PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7662, 12 June 1886, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

(.BY TEX.ROK.APH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. I T . YvHrraKER UPON' THE RECIDIVISTS QUESTION. Sift F: Whitaker, on moving for leave to introduce * Bill to Protect the Colony of New Zeafand from the Influx of French Criminals, said, " I do not desire to anticipate the discussion which should take place upon the second reading of the Bill, but I think it desirable to exp lain, if the Council will allow me, how it is that I have come to propose such a Bill, in regard to the conduct that is likely to be taken by France in connection with the Pacific islands. Probably some hon. members of this House will remember that in 18S3 there was a convention held in New South Wales upon the subject of the federation of the Australasian colonies and their relation to those islands. I need hardly remind hon. members of the Legislative Council that at that time there *v.i 3 a good deal of public feeling manifested in reject to the deportation by Francs of o great number of criminals to the islands over wh'oh she posseses immediate control. At that cmvention a resolution j was proposed and agree 1 to, which urged Her Majesty's Government in Great Britain that they should use every possible influence to prevent the influx of I'reach criminals into the colonies from the adjacent islands, and the Imperial Government was farther requested to take such action as it should think expedient. It was felt, however, that the Imperial Government could not do what was necessary at that time. It was felt to be desirable to make some recommendation which would induce the Governments of the Australasian colonies to take uniform action. A resolution was accordingly discussed and agreed to, to the effect that it was the opinion of the Convention that the legislatures of the various colonies should pass a uniform Act, prohibiting the landing under penalties of French criminals from French possessions on these shores, but it was decided that legislation on the subject should stand over for a time, as the passing of such Acts might be irritating to France, and render the whole situation more difficult than it was before. It appears now that this question of the influx of French criminals has arisen

again, and the same excitement prevails in reference to it. It is then with the view of meeting this urgency that I have proposed to introduce this Bill. I may state that it iB not intended that it should come into operation until the Government of the colony should be pleased to bring it into force. I f#el myself that it is necessary to take some action, such as this Bill proposes, but the question has been raised whether we have power to pass such an Act as proposed. I believe that the Parliament of New Zealand has the power. The colony of Queensland passed a similar Act. It is true that the Royal assent was not given to that measure, but in the correspondence between the Imperial and the colonial Government of Queensland in respect to it, objection was not taken that the measure was ultra vires, that Queensland had no power to pass such an Act. The only farther matter which I need to notice is, whether it is prudent to propose such a measure at this time ; but, if it be passed, it can only be called into operation by the Governor of the colony, and it will pass with a suspending clause. I therefore move that the Bill be read a first time." The motion was agreed to.

THE AGENT-GENERAL ON THE NEW HEBRIDES. The following despatch has been received from Sir F. D. Bell "There is not now, any more than there has been for a long time past, the alighest doubt in my own mind that the timehas conse when Her Majesty's Government will arrive at a decision, or that France will get possession of the New Hebrides. Of One thing the colonies must assuredly be convinced, that since Mr. Forster's death it would be hard to find among English statesmen a man with so profound a regard for and desire to safeguard the interest of Australasia, as the Earl of Rosebery ; and if he at last coires to theconclusion, as I believe he will, that the cession of the New Hebrides, sooner or later, most be made, you may be perfectly sure that the foreign policy of the Empire has made it really inevi. table. It must surely be a dream for anyone now to think that New South Wales and Victoria will work together In this question any more than they did about the Federal Council, nor can anyone really suppose that France will wait for an indefinite time for a concert among the Australian Governments, which experience has shown to be so utterly hopeless. New South Wales has now declared that she will support Her Majesty's Government in such action as Lord tosebery may take, and it has always seemed to me certain that in the end her voice would prevail rather than that of Victoria. I transmit you herewith a copy of a letter I have received from the Colonial Office respecting the Recidiviste Bill, from which you will see that the French Government have undertaken to postpone their proposed action in regard to the sending of recidivistes to the Isle of Pines until an an»wer shall have been received by Her Majesty's Government on the subject of the New Hebrides, which Lord Rosebery has said might be expected to arrive towards the end of April"

