PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 662, 31 October 1884, Page 7

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF EE PRESENT ATI YES. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. QUESTIONS. Hon. Mr TOLE, in reply to Mr Thompson, said that it was the intention of the Government to have the Governor’s speech on the defence of the colony printed and published, with a view to the distribution of the speech amon-st the public libraries of the colony. The" MINISTER of PUBLIC WORKS, replying to Mr 8.-Bradshaw, said that it was the wish of the Public Works Department to consider the advisability of using red and white pine creosoted sleepers instead of imported sleepers. The MINISTER of LANDS, in answer to Mr Macarthur, said that the Government considered that it was desirable to open up for sale the Pohangeroa, Waitapu, and Otemakupua blocks in the Manawatu district, and therefore they would take steps to effect that object. The MINISTER of LANDS, replying to Mr Macarthur as to whether the Government would take steps to give the inhabitants of the West Coast of this island within the Provincial District of Wellington some representation on the Wellington Waste Lands Board, said that a vacancy on the board had occurred, and it was his .intention to appoint some gentleman to the board forthwith who would represent the district mentioned. The POSTMASTER - GENERAL, in answer to Mr Beetham, replied that the Government considered that as the inhabitants at Langdale, Whareatna, were few, they should establish a private telephone wire for themselves. With regard to establishing a telephone station at Dreyertown Post Office, Wairarapa, he might say that as soon as the construction of the railway line had been proceeded with a little further, the Government would establish a telephone station at the place indicated. The MINISTER for DEFENCE, in answer to Mr Allwright, said that it was the intention of the Government to have four torpedo boats for the defence of the colony—one to be stationed in Wellington, one at Lyttelton, one at Port Chalmers, and the fourth at Auckland. The COMMISSIONER of TELEGRAPHS, replying to Mr Seddon, remarkedjthat the department did not see their way to keep open the Telephone Exchange on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. as the Government were averse to imposing more work on the officials on Sundays than was absolutely necessary. So far as he was aware, it was only some members of the medical profession who desired the innovation. The PREMIER, in reply to Mr Wakefield, said that the matter of extending some Government aid for the purpose of repairing St. Joseph’s Orphanage, Wellington, had been brought under the attention of the Government frequently by the lion, member for Te Aro, and he had informed that gentleman that the Government had no funds at their disposal for such a purpose. The institution was a private one, and if the Government were to assist the St. Joseph’s Orphanage they would have to extend the same assistance to other private institutions of a similar character belonging to other religious denominations throughout the colony. HOKITIKA STEAM-TUG BILE. Mr BEVAN moved the second reading of this Bill, which was agreed to. The Bill was committed and reported without amendment, read a third time, and passed. WELLINGTON COLLEGE RESERVES CONFIRMATION BILL. The PREMIER moved the second reading of this Bill, and in doing so, said that the reserves had been promised by several former Ministries, and in 1576 the Government plans had been really made out. Subsequently, however, the municipality of Palmerston protested against the reserves being granted to the college. These reserves, however, were at the time waste lands of the colony, and these formed no part of the borough of Palmerston North. He should be happy when replying to answer any questions of hon. members. Mr SHRIMSKI objected to a Minister of the Crown taking charge of private Bills, and he also objected to outlying districts being deprived of resources within their boundaries. He also opposed valuable endowments being granted for higher branches of education. Mr MACARTHUR also deprecated a member of the Government taking charge of a private Bill. Referring to the reserves in question, he admitted the superintendent of the province of Wellington had in 1876 promised the endowment to the Wellington College Governors, but he thought that as the Superintendent had no right to give away the reserves in question, his action should not now be endorsed by the Government. It had been the intention of the municipality of Palmerston North to have erected public buildings upon the _ reserves, and upon one of those the people, being aware that it was a college reserve, but not knowing that it had been reserved for the Wellington College intended to erect a building of their own for the higher class of education. In 1876 the ground had been reserved from public sale, and as the action of the Superintendent had been ultra vires from the begining, he contended that the Wellington College Governors had

claim to the reserves. The reserves in question had been omitted in the Wellington College Endowment Bill of 1879, when the Governors brought down that Bill, which applied for an endowment in the Wairarapa, as no doubt they were afraid to ask for too much at that time, but they now come down again and state that it was through a mistake that the Palmerston North reserves were not included in the first Bill. It was now for the House to say whether, in face of the fact that the Wellington College Governors had hitherto refused to pay rates on the reserves, they would agree to the second reading. Mr MACANDREW suggested that the second reading should be agreed to, and the Bill might be referred to the Waste Lands Committee, with a view to ascertain whether or not the Superintendent had a legal right to grant the endowment. Mr ROLLESTON said that as a matter of fact the reserves in question never belonged to the municipality of Palmerston North. The Superintendent had simply withdrawn the reserves from sale, and if he had not done so, they would have passed into private hands. The matter had been carefully gone into by three successive Ministries, and also by several committees, and he therefore could not see how the House could now refuse to give the reserves to the Wellington College Governors. Dr. NEWMAN remarked that the claim of the Wellington College Governors was not at all a new one. The reserves had years since been promised to the College, and it was only through a gross blunder that the Crown grants had not been prepared. Considerable stress had been made of the fact, by the hon. member for Manawatu, that the College Governors had not paid rates upon the reserves, but he would point out they, having no legal right to the land, could not pay rates on what they did not possess. Seeing that the endowments had been promised by three Governments, and had passed this session through the Upper House,

