General Assembly of New Zealand.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 905, 8 October 1866, Page 5

General Assembly of New Zealand.

HOUSE OF BEPBESENTATIYES. ■WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2G. 1860. The Speajcek took the chair at 5 o'clock. PUBLIC BTJUDINGSt Mr. "Vogki, said that a committee had been appointed in the early part of the session, on the motion, of the Premier, to enquire into the advisability of erecting new public buildings, but had not yet brought up its report. The committee had not eat for some time, and many of the members had left. The Speaker said tlio hon. member had very properly called attention to the matter. If he thought desirable he could give notice for its discharge or any other notice he might think proper. LEAVE OP ABSENCE. Mr. Stevens moved for leave of absence for Mr. Walker for the remainder of the session. The hon. E. W. Stafford said that motions for for leave of absence were becoming too frequent. There was no special reason assigned for the absence, • and he should therefore oppose it. After a little discission the motion was agreed to. MS PANAMA SERVICE. Mr. Buens in moving, " That in the opinion of this House, public policy and the success of the undertaken alike render it expedient that the ports of Auckland and Otago should be the respective porta of arrival and departure of the Panama Steam Postal Service," said that he would not detain the House long at this period of the session, although the question could not be easily exhausted. He had brought this motion forward, in consequence of the determination of the New South "Wales Government not to join in paying the subsidy, unless Sydney was made the terminus of the service. He had understood the Postmaster-General to say on a previous day that this demand hud been acceded to. Thus tho contract had been broken, and tlie House could make any alteration it thought proper. The New South Wales Government might also have some voice in the matter. The hon. member then called attention to a paragraph in the report of tho Postal Committee,stating thaitlie Postmaster-General should have power to alter the ports of arrival and departure in this colony, if necessary. Sir. Burns then brought some arguments forward in favour of his motion, stating that the trade with Australia was principally carried from Auckland, and Otago, and that tho steamers ought to be allowed to have the benefit of that trade. Melbourne aad Sydney would then be much more ready to come forward than they had been. The hon. member also said that Mr. Ward had exceeded his instructions when he went to England to negotiate for the establishment of tho service, and proceeded to make Bome remarks on Captain Benson's evidence before the committeeEven that gentleman, although he -was evidently in favour of Wellington, admitted that by calling at Port Chalmers the voyage would not be lengthened. As for that gentleman's statement that he would not allow any of the Panama boats to enter Port Chalmers, it was mo9t unkind, particularly after the efforts that had been made in Otago to construct docks especially for the Panama .boats. (A laugh.) The hon. member then touched on the nautical part of the subject. He hardly thought Wellington in earnest in the matter, or else it would make itself a. free port; then the rest of the colony would seethat it did not want to benefit itself at the expense of the oolony. The hon. John" Hax.l, said, that if it was too lata in the session to speak long on this question, it was too late to bring it forward at all. Mr. Burns had shown so great a lack of argument, that really it would not be disrespectful for him (Mr. Hall) not to answer it. But he would say this, that what h had stated on a previous occasion was, that this Go eminent would not oppose tho desire of the Sydney Government that Sydney should be the terminus. (The Postmaster-General then proceeded to show that Wellington has been made the port of call and departure in New Zealand, and that £)r. Featherston when negotiating with the New South Wales Government, had stated that Wellington was to be tho port of call and departure in Now Zealand, and that Sydney could be the terminus of the line.) On this understanding the Panama Service Act had been passed, and the Government had in no way departed from the contract. The Postmaster-General then proceeded to show that as Wellington is .within threedays' steam of all tho other ports of Now Zealand, it will be the beat port from which to distribute themails. Wellington was also nearer Panama, the best port with regard,to distance, as had been shown by the. member for Now Plymouth last session. He would advise Mr. Burns to be more consistent, and make Auckland and the Blulf the ports, and not Auckland and Otago, for why should the steamers go so far south without going all tho way, and calling at the. Bluff ? Perhaps the Bluff was a worse harbour than Port Chalmers ; at any rata the latter was very bad„ not only according to Captain Benson, but to Capt.. Vine Hull. Another reason why the port should not be changed by a resolution, was because it had been fix,ed by an Act of Parliament. As to getting morepassengers from Auckland and Otago, it could not be maintained withi truth, for hitherto nearly all the passengers had come from Hawke's Bay, Kelson, aud Canterbury; while very few had come from Otago, and only one from Auokland. After a. few moro remarks, tho Postmaster-General con-, eluded. Mr. John Williamson was convinced that tieservice oould not be long maintained under tho present arrangements. It would not benefit Auckland or Otago, the two great centres of commerce in this oolony, in bringing out the mails from -England, yet these provinces paid a very large portion of the subsidy. Mr. John Williamson then went on to Bhow that the Company would bo benefited by getting passenger amiother traffic, if Auckland and Otago were made theports of call and departure. The question waa still: an open one, for if New South Wales did not pay a., part of tho subsidy, the New Zealand Government would not pay the whole. Mr. Williamson also said that the service would not be permanent, unless the ! port of call and departure wbb changed. Mr. Vogel said that tho question of the relative distances of the