THE PACIFIC ISLANDS COMMITTEE. Sir G. Grey moved this morning, "That the House concur in the interim report of the Pacific islands Committee." he progress and result of the debate is in accord with what I wired to you on a former occasion. Sir G. Grey had his mind fixed upon the future progress of the islands as the home of a great confederation of people, combining the best of elements of modern civilisation, and advancing to aid the fulfilment of the destiny of the great colonies of the southern hemisphere. Sir R. Stout followed, pointing out the practical issues involved. To the whole of the Pacific archipelago the question was how Great Britain might be made most serviceable to the people of the Pacific islands. Great Britain could best nerve the whole people of the South Seas by necuring her trade and influence. How was this to be done ? By getting strong outposts for the protection of her trade. The possession of R.apa, and the Cook and Hervey Group sold would give Great Britain an impregnable position. Sir R. Stout regretted that he could not support the course indicated in another place (by Sir F.. Whitaker), because he had pledged himself to support the claims of the Presbyterian Church, which, he believed, to be well founded. He therefore opposed the motion. Major Atkinson said he was forced to vote for the resolution of Sir G. Grey, by the course which the Government had thought proper to adopt. The policy indicated by the Premier separated the influence of the great colonies of Victoria, New South Wales, and New Zealand. The unanimity of the colonies had been broken down by the present New Zealand Government. Sir G. Grey's scheme appeared to be the only possible solution. If New Zealand and New South Wales had entered the Federal Council with the other colonies, their influence with the Imperial Government would have been paramount, but now the colonies had no influence because their counsel was divided. What he (Major Atkinson) feared was that the South Seas would be made the battle ground of future European wars. If that should come about.

then would all the colonies have to keep up large armaments at great cost. The Government bad made a great mistake in disrupting the accord of the different colonies. Circumstances might bring about unanimity again, bat then the present opportunity of preventing a serious difficulty and danger would have passed away. Sir J. Vogel followed tip on the same side as the Premier. The discussion was very interesting. ONE-TREE HILL RESERVE BILL. Mr. W. F. Backland, in moving the second reading of this Bill, said ho did so because the Hon. the Speaker, who promoted the Bill, was in the chair. The hon. member for Onehunga (Sir G. M. O'Rorke) would be able to join in the discussion when the Bill was going through committee. He (Mr. Buckland) did not pledge himself to support the Bill, but in the circumstances, seeing that the Speaker occupied the chair, he moved the second reading. Mr. Peacock and other Auckland' members said they would not oppose the uecond reading, but reaerved their decision upon the clauses when the Bill was in committee. The Bill ;as read a second t ; me. NEWMARKET RESERVES BILL. Mr. Moss moved the second reading of this Bill. There was some oppssition on account of tb° unwillingness of members to