he trusted the second reading would be agreed

Mr SEDDON moved that the Bill be read that day six months, and, in doing so, remarked that the House bad no proof before it that the reserves had ever been reserved for an endowment for the Wellington College, although no doubt the Superintendent in withdrawing the land from sale had reserved it for college purposes, but because he had named it a college reserve it did not necessarily mean that it was reserved for the Wellington College Governors. He would point out that the Manawatu district had not been liberally treated in the matter of reserves for charitable or recreation purposes, and therefore he hoped that the House would not give the Wellington College Governors the endowment they asked for. He had been informed that the hon. member for Thorndon and the Hon. Mr Brandon, had agreed with the hon. member for Manawatu that a portion of the reserve should be given up to the Palmerston North municipality for hospital purposes. Dr. NEWMAN : No. That is not correct. Mr MACARTHUR explained that ha had spoken to the hon. member for Thorndon upon the subject referred to, and that gentleman had said that he would see the Hon. Mr Brandon with respect to the matter, and, understanding that the offer that a certain portion of the reserve should be conceded to the Palmerston people, he had wired up to the mayor of that place to that effect. Dr. NEWMAN said that he had spoken to the Hon. Mr Brandon with respect to thirtytwo acres being handed over to the municipality of Palmerston North, and that gentleman, after consulting with his co-governors, had informed him (Dr. Newman) that the governors could not accept the offer, hut believing they had a good case, they intended to either stand or fall by the Bill. Mr SEDDON said the offer of a compromise did honor to the heart of the hon. member for Manawatu, and he only regretted the offer had not been accepted by the College Governors. The hon. gentleman was speaking when the House, at 5.30, adjourned for the usual dinner-hour. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. FALSE NOTICE OF BIRTH, MARRIAGE AND DEATH BILL. This Bill was read a third time and passed, on the motion of Mr DOWNIE STEWART. SCHOOL COMMITTEES ELECTION BILL. On the question that the amendments, in this Bill be agreed to, Mr MOSS moved that the debate be adjourned, as some of the amendments were of great importance. Major STEWARD opposed the motion. It was an unusual course to pursue, more especially as the House knew perfectly well what the amendments were. Mr D. STEWART trusted the debate would not he adjourned. If the hon. member for Parnell had been in the House when the Bill was in Committee he would have been acquainted with the amendments. The motion for the adjournment of the debate was carried, and the amendments were agreed to. The PREMIER, on the motion for the third reading of the Bill, while not opposing the motion, entered his protest against the Bill, as he quite forsaw that it would have the effect of striking a blow toward secular education. He favored the clause for extending the franchise to persons of both sexes of the age of twenty-one, and perhaps this would have the effect of nullifying some of the bad elements in the Bill. Mr ROLLESTON disliked the Bill, which was a bogus Bill, and a thorough mess. Mr SHRIMSKI, considering _ that the Bill was the first blow to the Education Act in it 3 entirety, moved that it be read that day three months. Mr BUCKLAND seconded the motion. Mr D. STEWART denied that the Bill would have the effect of in any way altering the present Act. He would say that in Otago 5000 parents had expressed their desire that the Bible should be read in the public schools, as against 600 persons who opposed the reading of the Bible in the schools. This however, had nothing to do with the Bill, which only provided machinery, and, this being so, he objected to the term applied to it by the hon. member for Geraldine, who had characterised it as being a bogus Bill. Mr MOSS contended that the Bill was not a machinery Bill He thought that it would be a wrong thing to pass the Bill, especially as the House was not acquainted with the amendments. Mr LEVESTAM expressed his intention of supporting the third reading of the Bill. He was quite convinced that the argument of the hon. member for Dunedin City West to the effect that 5000 parents in Otago were in favor of reading the Bible in State schools, was entirely fallacious, as he was aware that the majority of parents in Nelson, and also throughout the colony were opposed to altering the Education Act in the direction indicated. The quest on that the Bill be read a third time went to a division, with the following result :—Ayes, 38 ; noes, 27. The Bill was read a third time and passed. IN COMMITTEE. The House went into Committee upon the Dog Registration Act Amendment Bill. Clause 2, dealing with making the fee 10s was struck out. Discussion ensued, and Major Steward moved that “ Mr Hamlin do now leave the chair.” The motion was carried. The effect of this motion is that the Bill was thrown out, The Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill was committed. This Bill was reported with amendments, read a third time, and passed. SOUTH ISLAND NATIVE RESERVES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Mr TAIAROA moved the second reading of this Bill. Mr HURSTHOUSE opposed the motion. Sir GEORGE GREY said that he had been requested by the introducer of the Bill to move the adjournment of the debate to that day three weeks, as that hon. gentleman desired to consult the holders of leases of both races before bringing forward the matter again. PRINTERS AND NEWSPAPERS REGISTRATION ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Sir GEORGE GREY moved the second reading of this Bill, and in doing so remarked that the Bill was similar to the English Act.

The PREMIER offered no objection to the motion, as he believed it would prove a good measure. He might say that some misconception had arisen through something he had mentioned when the Bill was introduced relative to correspondents signing their names to their articles. He might say that he had merely spoken as he had done in a bantering way. The editor of the paper who had objected to his remarks evidently was a countryman of his own, but he believed that if the course he spoke of was adopted the journalistic atmosphere might be cleared. At a future time it might be found desirable to make certain alterations in the Bill. The Bill was committed, and was reported without amendment. . Mr JOYCE, on the motion for the third reading, said that it would prove m) in ' jurious to relax the present law, which had not

been found oppressive, at any rate in this colony. Any person who had a printing press and types in this city might, if the present Bill became law, maliciously bring ruin and disgrace upon respectable families. He had i had great experience _ in the matter, and this was his firm conviction. For this reason he j should move that the Bill be read this day six | months. He felt sure that the hon. gentleman I who had introduced the Bill would be the first to regret his connection with it should it become law. Mr O’CONOR and Mr GRIGG opposed the third reading of the Bill. Mr D. STEWART pointed out that the printer of any newspaper or print would still be liable to a prosecution for libel, supposing the Bill became law. He should support the motion for the third reading. _Mr PYKE pointed out that the Bill provided for any frivolous actions being brought against newspapers, and on this ground he should support it. After discussion, the motion for the third reading was carried on the voices, and the Bill was parsed. GOLD DUTY REDUCTION BILL. Sir GEORGE GREY moved the second reading of this Bill. The PREMIER hoped that the hon. gentleman would withdraw his Bill. If this suggestion was not accepted the Government would have to oppose the Bill. He thought the better case would be to withdraw the Bill, and if this were agreed to the Government would, as he had already promised, frame a Bill during the recess and bring it down early next session. After discussion the motion was withdrawn. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ACT AMENDMENT BILL. This Bill was read a second time. ARMED CONSTABULARY ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Mr GUINNESS moved the second reading of this Bill, which provides that every member of the police force shall possess a vote for the election of members to the House of Representatives. The MINISTER for DEFENCE expressed his intention of supporting the Bill, providing that certain modifications were introduced, giving the Civil branch of the force only the right to exercise the right of the franchise. Mr BRYCE, though not feeling very strongly upon the point, either one way or the other, thought that it would be better not. to throw any temptation in the way of a peace officer in taking part in elections, or exercising any influence in elections. Elections, if the . Bill were passed, might be controlled by a Government shifting the police about at election times. Mr O’CONNOR considered that the franchise should be extended to the Civil force of the police, the members of which were entitled to vote as were any other Civil servants. If the police were to be debarred from voting, so also should Customhouse officers, &c. Mr PYKE pointed out that as it was the duty of the police to keep the peace, it would be very unwise to place them in a position in which they might become partisans. The bad effects of giving the police the right to vote at elections was evidenced in the United States, where great partisanship had been displayed by the police at elections. He should oppose the Bill. Mr D. STEWART supported the Bill, as he believed that if the right of the franchise were extended to the police, the members of the police force would prove even more loyal and more anxious to preserve the peace at elections than they were at present. Mr HURSTHOUSE supported the Bill, as also did Mr SEDDON. The latter hon. gentleman, however, hoped that the field force would not be permitted to exercise the franchise. The PREMIER pointed out that if the field force were permitted to vote at elections they might possibly swamp the votes of the settlers. He thought, however, that the franchise should be extended to the civil force. The motion for the second reading was agreed to, and the committal was made an order of the day for Tuesday next. The House adjourned at 12.40 a.m. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. The MINISTER for PUBLIC WORKS, in answer to Mr Pulton, said that it was his intention, should the debate on the North Island Trunk Railway be closed by the time of the usual dinner adjournment, to deliver the Public Works Statement that evening. (Hear, hear.) MONDAY SITTING. On the motion of the PREMIER, it was resolved that the House at its rising adjourn to Monday at 2.30 p.m. The Premier added that Thursday evening would, as usual, be devoted to the business of private members. QUESTIONS. The MINISTER for PUBLIC WORKS, in reply to Mr Joyce, said that there had bean no difficulty experienced in creosoting native timber for sleepers. The PREMIEB, in reply to Mr Duncan, who inquired if the Government during the recess would prepare a Public Works Act Amending Bill, with a view to meet the difficulties that at present exist in regard to farmers protecting themselves from danger by floods, said that the Government recognised that something should be done in the direction indicated, and during the recess the Government would consider the subject. The PREMIER, in reply to Mr Macarthur, said that the Government recognised the importance of the question of the reform of the Legislative Council, and during the recess they would give the matter their serious consideration. The MINISTER for PUBLIC WORKS asked as to whether, in the event of the central route for the North Island being adopted, the Government would order a survey of a direct line between Auckland and Taranaki, answered that if the line were adopted the Government would order a survey of the line to Taranaki. The MINISTER for DEFENCE, in reply to Mr Joyce, said that during the recess it was the intention of the Government to consider the whole question of the defences of the colony. . The MINISTER of LANDS, m answer to Mr Brown, said that the Government had paid Mr Gisborne L2GO for his work on New Zealand. Parts I. and 11. had been received, and he thought that the book, when complete, would prove a very valuable one. Part 111. was not to hand yet.