ports of New Zealand from Panama ■was not worthy of consideration, for there could only be a few hours' difference between any of them* and mails were constantly kept for one or two dayain Wellington after their arrival. He would maintain,, however, ths,t vessels from Panama would arrive in Auckland Booner than in Wellington. One of' tho captains of the Panama steamers had indeed, told Captain Benson, on his arrival, as an honorable- ■ member had heard, that he could have been in Auck- ' land two days before, if that had been the port o£" call. Wellington, besides, had not the commercial advantages of other parts of the colony, and could not offer so much, employment to steamers; nor was it by any njeanß the most imposing city in the colony. The great bulk of the people of this town seemed to be thinking of nothing but the local advantages to be derived from tho service; at any rata, if the Advertiser expressed their opinions, as he believed it did. (An hon. member —No.) It was trufj that Wellington and Canterbury had come forward nobly, and offered to pay a large portion of tha Bubsidy, but had they ever acted up to that offe!-. MrVogol also argued that Sydney had been trer.ted most shamefully; no doubt, because the Government, was very susceptible to newspaper criticism, and "anted to secure this " magnificent prize " for Wellington and New Zealand alone. Mr. "Vogel then brought some arguments forward in favor of making Auckland and Otaga the ports of call and departure. Mr. Watt spoke against the motion, saying that it was impracticable to. carry out, and that the time of the House waa uselessly taken up with it. Mr. Duur.oN* Belh rose to say that a number of members went on board the Bakaia when it arrived. The captain had not been in Wellington for twenty" years, and knew nothing about New Zealand polities', and he Baid in reply to a question, that if he had been bound to. Auckland he would have got thero-twenty-four hours later than to tliis port. , MrDillon 801 l then said that he would vote against ihemotion; for if a Northern and_ Southern port werechpsen they should be Mongonui and the Bluff. Hothought this motion was not brought forward for thebenofit of the colony, but by a party that was apt toindulge in log rollings , »• Mr. Dick objected to the expression " log rolling, and then mado a few remarks in. favour of the motion.Mr. C. Wabd said that it was a tribute of admira--tion to the Panama line, that there should be a struggle • 1 at each end of tho colony for one-half of the benefit-. now enjoyed by Wellington. The motion was stated* ' on two grounds—public policy and the success of the- . undertaking. Public policy, meant the quick Jdistri— ■ bution of the mails ; now Wellington was within one ! day's steam of four province", Otago of two, anai Auokland of ope only. In. other, ways Wellington-

had advantages; for fewer boats could' be employed for distribution, and it was the best port for communication with, the other colonies. With regard to tho success of the undertaking, that was a thing for the company alone to onsidcr, but it might bi> said that Co))i."in Hall hal hinted an"! Captain Benson had stn'cv! !•!.• ' :.-v that Wellington would bsthobjst port ui c-in and departure. On tho whole, Mr Burns had hardly made out his case. It could be denied, perhaps, that Otago and Auckland •were commercially greater than Wellington, but thoao towns would not enjoy bo much advantage from the service if ono was made the port of call and the ether of departure as at present through Wellington being both the port of call and departure, aud offering equal advantages to either end of the colony. Mr. ft- Graham said that Mr. Ward had departed from his instructions, whon he was negotiating with tho company iu England, by fixing Wellington as the port of call. Mr. Waud : No, it was left to bo fixed by tha Government. Mr. R. Graham went on to say that, although he did not believe the port of cali would bo altered now, it would eventually, and that Mongonui or the Bay of Islands would bo made the port of call. It could no longer be objected that Auckland was a long way from Melbourne, f)r a steamer could be in readiness in the Manakau harbour, and the mails could be conveyed by rail overland. As for Captain Benson, that gentleman had not hud sufficient experience to give an opinion on tho subject. Mr. Lcdlam maintained the necessity of keeping faith with Sydney according to the contract, and said that Wellington had 110 unworthy desire to get great local advantage from the service, but having the good fortune to be in the centre of the colony, had been the chosen port. Mr. Burns, in replying, said that ho wished it had fallen to some abler member to bring forward this motion than himself. His sole object iu bringing forward this motion was his desire to benefit tlie service. He regretted to hear it said Otigo had alwav b been opposed to this service, when tho Provincial Council of that province had voted £30,000 so that Mr. Ward might go home to negotiate with the Company, and when that province would probably have had the service all to itself, if it had not been for one of the members on the Government benches. The hon. Major Richardson said that he was the member alluded to, but he would not reply to the remark at the present time. On the question being put, the House divided. Ayes, 22—8a11, Burns (teller), Campbell, Cargill, Carleton, Clarke, DeQuineey, .Dick, Graham, G. Graham, R. Haultain, Henderson, Hepburn, Hull, Maeandrew, O'Neill C , O'Neill, J., O' isorke, Pater«on, Vogel (teller), Whitaker, Williamson John. Noes, 31.—Armstrong, Atkinson, Bell (teller), Borlase, Bradsliaw, Brandon, iiryce, Bunny (teller), Curtis, Featherston, Fitzherbert, Hall, Hankinson, Hargreaves, Joilie, Ludlam, Moorhouse, Oliver, Parker Potts, Richardson, Richmond, A. J , Richmond, J O, Stafford, Stevens, Taylor, Ward, Watt, Wells, Wilson, Wood. Pairs.