PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5630, 2 December 1879, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[from our special correspondent.] Wellington, Monday. Politically the day has been a holiday. The House did not meet iu the afternoon, and all interest was centered on the Masonic ceremony, which was a very grand one. A bill has been introduced by Mr. Bryce, entitled, "The Confiscated Lands Inquiry aud Maori Prisoners Trials Act, 1879." The preamble sets out that the natives all stato that promises have been made by the Government in respect to the confiscated lands, and that such promises have not bees fultilled. It is also alleged that their discontent may be removed by an inquiry being mado into the said promises, and the grievances of the natives. After Betting forth that it "is indispensable for the peace and safety of the colony that the ordinary course of law should be suspended, and that the trials of the natives should take place under special legislation," the bill goes on to provide that the Government may appoint three persons to be commissiouers to inquire into the native grievances. The commissioners have to report within four months after the date of such commissioD, and are to receive such reasonable remuneration as the Government may prescribe, together with thoir expenses. In order that the peace of the colony may be preserved, "It is left to the Government to fix the dale of the trial of the Maori prisoners, and his Excellency is also empowered to alter the place of trial. The Aot is to remain in force until thirty days after the commencement of the next session of Parliament and no longer."