NORTH ISLAND TRUNK LINE. The adjourned debate on the report of the committee was continued by Mr SAMUEL, who said that the answer he had that afternoon received from the Government relative to a survey of a direct line between Taranaki and Auckland had left him in some doubt. He believed that the Minister for Public Works would do better if he made himself acquainted with the richness in minerals and the fertility of the soil of the North Island. He did not intend to decry the merits of the Marton line, but he desired to point out that Mr Carlceek was not a Taranaki man but was really a Wellington man, and therefore might be supposed to be slightly biased in favor of the central route. The hon. gentleman read an extract from Mr Carkeek’s report on the Stratford line, from which it appeared that

the highest elevation of the hills on the Stratford line did not exceed GOOft, which was much less than the hills which surrounded Wellington. It was natural for the ton members to endeavor to isolate laranaki from Auckland, but it was scarcely generous. He believed that the Stratford line would have the effect of opening up better country than ■would be opened up by the central route, and lie would not be doing his duty if he did not point out that the Stratford route would benefit a very much larger population than would be benefited by the other line. But he considered that the smallness of the population should not be considered in the construction of a railway so much as the. capacity of the country to support a population, and the opening up of a market in which to dispose of the produce. It was not fair or honest to charge the expense of maintaining the Armed Constabulary to Taranaki, a 3 it was a charge which should be debited to the whole of the colony. The district of Taranaki had been in the midst of native troubles, and had to submit either to almost ruin or to abandon their homesteads. The PREMIER : I did not refer to the expenditure with regard to the maintenance of the Armed Constabulary in Taranaki. I referred to,‘ the Public Works expenditure on the breakwater, &e. Mr S AMUELIwas glad to hear the explanation of the Hon, the Premier. He would desire to point out that the expenditure on the breakwater had amounted to L 94,000, and it should be borne in mind that the work was not a local one, but really was a national undertaking, as it not only was a harbor of refuge, but also would have the effect of opening up a large tract of country. The hon. member here referred to the money which had been spent in other parts of the colony in the erection of public buildings, and which which were not reproductive works. No such costly buildings had been erected in Taranaki. He hoped that Southern members would give their unbiased attention not only to the report of the committee but also to the evidence which had been given, and if they did this they would find that the Stratford line was the best... All he asked was that hon. members would give their vote for the most economical and the easiest constructed line—a line which was calculated to do the most good to the colony. Mr LARNACH submitted that the committee had gone about their duties in a busi-ness-like manner, and he thoroughly believed that, if the evidence was carefully and impartially scanned, the House would endorse the report of the committee. He spoke in the interest both of the committee and of the colony at large. The hon. gentlemen reviewed the evidence of the witnesses, which, he contended, was greatly in favor of the central route. Not more than six out of thirty-four witnesses had been in favor of the Stratford line. Sir George Grey, in giving his evidence, had stated that the country around Stratford was exceedingly broken, and, for that reason, he (Mr Larnach) was exceedingly surprised at the speech of the hon. member the other evening, when that hon. gentleman had favored the Stratford line. The committee, in arriving at their decision, considered it was no part of their duty to study the rival interests of either places which would be affected. All they had to inquire into was, which line would most benefit the colony at large. Mr THOMSON considered that the Minister for Public Works should inform the House how the Government intend that the country along the central line should be settled. He did not intend to throw cold water on the motion, as he believed that the country was pledged to the adoption of the report. Mr BUCHANAN desired to point out that it would be a number of years before these lands would be settled, and in addition to this it should be remembered that a large portion of the land along the line of the route was heavily timbered. It should also De ascertained whether the land on the central route was re.quired for settlement. He desired to point out that there were at the present time large blocks of Government land open for selection along the lines of railways which were running, and which did not pay, and for all these reasons he considered that it would be premature to expend a large amount of money on the construction of the trunk line in the North Island at the present time. He had certainly thought that the North Island members would have been a factor in inducing the Southern members to stay their hands, in the construction of Government lines in the Middle Island, but instead of this, and instead of delaying the construction of the North Island Trunk line for say two years, each hon. member would appear to be anxious to dip his hand into the money bags of the colony. Taking into consideration the respective merits of the two lines he should certainly vote for the central route. The House divided on the question that the word “ central” stand part of the question with the following result —Ayes, 53 ; Noes, 20. The following is the division list: — Ayes, 53. —Allwright, Ballance, Barron, Beetham, Bruce, Bryce, Buchanan, J. C. Buckland, Cadman, Coster, Cowan, Duncan, Fitzherbert, Eraser, Eulton, Grigg, Hatch, Hursthouse, Johnston (teller), Joyce, Hake, Lance, Larnach, Levestam, Locke, Macarthur, J. McKenzie, McMillan, Mitchelson, Newman (teller), O’Connor, Ormond, Pearson, Py ke, Reese, E. Richardson, G. E. Richardson, Rolleston, Ross, Russell, Seddon, Shephard, Shrimski, Smith, W. J. Steward, W. D. Stewart, Stout, Sutter, J. W. Thomson, Walker, W. White, J. B. Whyte, Wilson. Noes, 20. —Be van, Brown, W. E. Buckland, Dargaville, Gillies, Grey, Guinness, Hakuene, Hobbs, Menteath, Moat, Montgomery, Moss, Peacock (teller), Pere, Samuel (teller), Taiaroa, T. Thompson, Pole, Trimble. Paxes. For: Messrs Eisher, Holmes, Hamer, Garrick, O’Callaghan, Eergus, Gore. Against Atkinson, Macandrew, Conolly, Dodson, Morris, Hamlin, Hurst. The MINISTER for PUBLIC WORKS, having replied briefly, the question . of the adoption of the report of the Committee was put and carried on the voices. IN COMMITTEE. The House went into Committee on the Destitute Persons Act Amendment Bill, which was reported with amendments. The House went into Committee, on the Bankruptcy Act Amendment Bill. Discussion ensued on certain amendments, and the Chairman vacated the chair at 5.30 for the usual dinner hour. EVENING SITTING. The committee resumed at 7.30 p.m., when progress was immediately reported, leave being given to sit again presently. DESTITUTE PERSONS BILL. The amendments made in this Bill were agreed to, and the Bill was read a third time, and passed. PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. Mr RICHARDSON delivered the Public Works Statement, which was as follows : Mr Speaker,—The information usually contained in the Public Works Statement has been somewhat anticipated this year by the particulars laid upon the table of th. 6 House during the last short session. The time that has elaped since the Government took office has not been sufficient to enable me to make