—For: Mr. Haugliton; Against : Mr. Ormond. GARDENS TRESPASS BILL. Mr. Carlf.ton moved for leave to bring in a Bill to make provision for the prevention of trespass in gardens, orchards, and ornamental grounds. Mr. J. O'Neii.l S lid that this was a Bill v.iiieh had much better be dealt with by the Provincial Council at this late period of the session. The hon. E. W. Stafford said that he thoucht this rather a matter which could be dealt with by Town Council and Municipalities. The debate was then adjourned, and the Ho use proceeded to the orders of the day. OTAGO MUNICIPALITIES CORPORATIONS EMPOWERING ACT BKPEVL BILL. Mr. Dick hoped this Bill would not be brought in at this late period of this session. He then made a few remarks against it. After some discussion, Mr. Hahghton said that the object of this Bill ■was t» take away about £2003 fees and flues from Municipalities, which could not do without them. The repeal of the clause would have the effect of strangling thes.i municipalities, and doing £200,000 ■worth of harm, not only in Otago, but throughout the country. Mr. Bunny said that he hoped that the Government would not withdraw the Bill, because there was a great temptation to the mayors of these municipalities to inflict the highest fine on unfortunate individuals who might bo brought before them, in order to fill the municipal chest. ilr. Campbell made a few remarks against the introduction of the Bill. The lion. J. Hai/l said that he had been charged with being pertinacious by an hon. member, who evidently wished to enjoy a monopoly in exercising the quality of pertinacity. In reply, he would say that he would be as firm as the lion, member wa3 obstinate. After some more remarks, the hon. J". Hall said that he would introduce a clause to the effect that tho fees and fines properly belonging to the General Government, which were now collected in the Mayor's Courts, should be paid over to the municipalities, and that the Provincial Government should be debited with them. The bill was then brought in, after a division, and read a first time. Ayes, 33; Noes, 13. LOAN ALLOCATION ACT ASIE>*DME>'T BILL. Tha hon. W. Fitziierheut, in moving the second reading of this bill, said that tho object of this bill was to vary the sums allocated to the various provinces in tne Northern Island, being the portion of the loan spent by their permanent benefit according to the recommendation of 'lie commission which had investigated the matter. The alterations in the sums allocated were not material. The second reading was agreed to. NEW PLYMOUTH EXCHANGES COMMISSION BILL. This bill was read a second timo. NATIVE RESERVES ACT AMENDMENT jIILL. This bill was also read a second time. new zhaland settlements act amendment BILL. The hon. J. C. Richmond, in moving the second reading of this bill, explained the objects of it. The second reading was agreed to. SOUTHLAND PROVINCIAL DEBT ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The hon. E. W. Stafford, in moving tho third reading of this bill, said that the Government had had an interview with two members who took a great interest in the province of Southland, and having regard to the welfare of tho province and of the colony, did not think right to reduce tho price of tho land ot' the province. He was assured t!iat the Bank of New South Wales would do all in its power to facilitate the operation of the Act, and he believed that other creditors woul l follow that sample, aud that the debt of 'ho province would speedily bo ■wiped off. Mr. Vooel was glad ti hear what had fallen from the Premier, and belie ved that the province would next session be in a much better position. It would be remembered that alter the present debts were ■wiped off the province would be better off than •other provinces, in not having a large permanent debt. Tha hon. W. Fitzheubert said that tha estate of Southland was a most valuable one, and that if the land was disposed of readily, it would be worth while for the Government to consider whether tho price jhould not be raised. The bill was read a third time and passed. DEBTOR 3 AND CREDITORS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. "The hon. K W". .Stafford, i n moving the second reading of this bill, explained the slight amendmentg which it is proposed to make in the ptdsent law and said that he believed that when the subject ■would be fully considered in a future session it ■would be considered advisable to establish insolvency courts in the colony, and take bankruptcy caaea out of the Supreme Cviirfc. Mr. Harcrbaves gave notice that when tho hill was committed, he would move c»rtain resolutions respecting it. The bill was then read a second time. STAMP DUTIES. On the resolutions imposing various stamp duties Doing reported, Tho hon. J. 0. Richmond moved that the stamp on agreements, or memorandum of agreement b-in? one shilling, should only b : imposed where tho value •hould be £20 and upwards instead of £10. The amendment was agreed to. _ Mr. Dillon Bell asked when the tariff would be in the hands of the members. The hon. E. W. Stafford said that the Government recognised the support which had been given to their financial proposals, but although the sramp measure had proceeded so fir. the Government regretted to see that cc: tain members were not disposed /to accept the will of the majority. ]f those mem hem would cease their futile opposition, the Government

would look on the stamp measure as finally determined oij, and bring on at once other large measures. Tho (iovornment did not know that eovoral hon. tneiab ji's wore going to loavo next week, but ho was prepared to aay that the House was detaining itself. That very day a motion had been brought forward and occupied tho Houso three mortal hours, when thero vtis no necessity for it to bu discusscd. tlfc all, and the vote might have been taken at ouce. If hon. members wero willing to desist from futile opposition the Tariff would be brought down to-morrow or Friday at least. Mr! O. Wabd begged, as one who had opposed tho Stamp Duties, to say that he did not think thero had been any factious opposition to them. The hon. E. W". StafOßD said he tii■! not refer to the Stamp Duties, but to other measures. The Government oveu now might be taken off its guard, if it did not keep strict watch. Mr. O. Ward said he would not mako any factious opposition to tho Government, 110 believed t l >at the Government delayed the House by bringing forward now measures at such a late period of tho session. Tho hon. J. Hall said that bills had bean introduced as spoedilv as possible, after they had been drawn and printed. Mr. 0. Wilson, as ono of thoso who opposed Stamp