rod in Ilaughton liucklaiul Stafturd Burns Taylor Carleton Thompson Cox "SV" ilkit; C'reighton Curtis A Domett Gr.iham, George llauitain J oil ie Miles ?>lunro O'Neill Orinond Patera on Reynolds Sewell James Williamson .T illii Williamson Cracroft Wilson

Tho bill wns then read a second time, and on the motion of the Attoiikey'-Geseua)., referred to a select committee.

In replv to the Attorney-General, Mr. i'iTZGEKAi.u said, he oouid not servo on tlie committee, us lie objected entirely to the principle of tlie bill.

The commit tee consisted of the following mem-jjei-s ;—Messrs. C. B. Wilson,.U. 8., Colenso, Ormond, John Williamson, Crosbie Ward, W. W. Taylor ami Wayne. The House then adjourned. Time, J4.30. TUESDAY, AUGUST BTII. In the House of Representatives this day, Mr. FiT7.f;F.iiAi.D asked the hon. Mr. Weld whether the Government had heard anything respecting a rumoar current in tho town to the effect that Colonel Waddy -had kicked a native chief on his refusing to come before that gentleman when ordered. The hon. the Premier replied that no formal communication had been received from tho native in question respecting the rumoured assault. Mr. Wii.kin asked the hon. tlie Colonel Treasurer "Whether it is tlie intention of the Government during the present session to take tho subject of tho present Customs Tarill'into their consideration." The hon. the Colonial Treasures replied that it was their intention to do so.

On the motion of the hon. Mr. Swell, the name of Mr. Statl'ord was added to tho Committee on tho Dunedin Reserves.

After considerable discussion on the hon. Mr. Sewkli.'s motion for the second reading of the Native Commission Bill, tho debate was adjourned. On the motion of the hon. Major Richardson, tho name of Mr. Dillon Bell was added to tho Joint Committee on Standing Ordorß. Much discussion aroso from a slight mistak, having been made in one of the newspaper reports and the hon. Mr. Weld proposed that'a committee bo appointed to" confer with a similar committee of tho Legislative Council to revise all reports, such committee to consist of Messrs. Dillon Hell, Mr. Carleton, Mr. Vogel, Mr. Crosbie Ward, Mr. Stail'ord, and Mr. Fit/.gorald. The Audit Act ISSBj Amendment Act, was read a second time.

TliC Panama Mail Service Bill was read a second time.

Mr. Kobekt Gkaham moved for a copy of all correspondence that has taken place between tlio Colonial Government and the Superintendents and District Land I'urcliasc Commissioners of Auckland, Welliiu'tmi, Hawko's Bay, and Taranaki, since Ist of January last, having reference to the purchase of native lands, which was carried.

WEDNESDAY, August Urn. In the House of Representatives yesterday, the Speaker took the chair at 5 o'clock p.m. Several petitions from native rebel chiefs were presented, with one from William Thompson. A debate arose as to whether Thompson's petition should be received which was adjourned till to-day. The lion, the Poetmaster General, in answer to a question as to whether any further correspondence had taken place between the General and Imperial Governments relative to the Panama mail servico, said that the Imperial authorities were not inclined to move further in the matter, and therefore it was not desirable to press the question. Tlio lion, the Attorney-General stated, iu reply to a question asked whether the Government had made provision for the holding of the Supreme Court at Hokitika, that 110 provisions were made, but when necessity was shown for such (he Government would provide for it. Mr. lirodin's motion, to the effect that no petitions should he received from Maori rebels by anyone excepting tho Commander of the Forces in tho Colony, or her Majesty's Colonial (Government, was lo.t by a majority of 10 to 2. After the division, tho Speaker remarked that tho House hud very narrowly escaped il count out, aa it. hud heen within one of beinic no House. It appeared that several members had been locked out, who would otherwise, have rendered the majority much larger. On proceeding to tho Orders of the Lay, the question of the second r.'adin- of tlio Native Commi>6ion Bill, wis replied upon hy the hon. the rreinicr, and the bill was read a second time, and ordered to be considered in committee to-morrow (this day-) The second r- ading" of the .Bank fc>h;u\ihoMer'H Liability Act elicited a discussion, in which a number of members lrom all sides of the House took part, and it aviis thou, by consent of the Attorney-General, ordered to be road a £• coud time on that day week.