myself thoroughly acquainted with the proceedings of the various branches of the Public Works Department, and I have had to depend in a great measure upon the figures and reports submitted to me by the several official heads of the department. I may state, however, that so far as time has permitted, I have looked into the question of. the staff of the department as provided for in the present Estimates. Reductions were supposed to be made in the year ISBI-2, but I find that those reductions were more nominal than real, and that the bulk of the officers who at that time disappeared from the list of the permanent staff were placed on temporary charge, and provided for out of the votes for construction works. Although I am not as yet prepared to state to what extent reductions can be made, 1 am of opinion that the staff is much larger than is necessary for the due supervision of the works the colony now has. in hand The railways being the most important works carried on by the department, I propose to allude to them first, under the several headings of “Railways in Course of Construction,” “Additions to. opened Railways,” and “Working of Railways already opened for Traffic.” Before going into the details of the several lines, however, it may be well to state that, on the 31st March, 1881, the colony had 1404 miles of railway open for traffic, on which there had been expended the sum of L 11,251,633, and that there were 234 miles in course of construction. . It was to this 234 miles of unfinished railway that my. bon. colleague the Colonial Treasurer principally alluded when he stated that it will be our endeavor to push on to a speedy completion the various unfinished portions of lines, so as to add this extra mileage to our revenue-pro-ducing railways. RAILWAYS IN COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION. I shall now shortly refer to those portions of our railways which were under construction during the past year. Kawakawa. —This railway, about 74 miles long, has at length been opened for traffic to deep water,, with a convenient wharf, alongside of which is a depth of water of 21ft at. low-water springtides. Whangarei-Kamo.—-This has been opened for traffic for more than a year, and an increase of traffic may be expected, as the proprietors of the Whauwhau Mine have arranged for the construction of a branch line to their mine near Kamo, the yield from which is expected to be considerable. Waikato-Thames. *—The section of this line from Hamilton to Morrinsville, .18 miles, is now open for tiaffic. The section beyond Morrinsville to Te Aroha, 12 miles, is being formed under contract, and the formation is nearly completed. The erection of the bridge and approaches over the Thames River, at the end of this contract, is being proceeded with, and when complete will be available for ordinary road traffic pending the completion of the railway. Grahamstown-Kopu, 4J miles. — The permanent-way on this line is now almost completed. Hamilton-Cambridge branch, 12 miles. —This line was opened tor traffic on the Bth instant. Napier-Woodville.—This line has been extended and opened for traffic to Matamau, 4 miles beyond Makatoko, to the great convenience of the travelling public, as about 9 miles of coaching is thus saved. A further portion extending to Tahoraite, 7. miles, will, it is expected, be ready for public traffic by the end of this month. This will bring the railway to a point 81 miles from Napier. Wellington-Woodville.—The extension of the railway beyond Masterton is progressing under two contracts for a distance of about 17 miles. Eoxton-New Plymouth.— A further length of about 17 miles on this line has been opened for public traffic during the year, namely, from Waverley to Manutahi, leaving a gap of only 10 miles between the latter place and Hawera to complete the through connection. The work on this gap is proceeding as fast as the weather will allow, and under favorable circumstances this length might be ready for traffic about the end of February next. Nelson-Roundell.— This line has been completed from Nelson to Belgrove, 23 miles, for some time, and the only extension now in progress is the Wai-iti section, 24 miles, the formation of which is well advanced. Greymouth-Nelson Creek. A length of 60 chains of heavy formation work beyond Brunnerton has been completed on this railway for some time past, but no further extensions of it are at present in hand. Greymouth-Hokitika. On this railway a total length of 10 miles of formation is partly executed; 6 miles at the Greymouth end, and 4 miles at the Hokitika end. The work done during the year has consisted of a small formation-section at the Hokitika end, for which sleepers have also been provided. Picton-Awatere. —On this railway a length of 44 miles to the southwards of Blenheim, known as the Yernon Section, has been formed for some time. No further work was done during the financial year, but a contract was on the 9th July this year let for 3J miles of formation from the end of the Vernon Section towards the Dashwood Pass. Hurunui-Waitaki and Branches Railway.— Hurunui-Waitaki —The extension northwards from Waikari to the Hurunui is now finished and ready for opening. This completes the main tiunk railway throughout Canterbury and Otago. The bed of the Hurunui River having been found too hard, for pile-driving, the erection of a pile-bridge there has been suspended, and. a contract for its completion with iron cylinders, . instead of piles, is now in preparation. The formation, bridges, and station buildings on the section between the Hurunui River and the crossing of the main road near the Red Post is in progress. This will bring the railway to a central position, 69 miles from Christchurch, commanding the traffic of the Amuri and Hanmer Plains, The Ashburton branch railway has been finished and opened to i a point opposite Mount Somers township, 21 miles from the point where it leaves the main line, and 23 miles from Ashburton. The Little River branch has been opened for soma time to Birdling’s Elat, a point about 30 miles from Christchurch. Beyond this point the formation is finished for a distance of 14 miles, and another section of 1. mile is in progress under contract. In addition to this, also, a further short length of formation has been undertaken by day labor to give work to the unemployed in Christchurch. The Albury branch railway has been completed and opened for traffic to Fairlie Creek, namely, to a point 3G miles from where it leaves the main line, and 39 miles from Timaru. Oxford-Malvern— This section, which connects the Malvern coal field with North Canterbury, has been finished. Waitaki-Bluff and Branches Railway.—On the Heriotburn branch line a further extension from Kelso to Heriot has been opened, thus completing a total length of 20 miles from Waipahi, on the main line. On the Livingstone branch the formation works, with the exception of the tunnels, have been completed for some years, and during last year a further portion of the tunnelling has been in progress. Of the Palmerston branch a length of about 2 miles is completed for traffic, but is at present only used for bringing ballast to the main line. The remaining S miles, to Waiherno, is ready for platelaying. Of the Catlin’s river branch, between the main line and the Port Molyneux-road, distance in all about 8 ) miles, about 54 miles is formed ready for platelaying, leaving about 24 miles still to be formed On the Edendale-Toitois branch, a distance ef 4 miles, from Edendale to Wynd-

ham, has been opened for traffic for.some time, and a further distance of about 4 miles is ready for platelaying. On the Waimea-Switzers branch the formation is partly completed for a distance of about 7 miles from Riversdale. On the Seaward bush branch the formation is completed for a length of about 3 miles, and a further length of about 24 miles is in pro<rress. Otago Central Railway. —Otago Central— The works in progress on this line extend over a distance of 32 miles. The formation of the Wingatui section is finished ready for the rails, and a small quantity of work was done on the Hindon section during the early part of the year by the unemployed. The Deep Stream contract, let in February, 18S2, was abandoned by the contractors shortly after and the works have not yet been resumed. . The formation of the Nenthorn section, which is. the last of the rough country, is progressingrapidly. In connection with this Otago Central railway, I am of opinion that a great mistake has been made in not forcing on the construction of the first portions of the line, especially, the Wingatui Viaduct, so that the materials for the Deep Stream and Nenthorn sections could be taken up by rail, instead of being carted so far up by road, which must materially increase the cost of construction. The Wingatui Viaduct will take fully two years to complete, and until it is completed it will be a great bar to the progress of the works higher up the line. Invercargill-Kingston and Branches, including Western Railways. On the Mararoa branch the platelaying has been extended for a further distance of 14 miles, making about 4 miles in all from its commencement; beyond this point the line is formed for a further dis-; tance of about 2 miles. On the Orepuki branch railway a further length of about 14 miles has been opened, and the platelaying .is in progress on the remaining portion. This, with the exception of stations which are not yet let, will complete the whole of the line to Orepuki, a distance in all of about 18 miles.. Surveys.—Good progress has been made with these in both islands. In the North Island three lines have been examined as probable routes for the main trunk line between Wellington and Auckland, viz., one from Napier by way of Taupo ; one from Marton by a line west of the Rangitikei River, Ruapehu, and Taupo ; and one from Stratford by a. line inland about 15 miles from the coast. In addition to the reports already before hon. members on this subject, further and fuller reports have since been prepared and supplied to the committee appointed to inquire into the question of the most suitable route to be adopted. In the Middlelsland the principal surveys are those for the proposed East and West Coast, railway. Four main routes have been surveyed in detail: the Cannibal Gorge, Hurunui Pass, Arthur Pass, and Lake Lyndon routes, and a reconnaissance survey has been made of a fifth by the Amuri Pass. Reports, with maps and sections, giving the result of these surveys, will be laid before you. ADDITIONS TO OPENED RAILWAYS. I shall now briefly refer to a few of the works which have been executed on the lines of railway which were open for traffic previously to the 31st March, 18S3, outside ordinary repairs add renewals, to which I shall presently allude. And here I would wish to record my opinion that a very large amount of the works executed on these opened lines has been done much earlier than there was any real necessity for, and also that the unnecessarily increased accommodation given in some instances is causing very great pressure to be put upon the Government for similarly unnecessary expenditure in other places. Kaipara-Waikato.—Various works have been executed on this line of railway, with the view of improving the facilities for traffic at the different stations, and for providing better accommodation for the repairs of rolling stock, &c. This latter will be accomplished by the erection of new workshops at Newmarket, which are now nearly completed, and the erection of the necessary machinery is in progress. Provision has also been made for increasing the convenience of passenger traffic in Auckland, where a new passenger station building is now in progress under contract, opposite and parallel to Customhouse-street, on the reclaimed land. Westport-Ngakawau.—On this railway some minor improvements have been carried out during the year, and also some additions to the plant and rolling-stock. Greymouth-Brunnerton. —A few additions and improvements have been made on the open line, and an extension of 450 feet to the Greymouth Wharf is under contract, to be completed in about two months. Hurunui-Waitaki and Branches. —The works on the opened portions of these lines during the past year consist chiefly of numerous extensions and improvements at workshops and stations, and large additions to rolling-stock. Waitaki-Bluff and Branches. —New stations are in progress at Dunedin and Invercargill, and the one at the Bluff has been rearranged and enlarged. Numerous extensions and improvements have been made at wayside stations, and the rolling-stock has been largely increased. Invercargill-Kingston and Branches, including Western Railways.—On.these lines a considerable number of minor improvements have recently been effected, including several additions to stations. By reason of these and many similar additions made to the opened railways during the past few years, we have now got 1404 miles of railway complete and equipped—not of a description such as was proposed in IS7O, when the scheme of public works was inaugurated by my colleague, Sir Julius Vogel—but lines of a much higher class, and of such a nature that much higher speeds can be run, and much greater traffic than was then anticipated can be carried, WORKING RAILWAYS. Without wishing to cast any reflections on the present General Manager of Railways, I unhesitatingly express my opinion that the condition and management of our railways are in a very unsatisfactory state. My honorable colleague, the Colonial Treasurer, recently said, that in many of the railway systems not nearly so large as that of ours in New Zealand it would be thought absurd to leave to one man the virtually irresponsible control and management, without anyone to . consult, on the many difficult points which arise from day to day. Yet, such is the case here ; and I fear no great change for the better can be expected till the whole system is altered. I have been of the opinion, ever since our first railways were opened, that such a system of management as at present prevails could not produce satisfactory results ; and, as each year has passed by, that opinion has been strengthened. And, if anything was wanted to convince me that a great change was wanted, the short time I have held office lias afforded me ample proof that it cannot be male too soon. It is a matter of the deepest regret to me that, owing to the late period of the year, the Government have come to the conclusion that it will be impossible to carry through a Bill this session creating Boards, of Management, which would be responsible for the working of our railways ; and, did I not feel convinced that the Government and the House were determined to take this course at the earliest date possible, I should not have consented to take office. The House will understand that, in saying this, I mean no disrespect. I feel bound to state these opinions, because I