DutieK, said that he had accepted the will of tho majority, and hud never offered any factious opposition. After a little more discussion, tho resolution was read a second time. distillation prohiiiitioN ordinance amendment BIH,. This bill was considered in comnvttee. TREASURY HILLS BILL. The House went, into committee on ibis bill. TREASURY RILLS REGULATION BILL. This bill was read a third time and passed. I'OST OFFICE ACT AMENDMENT HILL. Mr. 0. Ward moved the reeommital of this bill, for the purpose of reconsidering the fourth clause of the schedule. On the question being put, the House divided. Ayes, 11—Ball, Bell, Burns (teller), Campbell (teller), Hargreaves, Haughtou, Maeandrew, O'Neill 0., Ormond, Vogol, Williamson John. Noes 36—Armstrong, Atkinson, Bradshaw, Bryce, Bunny, Carleton, Clarke, Curtis (teller), DeQuincey, Dick, Featherstcn, Fitzherbert, Graham, U-. Hal), Hankinson, Haullain, Henderson, Hepburn, Hull, Lndlam, Oliver, O'Neill, J.. O'Borke, Parker, Paterson, Pott?, Reid, Richardson, Richmond, J. C., Stafford, Jjtevens, Wells, Whitaker, Williamson, James, Wilson (teller), Wood. The Bill was then read a third time and passed. HAWICF.S liiY IO\I) LAWS AMENDMENT KILL. The House went into Committee on this Bill, after which it was read a third time and passed. LAND ORDERS (TARANAKI) BILL. The House went int-> Committee on this Bill. WELLINGTON LAND AUTHORIZATION lIII.L. This Bill was committed, after which it was read a third timo unJ passed. Tho House adjourned at 1 o'clock. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. We have givou elsewhere the moro important portion of tho reports ia tho House of Representatives, iu full, but in consequence of pressure oil our space can for the present only giTO the following summary oi the remainder. On the :27th a question of privilege was brought before the House. Mr. Burns rose and said : Sir, before proceeding to the notices of motion, I wish to call tho attention of the House to a question of privilege. I allude to an articlc which appears iu this morning's Independent. I beg to inovo that the clerk do read tho article in question. The clerk read the following :— " The Panama Service.—Mr. Barns, ono of the Otago members, wilfully, knowingly, and we believe maliciously, brought forward a motion iu the House yesterday, to chango the port of coll ana departure of the Panama service, and caused cartain members of the House, besides himself, to occupy the time of the House and country for threo mortal hours in a fruul-jss and unprofitable discussion on a question which has already been definitely decided. 'J'he members of the Government took hardly any notice of Mr. Burns' remarks; the PostmasterGeneral alone replying in a short speech, as a matter of courtesy and certainly not of necessity, for Mr. Burns' speech was lamentably deficient in argument. Mr. C. Ward also spoke, showing, in a fow words, that tho port had been well chosen. After somo discussion, the leading points of which will be tound in our report, the motion was negatived on a division. On looking at the division lis!-., wo notice the curious fact that the Defenco Minister voted with the " Ayes." We do not blame this gentleman for holding an opinion favorable to Auckland and hostile to Wellington, but we certainly are unable to say what party he belongs to, when he votes against his colleagues on a point relating to general colonial policy. Lot him declare at ouce ; he has been called a Juda-i by his own province, and now he deserts the colonial party. Ho would do well to stick to one side or tho other, or he cortainlv will not gain that respect which is duo to consistency." The motion having been carried, Mr. Burns moved, " That Thomas McKenzie, the j printer of the Wellington Independent, be called to the ' bar of this House." This motion waß carried on a division by 3G ayes, to o noes, and Mclvenzie was ordered to "appear at the bar on the next day. In the matter of the Hamlin pension, it was ordered that all sums yet unpaid in the way of compensation, be paid over to Mrs. .Hamlin instead of her son. Mr. Vog-kl then moved, " 'That an account be taken, showing the amount which, pursuant to law, is chargeable against each province out of the total sum of £125,915 Us d-d, being the amount of d-oneral Government expenditure in excess of legal appropriation charged upon the revenue of 18G5-6, by the Appropriation Act, and that the accounts with the provinces be made up iu conformity therewith .' The hon. E. W. Stafford said that the motion was virtually an expression of want of confidence in the Government, and if the Houso should agree to it, he would go Still further, and appoint a commission to enquire into tho accounts of the colony for a back number of years. Mr. Fitch ERUEHT thought the motion was not uncalled for. | Mr. Macandrkw complained of the mystery that surrounded New Zealand finance, and considered that the sooner a change in tho system was adopted the better. If they made all revenue provincial they would g. t out of the difficulty ; and then let each province contribute its due proportion to the ' Groneral Government. (Oh, oh.) He would sup- | port the motion. Mr. Carleton said ho would vote for the motion. | Mr. Wuri'AKKK moved as an amendment,— •> That the words ' pursuant to law' m tho first line and the words ' aud that the accounts with the provinces be made up iu conformity therewith ' bo struck out." After some further discussion the matter dropped. The Distillation Prohibition Ordinance Amendment; Rill was read a third time and pas<od. AUCKLAND LOAN GUARANTEE BILL. On the question-for theseeond reading of this bill Mr. Whitaker said he would take tl°e preseut opportunity of offering a word or two iu explanation of the affairs of the province to which he belonged as during the session allusion h id frequently he.;n made to the £250,000, the £100,000 that had been ad vanced to Auckland, and tho confiscated lands that wore handed over to the management of that province With regard to the £100,000, lie had b,d an opportunity of speaking on that subject before, and he trusted the House knew perfectly the position in which the province stood as far as that advance was concerned. Were it not that the session was so far advanced, he might occupy more of their time than was