' change the object of the reserves, or to alienate them from their original purposes. Mr. Moss, after a good deal of discussion, succeeded in carrying the second reading. Friday. PETITIONS. Mr. J. B. Whyte presented a petition today from Mr. J. C McFarlane, formerly a sergeant, in, the 3rd Waikato MiJJtia, praying that his claim .to land for military service may be recognised. A similar petition was presented on behalf of Mr. Franklin.Maine. A. -petition' was presented on behalf of Sarah Rebecca McLeod, whose late husband was a military interpreter during the war at the Bay of Islands, praying that her late husband's services may be recognised, and relief granted to his widow. RAILWAY ACCIDENT. A petition was presented from Mrs. Charlotte Brace well, widow of Mr. James Bracewell, engine-driver on the Waikato railway, who was injured by a collision with a water tank on the Ist of March, ISS6, 1 and who died in consequence, praying for j relief. NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION. Mr. Hobbs has carried off the first honours for his collection of fruit, having won the silver medal and first-class certificate of merit. PROTECTION OF WOMEN. The committee brought down their report to-day upon the petition for the better protection of women and young girls. Their report was ia effect that the matter should be referred to the Government for its consideration. TEE HAUHAU WAR. A number of petitions from natives who had incurred losses by fighting against the Hauhaus were presented to the House this session. These Maoris live in all parts of the colony. The committee in their report upon these petitions recommend that a committee should be appointed to make inquiry into the respective claims. SHEEP RETURNS. A return of the number of sheep in the colony has been laid on the table of the House of Representatives. The total in ISSS (the last return) was 14,546,501, as against 13,978,520. The following are the races of increase in the various provinces:—Auckland, 30,465 (increase) : Napier, 64,496 (increase); I'aranaki, 3712 (decrease); Wanganui, 10,970 (increase) ; Rangitikei, 7626 (increase) ; Wellington, 103,937 (increase) ; Nelson, 15 (increase); Marlborough, 14,179 (decrease); Canterbury, 331.213 (increase); Otago, 97,540 (increase). Tho report of the Chief luspector declares that the North Island is now clear and free from infectious diseases.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday. FIRST READINGS. The first readings of the Stock Driving, Codlin Moth Act Amendment, and Animals Protection Act Amendment (all by Mr. Buckley) took place. NATIVE RESERVES. On the motion of Mr. Taiaroa it was agreed that the report of the commissioners appointed to inquire into the native reserves at Arahira, Grey mouth, Nelson, and Motueka be printed in the Maori language. PROGRESS OF BILLS. The third reading of the Charitable Trusts Extension Bill was postponed to Tuesday. The City of Dunedin Leasing Bill, and the New Plymouth Recreation Reserves Bill were read a first time. THE KERMADHC ISLANDS. Mr. Reynolds intimated that ho had received a letter from Mr. Lodge, of Port Chalmers, which stated that the Kermadec Islands would carry ten sheep to the acre, and would grow potatoes all the year round, and grew bananas and indigenous sugar. The islands were well watered, stocked with goats, and the anchorage is good. The group was of volcanic origin, but the writer did not apprehend that any eruption was likely to take place. THE ISSUE 01" MONEY. Mr. Bathgate gave notice to move on Tuesday, " 1 hat the issue of money, whether in the form of coin or paper currency, is the Sovereign's prerogative, and the profits accruing therefrom belong to the entire community ; that for a number of years past the issue of paper currency in the colony has been solely made by six private banking corporations over which the State has no control, and during this period the volume of money (coin and paper) within the colony has decreased instead of expanded with the increase of trade and population, to the injury of the colony ; that it is inexpedient for the interests of trade, manufacture, mining, and the agriculture of the colony, that its internal civilisation should be wholly dependant on private institutions mainly composed of foreign shareholders, who withdraw their profits from the colony and bear no part of its burden ; that notes circulated by banks are not redeemable, but in one place ; that there is no mutual obligation among the banks to accept each others notes as cash ; that there is not a supply of gold or convertible securities left to redeem the notes iisued ; that in the event of panic the whole of the coin would bo swept away by depositors ; that in order to remedy the evils described, it is imperatively required that the State should resume its inherent control, and issue notes, such notes to be convertible on demand at the Chief Post or inland revenue offices in the colony, that this Council recommend the Government to introduce a Bill for the purpose of establishing a bank of issue, or an issue d«i>artment of the Colonial Treasury, thus affording to the people the full profit accruing from the circulation."