i should otherwise accept a false position. Whilst I believe that strong boards are necessary to guide and control the management, both in the Middle Island, and the Auckland district, I find myself with multifarious other duties to perform, virtually standing in the position of the two boards. I will do the best I can, but I must not pretend to think that, unaided, I can reform the railway system as it requires to be reformed. Hon. members would be amazed if they knew all the powers vested in the General Manager by the late Government by orders in council and otherwise. Again, however, let me say that I have the highest opinion of the General Manager’s ability and zeal. It is as much due to him, as to ourselves, that he should not he placed in a false position. Hon. members are aware that two great changes have been made during the year : the one being an alteration in the passenger rates and the doing away with the ordinary return tickets, and the other a general rise in the goods tariff. There has hardly been time enough to ascertain the effect produced by the former, but the result of the inquiries I have made clearly point to the fact that the great bulk of the passanger traffic is confined to the two days in which the cheaper fares obtain; and, indeed it would appear that the traffic is still being reduced on the other days of the week when the higher rates are charged. I feel convinced that in many directions the passenger rates will have to be reduced to attract the traffic the railway ought to carry, and that such reductions, if judiciously made, will result in increased receipts. With regard to the rise in the goods tariff, there is no doubt it has produced a large increase to the revenue. While this increase in the receipts has taken place, it is an undoubted fact that a great deal of the traffic has been diverted from the railways in some parts of the country, and that the carriers on the roads are competing successfully with the railways. lam sure hon. members will agree with me that this state of things should not occur. Comparing the quantity of goods carried over the railways during the year 1883-84 with the year 1882-83, we find as follows : /

VjrOOUbj hUIla . . . ... A J JUT A, I VW)VAV From this it will be seen that there was. an increase during the year ISB3-84, but I consider the increase would have been much larger had more determined efforts been made to attract traffic to the railways. The remedy, as I have already informed the House, lies in a thorough revision, (not only of the rates charged, but in the classification of the goods ; tind, while this revision is being made, every opportunity must be taken to make the rates press as lightly as possible on all local productions and on all articles the reduction on which will help either the settlers through the country or the local industries which are already established or are likely to succeed. ROADS NORTH OP AUCKLAND. The vote taken for these roads last year was L 45.000, but, as there were liabilities existing at the end of the previous year amounting to L 12.200, the sum available for distribution was L 32,800. Of this amount about L 12,000 was for construction of the main North-road, about L3OOO for wharves and other special works, and the balance for ordinary county works. ROADS AND BRIDGES GENERALLY, INCLUDING “ MAIN ROADS ” AND “MISCELLANEOUS ROADS AND BRIDGES.” North Island.—South of Auckland: The principal work executed in the North Island has been the completion of a road leading from Cambridge to Ohinemutu, in all 55 miles in length, but a large expenditure has also been incurred in keeping the main roads in repair. Middle Island. —The only important roads in the Middle Island on which the Government is doing much work are from Blenheim to Nelson, Nelson to the West Coast, and Hokitika to Christchurch. The last link in the road from Blenheim to Nelson, via the Rai Valley, is now in progress; also a bridge over the Felorus. Bridges have been built and other improvements effected on the Nelson-West Coast road. In addition to the maintenance and general improvements, the bridging of the Taipo and smooth Wainihinihi, on the Hokitika-Christchurch road is in hand. Bridges have also been completed er are in progress over the Wairau, Clarence, Waiau, Rakaia, and Taieri rivers. ROADS TO OPEN OP CROWN LANDS BEFORE SALE. The particulars of the numerous works under this heading will be found in table 5 of the appendices to this statement, from which it will be seen that during the twelve months ending the 31st March last a sum of L 54,631 was expended. The importance of opening Crown lands by pioneer roads previous to their sale need not be enlarged on here, the question having been fully dealt with in the annual reports of the Land and Survey Departments. Bv statidg this I am not giving my opinion whether the roads have been judiciously selected or not. Out of the sum of L2G5,415 on the Estimates of ISB3-S4, of which L 205.000 was allocated out of the last loan of L 3,000.000, the sum of L 103,713, including liabilities, was, on the 31st March last, available for the carrying on of the road-lines already on the Estimates. With the large public estate still awaiting settlement, the demands for this class of work may be said to be almost unlimited, but, as only a certain amount of work can be executed in each year, it is proposed to ask the House for a further vote this year of L 29,595 to open up blocks of land in the several land districts which have been surveyed, but withheld from disposal by the department pending their being opened up by road. The particulars of these proposals will appear in the EstiROADS UNDER THE ROADS AND BRIDGES CONSTRUCTION ACT. Main Roads : One-fourth of cost of work to he provided or repaid in ten years by the local body, and the balance to be found by the Government. —Under tliis beading the total amount of the applications received on the 30th June, ISB3, when reduced in accordance with the Act of 1883, came to L 224,555. Of these ayiplications, those which were for bridges were granted in full, while, as regards .those which were for road works exclusive of bridges, the available fund only admitted of their being granted to the extent of one-fifth of the amounts applied for. The total amount thus distributed for bridges and road works together amounted to L 70,651. In addition to these ordinary applications, there were also applications for repairs of extraordinary damages by floods, amounting to L 19,525, and grants were made on these to the extent of L 10,252. The total applied for altogether on account of main roads was, therefore, L 244,413, and the total granted L 50,963, of which L 41,542 was for bridges, and L 39.121 for other works. District Roads and River Works : Total amount granted to be repaid in fifteen years.— On account of this class of works, the total amount applied for during the year ending March last has been L 30,596 ; and in pursuance of these applications loans have been granted to the extent of L 22,941. Of this sum, L 21,495 was for roads, and L 1446 for river works. GOLDFIELDS ROADS. Roads. —Under the heading of goldfields roads an expenditure of L2G,603 was incurred during the last financial year in the construction of roads on the goldfields, and in subsidies granted to County Councils for the opening