his intention on ' the present occasion. He would now content himself with ende tvouring to explain the position of affairs as concisely as he possibly could, and it would < then be for the Home to take whatever aetion they i considered necessary. The House Would recollect ' that in the session of 1885 resolutions were pai-srd by which it was do lared that it was expedient to hand over the management of the confiscated 1 lumU to the Provinee of Auckland, for purposes ( ot colonisation, on certain conditions. The first of these conditions was that the province should undertako certain liabilities attached to the i confiscated lands, and that tho proceeds derivable I from them should cover those liabilities. The i value of those lands was at that time a matter of the c greatest uncertainty, and he must confess that the uncertainties were so great that it was with i considerable difficulty that ho undertook the ma- 1 nagement of tho confiscated lnnds on behalf t ■if the province. ft was estimated that the total t ralue of th- lands was £183,000 odd, and the ;i.bi!i- i - lrS estimated at £301,64.7. After taking over the e Management of the land-, tho Provincial Government c ivero very economic il in their arrangim;nts, imi Le r

oven undertook upon, himself the responsibility and odium of having the claims tor confiscation reinvestigated. Tho inquiry was not yet finished, but when it should be. it would be found that a considerable saving hid beau effected. Within the few months pant, oireumstunccj hud orison whioh had the oilect of changing the aspect of things altogether, and it was now necessary that the whole matter should be re-considerud. In the first place, looking at the necessity there was lor the borrowing of money, of course the change that had taken place in reference to the money market was a serious drawback to going into the market to borrow, and this was the reason why the .£IOO,OOO could not bo handed back to the General Government at the time originally iutendocl. In the next pi,ice a land revolution had occurred, nnd the valuo of these lauds hni. decreased, and it was necessary that something should bo dor.o at once. In his opinion land away from the town would continue to decrease in valuo from time to time, and it was for the House to say whether or not the confiscated lands should bo brought into immediate realisation. Ho did not moan to say that be would depart from the original arrangement, but l>e would leave it to tho House to a.iy whether the province of Auckland was in u position to carry on tho management of tho lands The repayment of tho £100,000 must be postponed, eithor until land enough was disposed of to cnablo them to pay it hack, or until a fresh loan should be raised for tho purpose of repaying the sum that had been advanced. He could assure the House that in the event of the lands being handoi over to the General Government, tlicy would bo returned to them in a better—at any rate, in as good a condition as that, in which ho liad received them ; and whether the Government should take tho lands into their own hands or consont to a modification in tho arrangements, he could assure the House that both him q eif and tho provincial authorities would render them' every assistanco that, lay in their powor. As he s id before, he did not seek to break any arrangements that, he had entered into, for if the House should docido that the province of Auckland should continue to have the management of tho confiscated lands, he was quito prepared to continue tho responsibility. Ho would leave the matter entirely in tho hands of the House. Tho hon. W. Fitziieiiiibkt said that the lion, member lor Parnell hud made a cloitn breast of the entire arrangement, but regretted that tliev had not stated to the House before tho present time. 1:1 o admitted tbat miscalculations had been made before tho arrangements with regard to the confiscated lands had been, brought to a close, and eulogised the h-m. member for Parnell for tho candour he had oxhibited in stating the matter to the House. Having hoard that statement, and having before their eves the altered aspect of affairs, what wore thoy to do ? If ihcy wore t<> doelino the original proposals—if they were to decline going into tho market for tho raising of a quarter of a million of money, what were they to do ? For something they must. Tiioy wore almost brought down to a single alternative. There was the alternative of reconsidering at this stnge of the session the whole of their financial proposals. Tho Government did not think they would bo justified in doinir so, but at the same timo they were alive to the possibility, not to say probability, of their not beinur able to carry out its original proposals in their integrity dnriug the twelve months' operation of the Appropriation Act. An hon. member had put a notice on the paper, asking the House to sayiug that the iippropi'itions should not extend over twelve months. There was no necessity for this, for it was likely the Government would summon the Aesemhly before that dato —perhaps in March nijxt. In the meantime, the question was, what courso did the Government propose tic facto to moot those circumstance' with which they suddenly found themsolves surrounded. They had no alternative but to assume, with the hon. member for Parne'.l, tho administration of these confiscated lands within tho province of Auckland ; and the Government agreed with the remarks of the hou. member, that for the benefit of the province of Auckland, no less than for the benefit of tho colony.no timo should be lo«t in bringing forward these lands for sale. (Hear, hear). Inmaking this announcement, tho Government did rely, and he was sure the colony relied, upon the active nnd cordial co-operation of the hon. member for Parnell. After all, he did not tbink that thoro was any cause for regret, although at first sight, the altered stato of circumstances might give rise to disappointment. He concluded by moving,—" That this order of tho day be removed from the order paper." In reply to Mr. T). Bel), the hon. W. Fitzhkhhbrt said that the scopo of his remarks was entirely confined to tho confiscated lands in the provinco of Auckland. Mr. Belt, suggested the adjournment of tho debate, and it was accordingly adjourned till noxt day. 