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday. The House met at half-past two p.m. THE VOLCANIC PISTUKBANCE.— EXPRESSION OE SYMPATHY. Sir R. Stout said the Governor had received a telegram from Lord Carrington, the Governor of New South Wales, expressing sympathy with the colony for the recent volcanic disturbances at Kotorua. He had also received a telegram from the Premier of New .South Wales to the same effect. The Government had reason to believe that a large number af natives bad lost their lives owing to the eruptions, but it was believed that both terraces were safe. LEAVE OF ABSENCE TO THE GOVERNOR, Leave of absence was granted to the Governor for fourteen days owing to ill health. QUESTIONS. Mr. Hirst asked the Colonial Treasurer if he recognises the desirability of granting a bonus for the production of kerosene oil, so as to encourage the working of extensive fields of shale in the Longwood district? Sir J. Vogrl said the matter was well worthy of consideration, for the Government had not yet considered whether they should renew the offer for a reward for this purpose. Mr. Beetham the Government whether they will, during the next session, endeavour to obtain from the United States Fisheries Commission a supply of Atlantic, Pacific, and land-locked varieties of salmon, rainbow trout, and white fish ? Mr. Larnach said the Government had considered the question of sending for another supply of ova. Mr. Taylor asked the Government if they will place upon the Supolementary Kstimates a sum not exceeding £10,000, for the purpose of purchasing the Agricultural Society's Show Grounds at Sydenham, and setting them apart as a recreation reserve for the inhabitants of the borough ? Sir R. Stout said the Government had no funds for this purpose ; but, no doubt, under the Municipal Corporations Act the borough would be able to borrow for such purposes.

Mr. Moss asked the Government if they will obtain the opinion of the AttorneyGeneral whether it be not within the power of the New Zealand Legislature to enact laws guarding against the influx of convicts from French colonial porta, by providing that no trading vessels coming from such ports shall be allowed to land passengers or crew in New Zealand, unless such passengers and crew are provided ~ with passports, or other sufficient proof that they are not convicts, and have not been convicts within the previous three years ? Sir ft. Stout aaid if the Government considered it necessary they would do so. Mr. Moss moved the adjournment of the House to enable the question to be discussed. He urged on the Government the necessity of taking some such precautions as ha advocated. 1 Sir R. Stout said this Parliament had no power to pass such laws. The-.r legislation in this respect was limited, aud they could not pass anv. Act of the kind. He also thought the Queen would not give her consent to such an Act if passed.

Sir G. Grrt held it was the duty of the Home to legislate for New Zealand, The Premier had no right to threaten the House as he had done. After further discussion, the motion for adjournment was lost. '( ; "> " Mr. J. McKenz(e asked the Government; (1) Ha« the Board of Commissioners for Educational Reserves in Otago District power to cancel .leases of the land sold by I auction, while any of the purchasers ■ are [ solvent and able to k pay rent? (2) Has the Board accepted from a syndicate Surrender j of lease of runs 301 B and 301 C, known as Te Anau run, comprising about 80,000 acres, which was let by auction at rent of £2190 per annum for 14 years, and has the Board now advertised it for sale on the 15th inst. at £650 per annum for 14 years? (3) If the Hoard has not power to accept the surrender of the leases, will the Government take steps to prevent the re-sale of the run ? Mr. Ballance said there was no special power to cancel the leases. The Government had no control over the land, which was vested in the school commissioners. NEW BILL.

Mr. Macandkew introduced the Otago Harbour Bridge Bill. NATIVE LAND ADMINISTRATION BILL. Mr. Bryok resumed the debate on the Native Lands Administration Bill. He said he did not want to make a long speech on the Bill as he had spoken at some length on the subject last year. As to the present Bill he said there were several alterations and omissions, which he considered made the Bill better than it was last year. One of the principal alterations made, which met with his approval, was the removal of the restrictions. He considered that some of the natives had assented to the Bill, understanding that very considerable alterations were made to it, others, no doubt, on the ground that it would stop the sale of native lands. With respect to the tax of the native lands, he did not see why it was more unjust to tax the natives than the Europeans. He saw no reason why the native lands should be taxed. In respect of those who received benefit from them, he would try to see that efforts were made by the Government to make it appear that some members of the House were j desirous of doing their utmost for the natives, but this was the first time in the history of the colony when any Government endeavoured to stir up race hatred. He thought the Treasurer was more to blame in this respect than Mr. Ballance, and be quoted from the speech recently made by Sir J. Vogel, in which he had said it was impossible for Mr. Bryce and Major Atkinson to deal justly with the natives because of that " legacy of hatred," of which they could not divest themselves. He (Mr. Bryce) desired to say on behalf of himself, and Major Atkinson also that they had no hatred

