PARLIAMENT AT WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12663, 17 September 1904, Page 5

PARLIAMENT AT WORK.

GALLERY NOTES AND LOBBY GOSSIP. [b.t telegraph.—special correspondent.] Wellington. Friday. A petition from a number of Maoris was presented to the House, by Mr. Harries to-day, claiming that a portion of the Matamata Estate rightfully belongs to them. According to the petition the land was, about the year 1866, put into the hands of trustees for the purpose of leasing, and that the trustees subsequently sold out to Mr. J. C. Firth without the consent of the owners. They ask for restoration of the land. A BIG ORDER. Mr. Witheford has given notice to ask the Government whether they will take as speedy steps as possible, by bonuses or otherwise, to prevent legitimate colonial industries being wiped out of existence, and in view of the appreciative estimate expressed by the Premier as to the value of every able-bodied man to the colony, and with this desire to keep them in the : country, will the Government initiate a '< scheme of reproductive works which will enable any nun requiring food or a home to get the same in a dignified manner by working for it. LANDLESS NATIVES. Mr. Kaihau g.»ve notice to-day to ask the Premier: (1) If he will introduce a Bill tins session to provide land for landless natives in the North; (2) will he make prevision for the Crown acquiring private lands for such purpose. JOTTINGS. Mr. Hemes presented a petition from residents of Opotiki and Whakatane, asking for the formation of three miles of road from Nukuhou to the Waimana cheese factory, the cost being stated at about- £600. j A petition from settlers of Waiotu, Hukerenui, and Towai, was presented by Mr. Houston to-day, asking the Government to spend £600 on the road between Towai and Waiotu, out of the proceeds of royalty collected on kauri timber. The petitioners state that the Government has received £750 for a kauri bush near Hukerenui railway station.