3? RID AY, SEPTEMBER 28, ISGIJ. The Speaker took tho chair at two o'clock, and shortly after that hour all the galleries were completely filled with persons who were do?'rous of hearing Mr. T. McKenzio, the proprietor of tho Independent, make an explanation with regard to a paragraph which h«d appeared in that paper, and which had beon adjudged by tho House on the previous day, to be a breach of privilege. Some formal business was first disposed of. THB SESSION. Mr. Dili,OX Bell asked whether tho Government intended to inako any alteration in the sailing of steamers on Monday ? Mr. Stafford, in reply, said that the Government had not taken any action in tho m itter, and also said that it was hoped that tlia Assembly would bo prorogued on Monday week. DEBTORS AN D CREDITORS ACT. Mr. TTaiigrla vi;s askod a question with respect to the Bill ho had introduced to repeal tho Debtors nnd Creditors Act. Ho wt s prepared to move the second reading of that Bill, or rnovo resolutions of which ho had given notice, on tho committal of tho Government Bill. NEXT SITTING. In reply to a question, Mr. Stafford s ;id that there would be no sitting of the House next day. ° I'UIVILEGS. At half-past 2 o'clock, the hour at which Mr. T. McKenzie, proprietor of the hidepeiul&iit newspaper, had been onlered to attend at the Bar of tho House', The Ci.t'kk read the order requiring his attendance. _ The SrfiAKF.it—Mr. Sorgeaut-at-Arms, is Mr. T. IcKenzie in attendance ? Tho Sekgeant-at-akM3—He is, sir. .""he Si'KAKßU—Bring liim in. Tho Sergeant-ut-Arms then retired and entered the House again immediately, bringing with him Mr. Thomas Mr,K"euzie, who advanced to the foot of the table iu front, of the eliair. Tho Ki'eajcku—You are Mr. Thoa. M'Kenzie I believe ? ' j Mr. WcKexzie—l am. The Speaker—Are you printer and publisher of a paper called tho Wellington Independent / Mr. McKknzie—l nm. The Speaker—An article which appeared in that paper yesterday lias been adjudged by this House to bo u breach of privilege. It it) now my duty to ask you if you have any explanation to oiler with respect to that paragraph ? Mr. MclCbnzib slid—Mr. Speakor—The paragraph complained of was inadvertently inserted, and I did not seo it until it had been published in the paper. I do not, however, seek to ovade responsibility for its publication. The words complained of were in tended to ho taken in a humorous sense, as beinopart of the form of an indictment, but it appears thev havo been differently interpreted by the House. If the words have caused offence, such was not intended and I regret it, as I have not tho least wish to trespass beyond the recjguised limits of that fair and im- | partial criticism which it is alike the privilege and the duly of the press to exercise, and which I feel confident this House would not desire in anv wav to restrain. J J The ! maker— Is that all you have to say P You can withdraw for the pre-ent, but will remain in attendance The House will take into consideration what you have said. <>n Mr. McKenzio retiring, Mr. Stafford moved,—" That the Houso having heard Mr McXenzie s explanation, order that he bo i discharged from further attendance." Major Richabdson seconded the motion. 1 Mr. Dillon Bell, as the seconder of the original motion, desired to say that the explanation made by 1 Mr. McKenzio reflected great credit on that gentleman, and must remove any feeling which had been t occasioned by the article in question. 3 Mr. Yooel Baid that he would rather have th- t previous question agreed to, as he thought too much c had been made of this matter, and that it had b»en taken up in a manner which might act iniuriouslv on f the House. He did not think the article in question I in good taste, and he looked on it as a mistake bu oven taking those things into consideration' he c conceived that occasions might arise in which hon. s members might lay themselves open to very 8 o- s

vera censure, and if tho Houso were to say that these words were beyond*the privileges of the press to uie, it would be setting itself up as judge of the ' merits of certain articles. It should be considered that the article in question had been written probably in a hurry from tlis local view of Wellington was the best town in the Colony for the port of the Panama service, and that it was quite unnecessary to discuss the question. He did not justify the word " maliciously" but it should be recollected that tho feeling hore was that it was perfectly unnecessary and vuxiitious to bring on r-his queat ; on, as it required no discussion. He thought that tho House should be very cautious in attempting to interfere with the liberties of the press ; he had seen during this session much severer articles in the press of this Colony, and if the Houso noticed them, ho did not kno\r when it would end. After tho long discussion of Saparation was brought on, some of the newspapers were very severe in their criticism. If this was a branch of privilege, how was it that other papers were not brought into tho same position. There was a now invention recently patented at home, called love-making ink, which after being on the paper for some days, became obliterated, and whioh it was said would put an effectual stjp to the breach of promise of marriage cases. (Laughter.) It struck him, that newspapers, hero would be adopting a similar ink, if the House wa3 going to interfere with them in this way. He thought the papers were making some much greater mistakes in putting the words of one member into the mouth of another. If, for instance, the Postmaster-General woro to have certain words, which he (Mr. Yogel) had uttered put down to him, ha would no doubt, be very much shocked, and his (Mr. Vogel's) feelings in a similar case, would be boyond his powers to express. In, the case he referred to, Mr. Hankinson had attributed to him some words uttered by Mr. Wood. (Loudcries of "question." amid which Mr. Wood made some explanation.) He would move tho previous question, becauss he did not think this matter should appear on the journals of tho House, and that it should be allowed to drop. Mr. Atkinson asked whether, if the previous j ' question was carried, Mr. McKenzio would not have to be kept in perpetual confinement ? (Laughter.) As no one sucondcd the amendment, it lapsed. The motion was then put and agreed to unaui- ; mously, and Mr. McKenzie was discharged from i further attendance. ! new tints. 