whatever for the Maori race. The feature in the present Bill was the peculiar election of the committee—a feature which had been strongly advocated by a former member of the House, Mr. W. L. Rees. He pointed out that under the Bill a single Maori might be on 100 or 150 committees, and it would be simply impossible in a case of that kind for him to perform his duty. Referring to the powers of the Commissioner, he said that this officer, in purchasing or leasing from the Maoris, might do so on such conditions as would make it obnoxious for others to come in. He also disapproved of the Commissioner being an officer of the Government. Mr. Ormond took exception to the statement by Mr. Ballance, at Wanganui, in which he said the opponents of the Bill of last session were those who desired to see the land opened for speculation. Ho thought he (Mr. Ballance) could not have been correctly reported, as the fact was he (Mr. Ormond) and others opposed the Bill on • broad, liberal principles, and not from snch motives as was imputed to them. He also denied that the Bill introduced by the late Sir D. McLean, which he (Mr. Ormond) had supported, has the same principle as the present Bill. As to the present Bill, he saw no improvement at all on the Bill of the last session. He believed if the Bill were given effect to it would prevent the settlementof the North Island. He also disapproved of the system of committees, which would do great wrong to the natives themselves. He did not believe the natives understood the effect of the Bill, or they would not have assented to it. Ho had heard that there was a great difference of opinion amongst the Maoris. At Hastings a meeting on tke subject of the committee was held, when the natives at that meeting also objected to the Board. From what he had heard from the natives he would say unhesitatingly that they had no knowledge of the Bill. He said the natives, if they had any choice at all, would have preferred the pre-emptive right to the present Bill. He considered the committee clause a most objectionable portion of the Bill. Another most objectionable form of the Bill was the proposal for disposing of land, and he considered Mr. Ballanoe did not sufficiently realise the enormous powers proposed to be given to the Government to deal with native lands. Outside the provisions of the Waste Lands Acts power, of course, was also enormous, and he thought the House would do a wrong act if it banded over to any Government such large powers as was proposed under the Bill. In his opinion the Bill all through was such as the Parliament should not assent to, and he thought it wonld be productive of disastrous consequences. The great objection of the natives to aooepting this Bill was caused because they thought it would stop the alienation of land. He had been personally informed by natives that they supported the Bill because of thtf benefits which the committee system would confer on some of them. He considered that, in the interests of the oolony, the waste lands lying unoccupied, which were held by the natives, should be taxed. He intended this session, if no other member did so, to test the question whether or not these lands should be taxed. He had not unkindly feelings to the native people, but he cousidered the time would come when some expressions of opinion on this point should be given by the House, and he thought if the Native Minister had represented the matter to the natives in his recent meetings they would have seen the necessity for it. The proper way out of the difficulty, in his opinion, was the resumption of the preemptive right. He moved, "That the Bill be read a second time that day six months."

Mr. W. F. Buckla.no seconded the amendment, but said, if the committee clauses were eliminated, he might support the Bill. He contended that the Bill would absolutely vest the sole right of purchase of native lands in the Government, and would not be fair to the natives themselves. Mr. Whyte was willing to vote for the second reading on the understanding that the Bill would go to the Native Affairs Committee, and he thought there would be sufficient time to discuss it when it came from the committee. Mr. Hobbs took a similar view of the question. Sir K. Stout defended the committee system at some length. He denied that the Bill would stop settlement in the Island, and asked the member for Napie r how it would do so. Would it stop settle ment because the natives were allowed to' lease their lands instead of selling them. He thought not. The Government were attempting to deal with the native lands in a way they would not be allowed to deal with large landholders. He denied that the Maoris were getting an advantage in the Bill, and disagreed altogether from Mr. Ormond in his views about taking the native lands and the resumption of the pre-emptive right. He thought when the Bill came from the committee it would be more favourably considered, as there seemed really very few objections to it. Mr. Ormond explained that when he moved his amendment he was not aware that Mr. Ballance intended referring the Bill to the Native Affairs Committee. Had he known this he should not have moved it, and he therefore wished to withdraw the amendment. The debate was interrupted by the halfpast five adjournment.