out of tracks and other works in aid of prospecting, and the liabilities existing on these works at the end of March last amounted to L 17,197. The details of the various works undertaken will be found in Table No. G of the Appendices. WATERWORKS ON GOLDFIELDS. From Table No. S it will be seen that a sum of L1G,596 was expended during the year on the construction and extension of reservoirs, water-races, and drainage channels, and that liabilities amounting to L 7353 were outstanding on account of these works at the end of March last. It may be well here to point out that this expenditure out of loan is for entirely new works, and does not include the maintenance and repair of such works as the Kumara and Naseby sludge channels, and the large water-races which are paid for out of consolidated revenue. PURCHASE OF NATIVE LANDS, NORTH ISLAND. The areas of land, the purchases of which were completed during the year ending the31st March last, were as follows: —In the Auckland Provincial District, 77,721 acres ; in the Wellington Provincial District, 120,861 acres ; and in the Taranaki Provincial District, 10,280-acres ; amounting in all to 208,862 acres. The total area of native land purchased under the Immigration and Public Works Acts, up to the 31st March last, was 3,955,233 acres, at a cost of LS2S,S66; and a further area , of’ 1,013,053 acres is under purchase, on which L 92,827 has been paid. Total disbursements up to end of March last, L 921,693. IMMIGRATION. As the House is aware, the schedule to the Loan Act of 1882 provided a sum of L200,000' for immigration. Since that time assisted and free passages have been granted to 9619 immigrants, who have arrived in the colony as follows, viz.:—

In addition to these, the Government, have advices of 150 more immigrants (principally single women) having left Plymouth on the 31st August last. The total number of immigrants of all classes introduced by the Colonial Government since the inauguration of the immigration scheme is 110,833. With the exception of a small number of single women, whom the Agent-General caused to be specially selected, the whole of the immigrants whohave arrived in the colony since April, ISB2, have been nominated, but since the 12th March last even nominated immigration (except for single women) has been suspended. Anumberof the persons, part of whose passages were provided by their friends, were suddenly told that they could not he brought out. The hardship to which these persons have been subjected has been so forcibly represented to. the Government, and their right of complaint is soclear, that instructions have been given that in all cases where the nomination money . has been already paid passages are to be provided for the persons nominated. TELEGRAPH EXTENSION. The work done towards extension of telegraph lines during the past year has consisted of 100 miles of new lines, with wire complete, and S 9 miles of additional wire, erected partly on the new lines and partly on lines previously existing. The total length of telegraph lines now existing in the colony is 4074 miles, carry--10,037 miles of wire, and in addition to this the transmitting capacity of the wire is increased by 2520 miles which is duplexed. The extensions at present contemplated amount to--142 miles of line. PUBLIC BUILDINGS.. In the North Island the principal works which were in hand during the year were the new gaol at Auckland, and the convict prison,, Mount Cook, Wellington, at both of which, good progress has been made. The post and telegraph offices in Wellington have also been completed and opened during the last year. In the Middle Island the principal buildingscompleted -were the lunatic asylums at Sunnyside, Canterbury; and Seacliff, Otago. The total expenditure on public buildings in both Islands during the year amounted to L 164.376, and the liabilities at end of March last wereL 41.753.

LIGHTHOUSES AND HARBOR WORKS. At Kaipara a lighthouse has been erected on the North Head, and is now very near completion. The training-wall erected in the Aorere River, at Collingwood, has been completed,and has fully answered the purpose intended. The French Pass lighthouse and the necessary buildings are now complete, .and thePass was lighted on the Ist October. At Jackson’s Head a substantial beacon has been erected on the reef lying nearest to the Head,, which it is expected will prove to be of service in marking the width of the channel. AtWestport the small river training-wall on thenerthern side is well advanced. A survey is in progress of a line of railway to Cape Foul wind, which has been suggested as a means of bringing stone to the breakwater. At Greymouth the southern breakwater was continued at the usual rate of progress till May last, when the works were suspended in consequence of the vote being exhausted. As shown by the statements furnished by the engineers, the harborworks at Greymouth are proving of great benefit to the port. When the Harbor Bills now before Parliament become law further provision for these harbors will be unnecessary. COAL FIELDS. For some years past the coal fields of the colony have been left to private enterprise, the only relation which Government has maintained to them being that of their control and inspection under the regulations of the Mines Act, 1574. The report of the Secretary for Mines, dated the 20th June, ISS4 (Parliamentary Paper, C. —5), is already in the hands, of members, and shows that this most essential industry is slowly but surely increasing in importance. Thus, during the last six years, while the total consumption of coal in the colony has increased 75 per cent., the proportion which-the coal raised in the colony bears to the imported coal has increased from 48 per cent, in 187 S to 77 per cent in ISS3. .1 regret to say, however, that a marked falling-off in production has been experienced in the case of the Kawakawa mine, at the Bay of Islands, on which the northern part of the colony has for many years been chiefly dependent for its supply of steam coal. Any permanent failure of this mine would be a serious loss to the colony, as the expensive railway that has been made to connect it with a deep-water wharf would become in that case unproductive From the reports of the Geological Department there appears, however, to be good ground for expecting that the falling-off is only one of the fluctuations incident to the development or ail coal fields, and it is anticipated that a more active and extended use of the diamond drill in the district will lead to the disco very of fresh coal seams. A similar failure was experienced in the case of the important Springfield mine, from which Christchurch is largely supplied. 5 hut in that case the company procured a diamond drill, and the result of its use in discovering new coal seams on the property has been very successful. There is no doubt that in the diamond drill, if it is used with judgment, we have a means of placing the development of our coal mines on a solid basis, by