1 The following Bills, brought from the Upper House, were read a first time : —'' Standing Orders oil Private Bills," and '-Justices Protection Bills." "WEST LAND ItEPRESRNTATION BILL. . Mr. Moounouss, in in jving the postponement of a r number of orders, in order that ho might move the ■ second roading of this Bill, said that the Government, ; who ought to have brought it in, constantly placed the order for its second reading almost at tho bottom j of tho paper. It should be recollected that it was a * most important measure, and that at the present time f one-fifth of the population of the Colony was only . represented by one member. The motion was negatived on the voices. 2 STAMP DUTIES BILL. s The House wont into Committee on this Bill. customs duties wll. ) In Committee. 3 Mr. J. <J. luciiMoxi) arid that the Government did t not look on the new Tariff as a model one, but had J brought it forward as tho present one required 3 revision. The object of the Government had been T to dispose the duties so that they should press almost 3 equally on every one in the eommunity, but of course . they had only partially succeeded. Some of the duties . had been decreased, whilo on several articles, which . had hitoerto been free, it was proposed to charge , duty. .Reductions had been made in tho duties i hitherto levied of which complaints had been parf ticularly made, such as those on ironmongery and > hardware, while some machinery for the purpose of f supplying the place of labor would bo admitted free t as good policy in « country where labor was dear. (Ihe hon. member then mentioned some other articles r on which reductions had been made, and mentioned . a few which had been taken out of the free list.) " ' 10 P ed this Tariff would bh found satisfactory, and . believed that it would be easy of interpretation, and 3 not causo the same complaints as the last one, as the f articles were cle >rly stated. 5 M ?;, Pahkl:l£ mil de a few romarks objecting to the r new Tariff in some respects. Mr. C. VParu said that hitherto bottled ale had ; J??® 1 * charged higher duty than ale in "wood, and he - aid not know why the duty on the former had been f reduced when so much revenue hud beon raised on it as 2s. 6d. a head. Bottled ales were a luxury, and , by having a high duty on them encouragement would be given to the manufacture of ales in the Colony. An honorable member said that the consumer would not be benefitted by the lowering of the dnty. Mr. Haegueaves said that he found by the Estimates that the Customs were expected to realize f £BoO,OC 0, and on looking at this Tariff he could not s see that the promised reductions had been made, and believed that more would bo realised than expectod [ —yet the Government had demanded Stamp duties and Bonded Warehouso duties. He could not make [ out on what basis the Tariff had been framed. Whereas, vinegar cost Is. a gallon at home, it was proposed to levy 2s. 61. duty on it, but other duties were not so disproportionate to value ; so that the Tariff had . not been framed on the principle of a per centago on value. ° . Mr. WniTAKEB wished the Standing Orders to be suspended in order that tho duties might bo increased ad libitum. Mr. U. Ward objected, as it would be detrimental to tho public interest. ( JVIr. D. Bbll also objected; maintaining that it i would bo an unprecedented thing to suspend the I Standing Order in a case like this, when it was proposed to impose burdens on the people. | The Speaker then resumed the chair to enable Mr. Whitaker to move the suspension of the standing ordurs so far as ■ they might interfere with the ability of members to increase the duties. Mr. Whitaker moved accordingly. Mr. Bell, Mv. Ward, and Mr. Uauleton objected, and after some discussion the standing Orders were suspended. CUSTOMS TARIFF. Tho House went into Committee on the Customs I Tariff. | The duty on the item almonds—after which the words in -likll were added—was altered from Id to 3d. The duty on " ammunition—sporting powder" was altered from 3d to Gd. Tho duty on " axles, axlearms and boxeß " was reduced to lis. The duty on arrowroot, in bulk, was reduced to id from Id. Tho duly on arsenic wm increased from 2s to is. The item " bra's manufactures, 'is," wa3 altered by the addition of 11 brass and.' 1 On the item of " butter, the lb. id," Mr. Hauohton said that the country could make as much butter as was required for its own consumption, and if it wantod imported butter it could afford to pay for the luxury. He would move that tha duty on butter be Id. per lb. Mr. OATlGiTiii objected to tho propoaed alteration, as, if carried, one of the principal neceesaries of life would be taxed heavily. The Houso divided on the additional half-penny with the following result: — Ayes, 25 ; Noes, 22. Tho duty on candied peel was increased from Id. to 3d. The duty on " cards, playing," waß increased from Is. per cubic foot to 6d.[por packet. The duty on " carriages and carts with springs, or appliances in lieu thereof," was altered from £1 each to 5 per cent, ad valorem. \ The duty on " carts, drays, and waggons, without springs," was altered from £1 each to 5 per cent. ad valorem. The duty on carriage and cart wheels was altered from ss. per cubic foot to 5 per cent, ad valorem. The duty on cheese was increased from id. per lb. to Id. The duty on " habordashery, silk and velvet," was reduced from 6s. to ss. < To the item " iron fencing wire, staples, and standards," the following were added, —" straining posts." ] The duty 0 n tobacco pipes was increased from Is. to 2s. In the item " rugs, woollen cotton, or fur," the words " or fur" were struck out. ] On the item " salt," Mr. Yogel objected to the duty. A considerable discussion took place, some members being in favor of the duty being altogether taken off this article, while others desired to see the g duty increased. Mr. Hall called the attention of the House to the fact that if proposed duties were struck off, the Houso must be prepared to see other duties put on. '1 J-everal proposals were made, and some considerable A confusion ensued in cunaequence of many members speaking at the samo time, and interrupting one another.

Mr. Bkid rose to make some remarks on the question but wa» interrupted with exclamations of " Hold your tongue," " Sit down," " Oh, we know that." He then appealed to the Chairman to keep order, and characterised the proceedings as most undignified, and such as he said "he had felt disgusted at." He said that he used the word " dis- | gusted" advisedly. Mr. Vogel moved that the item of " salt per cwt. Is." be struck out. The House divided, with tho following result j— Ayes, 23 ; noes, 22. • The item on " sewing machines, each 10a." was struck out on the motion of Mr. Vogel. The duty on " shot" was increased from 3s. to 10s. per cwt. The item "silk minufactures, and all articles made of silk mixed with any material," was amended, by all the words after manufactures being struck out. Respecting the duty, some considerable discussion took place; at length, it was fixed at 10a. per cubio feet, instead of 6b. The duty on " soap, scented and fancy," was increased from Is. to 2s. 6d. per cubio foot. With regard to the item spirits. Mr. Voqel urged the necessity for the duty on epirit3 being reduced. Mr. J. C. Richmond informed the House that a reduction of Is. in the duties of spirits would affect the revenue to the extent of £30,000. The duty as proposed originally, namely, 12j. per gallon, was passed. On the duty on tea of 6d. per lb., Mr. Hall said that the Government had intended to reduce the tariff by £50,000, as stamps had been imposed, if the provinces were willing to take threeeighths of that sum less than their appropriation ; but the House had brought forward no resolution on the subject. The duty was passed. On the duty on sheepwash tobacco Gd. por lb. Mr. Hankinson proposed that tha duty should he 3d. per lb. Mr. Ludlak urged the necessity for the reduction in the duty of this article, but at all events not its increase. Mr. George Graham moved, —"That the duty on sheepwash tobacco be 3d. per lb." Mr. Reid said that 3d. per lb- on sheepwash tobacco was a fair tax. Mr. Hargreaves said that he had always in Canterbury advocated a moderate duty on sheepwash tobacco, and should do so now. -ir David Monro reminded the House of the difference, which some people forgot, between tobacco for smoking and that for sheepwash. The one was a luxury, the other a medicine. i The duty on this article was fixed at 3d. t The duty on " umbrellas and parasols, silk" waE reduced from 6s. the cubic foot to os. i The duty on vinegar was fixed at 6d. the gallon, i Mr. Bubns moved—" That a duty of 2s. a ton be > levied on coals." ' Mr. Hargbbaves moved as an amendment—" Th'if a .small dnty on imported coals of Is. a ton should be levied." The motion of 2s. having been put to the House, wa' lost on the voices. Mr. Stafford informed the House that the cost of collecting the duty would be so great that no benefit I would be derived from it. 1 The House divided on the amendment with the 1 following result: — i Ayes, 10. Noes, 32. ; The schedule agreed to was then adopted. s The Chairman reported progress on the Bill, with i leave to sit agaim on Monday. The Speaker resumed his seat. The House adjourned at 3 a.m. ; MONDAY, OCTOBER 1. In the report of the proceedings of the Ist October. we find under the head of, AUCKLAND loan bill. ' The order for the second reading was discharged, in consequence of the management of the confiscated 1 lands having been transferred from the Province of Auckland to the colony. . The report of the Arbitration Courts committee was adopted. ( dr. xouat's land grant; The following resolution was carried, —" That in , the opinion of this House, it is not desirable that Dr. Mouat should receive a gxant of land; but that any [ recompense to which he may be entitled for services t rendered to the colony ihould be given in money." I THE EAST COAST NATIVES. ; The consideration of the following motion of Mr. [ Ormond's, was adjourned:—" That in the" opinion of [ this House, the lands of the natives lately in rebellion in that part of the East Coast situate between . East Cape and Mahia Peninsula, should be taken under the New Zealand Settlements Act, and be administered for the purposes of recouping to the colony the expenditure incurred in suppressing the rebellion and rewarding the native allies who assisted the Government in operations in that district." the next session. Mr. Whitjuceb gave notice that he would more in i Committee of Supply or in Committee of Ways and Means that in tho opinion of this House the next Session should be held at Chrintchurch, and said that he would not occupy the House long; he would therefore object to the postponement of the Committee of Supply. On the question being put, the House divided on Mr. Whitaker's motion. Ates, 27. —Messrs. Ball, Bull, Burns, Campbell CargiU, Oarleton, Clark, DeQuincey, Graham, G* Graham, R. Henderson, Hull, Macandrew, McLean Moorhouse, (teller), O'Neill, J. Ormond, O'Rorke Paterson, fieid, Yogel, Ward, Whitaker (teller)', Williamson, James, Williamson, John, Wood, and Potts. Noes, 26. —Messrs. Atkinson, Borlase, Bradshaw, Brandon, Bryce, Bunny (teller), Cox, Curtis, Featherson, Fitxherbert, Hankinson, Haughton, Hauttain, Jollie, Ludlam, Oliver, O'Neill, C. Parker Richardson, Richmond, A. J. Richmond, J. C. Stafford, Taylor, Watt, Wells, and Wilson. Mr. C. Wilson said, that he was content to accept the wish of the majority ; but he must move, as an addition to tho motion, that the following words be added:—"That a respectful address be presented to his Excellency, praying him to place £40,000 on the ■Kstimatea for the purpose of carrying out the motion." He then desired to withdraw his amendment, and proposed the following addition to the motion :—" And this House pledges itself to sanction the necessary expense." The amendment was put however and lost, by 30 to 25."The amended resolution'was curried by 29 to 25.