obtaining, without expensive shafts, accurate records of the thickness and nature of the coal measures. The principal areas occupied by coal measures, concerning the extent and value of which more exact information is required, are the following : —ln the North Island, lhe Bay of Islands district, the district at the source of the Waipa and Mokau and the lower Mokau district, where seams ot valuable steam coal are known to exist, and probably to extend into the upper district ot the Wanganui Biver. In the South Island. 1 The area of coal formation on the Paparoa Bange, north of Greymouth, and the country from Beefton to the sources of the Butler IRiver, require more definite exploration, similar to that which the Mount Bochfort coal field has received. The fact that large coal deposits exist in the above district has been ascertained) but the determination of their exact extent and value might have an important bearing on the great question of the most advantageous way of improving the facilities for export trade from the West Coast, and.also on the best lines for internal communication. There can scarcely be any doubt that if the colony could afford to give substantial encouragement towards the employment of diamond drills by coal companies and private persons much good would ensue. Good results would also accrue to the colony, and consider able sums of money would be saved to companies and individuals were there a more liberal expenditure on the Geological Depart ment, which at present receives a very small vote. PROPOSALS FOR THE FUTURE. The proposals I am about to make. are • based on principles which, after long discusion with my colleagues, I have decided on submitting to the House as the foundation of our future public works policy. Inere are two points which we must bear distinctly in mind First, that there is great work for us to do in the way of extending the railway system, or feeding the railways, and of opening up the country by the construction of roads ana bridges, and, at intervals, when the colony needs it, of increasing the population by immigration, which, to speak moderately, cannot be in any sense exhausted for two or three generations. To put it in another form, the people have before them, for a longer period than it is necessary to look forward to, the task of colonising the country. I hey have not to do this by spurts, with intervals ot inaction, but by steady and continuous action, The second point I have to ask the House to remember is that, inasmuch as we are not engaged on a spasmodic work, but on one that will last our lives and the lives of our children and children’s children, we must endeavor to bring to its performance as much of system as is possible. If we consider these two points jointly it will be evident that they really amount to no more than this: that we .must ' steadily pursue the functions of colonisation, as fast as, and no faster than, our means permit; and it will also he evident that, though we may make prognostications of the extent of the future money at our disposal, an exact determination can only be arrived at from year to year. But, in order to obtain a general index of the future means, it is necessary to know what is the policy of finance that is to be adopted. The Colonial Treasurer has already, at some length, enunciated the views of the Government on the subject, and I may be permitted to supplement what has been already stated. Taking the present year as a starting point, the object after this year will be to bring the expenditure charged on the Consolidated Bund within the means of that fund without the aid of the property tax. We foresee that can easily be done by shifting to local expenditure some of the present charges made on the Consolidated Fund notably, the charitable expenditure, and some other small items, let us say, amounting with the charitable aid, to some LIOO,OOO a year. It is clear that local bodies cannot undertake this without an additional revenue, and, to dispense with needless points of controversy at present, we may suppose that the 1/100,000 is supplied by either a property tax or a land tax. But other revenue will also have to be supplied to local bodies, as it cannot fce satisfactory to continue for a lengthened period the policy of making and maintaining roads and bridges out of borrowed money, which has been virtually what has been going on for some time. The borrowing for roads and bridges cannot be abruptly brought to a conclusion, hut its cessation must be an end kept in view. I need not further pursue the subject of providing local revenue, but may come to that which is of most moment to my present object—considering how we are ' to find the means of pursuing colonizing operations. If we accept the starting point of this’ year which I have assumed, we shall have to ask ourselves how, without increasing the taxation, we may have the means of meeting the additional annual charges on the money borrowed for the work of colonisation. I here are three sources of increased revenue, or increased means to which to look forward, hirst, the natural net increase of revenue from year to year. Second, the increase of revenue from new railways, and also the increase in revenue (apart from natural increases) from existing railways, as they are fed by new railways, roads, and bridges. And third, the annual saving from reduced rates of interest on.loans converted, apart altogether from the saving of the expenditure of sinking fund, with which 1 have, in this Statement, nothing to do. Now, there should be next year, and for some years to come, at least a net natural increase ot revenue of LoO.COO. There should also be over many years an average additional saving ot at • least L20,0Q0 annualiy on account of reduced interest on converted loans. Some years it will amount to a great deal more. . From the , ssl other source, if we pursue the wise policy of endeavoring as soon as possible to obtain returns from borrowed money expended, we should obtain considerable increases of revenue apart from the natural increases. When the North Bland Trunk Bailway is finished the increases from feeding to all the fragmentary systems in the island will he enormous. Putting this prospect on one side, I anticipate that if you allow me to pursue the works with a view to early returns, there will be, during the next two or three years, an average increase in railway revenue of at least 1,25,000 per annum. We have then a net natural increase of revenue of L 50.000, an addition each year to the savings on account of conversion of L20.0J0 and 1/25 000 increase on account of new works —in all L 95.000. The Government considers that this justifies our borrowing a million and a half during next year, and that the probabilities are that in future years the increases of revenue will justify at least additions of from one to one and a half millions a year. I he additional burden of this million and a half will amount at present rates to L 60.000 , but probably in a year or two the money may be borrowed at 3A instead of 4 per cent. But it ,„;n ho =aid I have forgotten the additional charge of the third millfon.to be negotiated next year. The third million, however, has not been forgotten ; but, in considering the difference between this year and next, it ia.b to ■ be remembered that the interest on moneyobtained by temporary expedients and in •cipation of the loan will cover the amount of interest on the third million. It is a millio and a half that, as has already been stated, we propose to take authority to

borrow ; and^ 1 s^ v J e expenditure Sp S0 to the end of March, iSSG. I have not taken into account the annual charge of the North Island Trunk Line One-Million Loan, because up to the extent of LIOO.OOU, I tninK we can provide for that line out of the million and a half* and the Government wish to defer negotiating that loan until the expenditure on thf line is very heavy. At first, with all eagerness to push it on, it will be impossible to spend much money on it, whilst if the whole sum P is brought into the Treasury there will be theold danger of its being spent for something else. In the manner of stating the votes proposed to be taken for railway works this session two changes have been made, which it is Relieved will be very beneficial, not alone in facilitating the work of the department, and enabling the Minister to realize the state of affairs, but also in letting hon. members see the amount of money which is proposed to be spent duriug the year in the actual construction of railway works in their several districts. The changes which I allud6 to are as follow . (1) The taking of separate appropriations for, additional works required on opened railways, as distinct from new works for extension of railways: and (2) the taking of separate appropriations for the permanent way and rolling stock required for all railways, including additions to opened lines, instead of, as hitherto, including the permanent way and rolling stock in the votes for construction works. As regards the . first of these proposals—namely, the taking of separate appropriations for additional works required on the opened railways—l think hon. members will bear me out in the assertion that it was very difficult in the past to realise, from the amount of the vote taken, how much new railway works might be reasonably anticipated, as a very large proportion of the sums which have been voted for each railway from year . to year has been expended on additions and improvements to the portion of railway previously opened. By taking the votes entirely separately, as is now proposed, hon. members will be enabled to see, not only how much money is proposed to be devoted to each new extension of the railway system, and to additions to each opened railway, but will also be enabled to realise the total sum required from year to year for additions to the opened lines as a whole, including additional rolling-stock. As regards the second proposal which I have alluded to—namely, the taking of separate appropriations for permanent way and . rollingstock, as distinct from the appropriations for construction works —it is believed that this also will be a great help to hon.members in enabling them to realise the extent of construction works which will actually be done in the various localities, besides having the additional advantage of enabling the departmental accounts to be kept in a manner which will be more easily understood than by the method now in. vogue.. This P re " sent method consists in charging the _ permanent way and rolling stock, when ordered from England, to a suspense account, in terms of section 4 of the Immigration and Public Works Appropriation Acts passed. each year, and it has the daily and hourly disadvantage that the Minister can never tell what the state of the vote actually is from time to time., the whole amount of the suspense account being a charge upon the whole class of votes for railways, ‘but the amount chargeable to, each railway being indefinite and undeterminable until the close of the year’s transactions. By the system now of taking a separate vote for permanent way and rolling stock, all these complications will be avoided, and the statements of accounts from time to time under votes taken for actual construction works will show clearly the amount actually expended, and also the amount still available for expenditure upon that class of works. On the Ist April 1884, there was an available balance tor exDenditure (assuming that the advances outstanding were cash) of L 577,912. This does not include a payment of L 70,203 due from the Land Fund. The outstanding liabilities on the 31st March, ISB4, after deducting a large sum for native land purchases not likely to be wanted for some time, amounted to LI, 313 550. Between the 31st March and the 31st August, ISS4,. further linbilities of L 236.446 have been incurred, making the total liabilities L 1,549,996 I have already stated the available balance at. the end of March last was L 877.912 ; deducting this from the liabilities there is a deficiency of L 672 OS4. But, then, there is the third million of the 18S2 loan, and, assuming it to come into the year’s account and to net-par, there will be a balance of L 327.916 only available for the votes of this year beyond liabilities. With the exception of this small balance, therefore, the votes of last year practically disposed of the three-million loan, and not only of that, but of the L 250,000 raised under the Local Inscribed Stock Act,, the proceeds of which have also been drawn into the. fund. As far as I can see, from careful examination, it was intended that the three-million loan should last out the year ISBS-S6. The financial year ends on the 31st March, and the Act prescribes that one million only shall be borrowed in the three years—lSS3, ISS4, and 1880. I he third million could not have been expected to be available many weeks before the end of March ; thu3, it must have been intended to spend the money before it was borrowed, or that the third million should last till ISS6. But the then Government declared that they would not spend money before it was borrowed ; so it must have been intended that the loan should last out next year; whilst as I have said, with an additional loan of L2oj,oUu, * there is only for new votes of this year L 327.916. It is necessary that I should point all this out, so that we may have on record the point at which the new loan which the Government propose intervenes, as also that you may realise that a part of that new loan is required to fultil the schedule of the Three Million Loan Act, besides the L 250,000 which has also been absorbed. On the other hand, so far as the votes are concerned, it is only justice to my predecessor to point out that the votes of each year include much more than can be expended within the year. A system has grown up of voting sufficient to cover the probable cost of contracts, whether or not these contracts can be executed during the year. If I follow the same system, and take large votes for new works, hon. members must understand tha,t in the few months that remain of this year only a small portion will be spent, so that up to the end of March next I estimate we shall not trench upon the actual cash proceeds of the proposed new loan of a million and a half much, if any, more than L 200,000; for that loan the Government is, in fact, providing for expenditure for the year ISSS-S6. lhe House will agree with me that it is sound policy to provide the money before incurring the expenditure. We propose to take authority for a loan of a million and a half, as has already been intimated by the Colonial Treasurer. Adding that to the available balance at the end of Marchlast and to the third million of the loan of 1882 we shall have a total of L 3,077, GIZ available for expenditure from the Ist April last for liabilities and new works ; or, deducting the liabilities to the end of August or L 1,549,996, there will he L 1,827,916 left for new works, which is another way of stating the balance of L 327.916 out of the three million

aHd subiect quite clear, I should ex- °?“ P T have treated the liabilities of L 236 446 incurred between tlie end of March J * l August as liabilities. As far, however J the GoSernment incurring them is coneerne'd, they » treat them a. fresh work. folate “Go*.«nmeT mV W the, had L 236 446 more to vote for the present year 4-iT Vvif* T 916 I edve them credit for. In IS of tS’fact, and »* «!• SSv enilttnV anVSVw unde” f r o°ci n made up as follows : lor immigSn wfth fiabiUties at end of August grauon, wiui as ] c for a vote of LIW OOOX departmental expenses liabilities L 12,759, we ask for a vote of L3O 057 1 b For railways we ask for a vote f Ti r/j A On this sum we have to charge L 9 703,898 for existing liabilities, and it ako includes L 522.584 ‘VihSm* tii2?« exEtinXliabil f itie S IS of U L345,295. ’We have also there°aire existing liabilities under this head of T The LIOO,OOO has, however, to be Repaid to the Public Works Fund by the working railways. For roads, wßlihabilitiesof L 359 464, we ask for a vote of L 737,008. Inis includes L 304,200 for grants in aid under the Beads and Bridges Construction Act on which there are liabilities amounting to LZUT.aju. For waterworks on goldfields with fiabilitms wp aqk for & vote or x or pur chase oßnative lands, North Island, we ask for a vote of L 90,000, that being the amount estimlted to be required to meet the payments which will become due during the year now current. For telegraph extension, with liabiht9o 423 we ask for a vote ot L4U,ozz, For nublic bS’dings, with liabilities L 54.526, L 16,500 that being the amount estimated to be required to cover the cost of-raising the last million loan which was floated inEngland. With the exception of the votes for railways m course of construction, I do not consider. it necessary to state here our proposals with regard t> each individual work, as; all the necessary information with regard to the road works, &c., which are proposed will be found in the Estimates, which I shall presently lay before the House ; but, as regards the railways in course of construction or proposed, it is desirable that I should state here the intentions of the Government with regard to them. Taking them in the order that they will appear in the Estimates, our intentions are as follows :

Kawakawa.—The vote set down for. this work is merely sufficient to cover existing liabilities, but it is proposed to have plans prepared so as to enable the Government, to put the extension of the line towards Kamo in hand early next year. Whangarei-Kamo. The vote, proposed is sufficient to cover all existing liabilities. Hamilton-Cambridge Bailway.—lhe vote proposed in this case will, cover the completion and equipment of the line throughout. Hamilton-Te Aroha and GrahamstownKopu.— The vote proposed for these works will complete and equip the railways between the points indicated. Napier to Woodville and Bunnythorpe.— This line we propose to complete throughout as rapidly as possible, and the vote proposed for this year is sufficient to cover as much of it as can conveniently be let by contract before the next meeting of Parliament. Wellington-Woodville. —The vote proposed for this will be sufficient to complete the sections at present in hand. New Plymouth-Foxton. —The vote now proposed for this line is estimated to be sufficient to complete and equip the railway tbroughout, including the extension from New Plymouth to the breakwater. . Wellington-Foxton. —In this, case the vote is merely to cover existing liabilities on account ofl and purchases, &c., originally undertaken by the Government. Main Trunk Bailway, North Island, lhe Government has on more than one occasion expressed its conviction of the expediency of hastening forward to the utmost the construction of the North Island Main Trunk Bailway, and the route of the line haying now been decided, I have been enabled to issue instructions for surveys to be proceeded witn for the first section south of Te Awamutuandlhope in a few weeks to be prepared to call for ten ders for this work. I shall leave to my colleague, the Native Minister the task of obtaining land along the line. It will be neces - sary in any case to commence the construction at the other end of the line : and it will greatly facilitate the rapid prosecution of the work it the construction of the Welhngton-Manawatu Bail way is vigorously pushed on. . Nelson-Boundell.— The vote proposed m this case is sufficient to complete, the Wai lti Se Gr°eymouth-Beefton.-For this railway it is only proposed to vote sufficient to coyer existiareliabilities and a few contingencies which may be anticipated, as its construction is expected to be undertaken by private enterprise, as a portion of the railway from Nelson to B Grlymo o uth-Hokitika.-For this railway it is proposed to take a vote this year sufhcie t to cover the cost of the completion of the four miles from Hokitika to the Arahura, and it is intended to continue its construction from year to year until Hokitika is connected by rail with the port of Greymouth. . Blenheim Southwards. —This railway we intend to complete as rapidly as possible to tne Awatere, and the vote, proposed will cover another contract which, is intended to be let this year, in addition to the existing one. Hurunui Northwards.—The vote proposed for this railway is estimated to be sufficient to complete and equip the section at Present under contract between Hurunui and the Bed P °Hurunui-Waipara.—This railway, including the completion of the Hurunui Bridg , with iron cylinders instead of piles, will be finished as rapidly as possible, and the vote proposed will be sufficient to complete and eC1 Upper Ashburton Branch.-The vote proposed for this is estimated to be sufficient to complete the line to the Mount Somers townBiver.—We consider that thL railway, which has been a very long time in hand, should now be completed throughout to Little Biver, and the vote proposed will be thi. ease, a, the railwav is already completed as far as it is necesto carry it at present, the vote proposed is merely sufficient to cover existing liabilities an Ox C ford n to en Sh e effiekV and Whitecliffs Extension —This line is also complete from Oxford to Sheffield, but there are some outstanding liabilities and contingencies to he met, and the vote proposed is sufficient to cover these, and

*lso a short extension at the end of the Whitecliffs line to give access to the several coal mines across the river. . Livingstone Branch. —This railway was commenced and partly formed throughout ;ts whole length of 12 miles as far back as five years ago, and the L 40.000 odd expended upon it up to March last has been lying waste for several years. It is now thought, therefore, that it is time that some return should be got for all this expenditure ; and we therefore propose to vote this year a sum sufficient to complete it throughout. . Palmerston-Waihemo, S miles. This railway has also been in hand an unconscionable length of time, and we now propose to complete it forthwith. The. vote to be asked for will be sufficient to do this. . Catlin’s Biver Branch.—For this railway we propose a vote sufficient to complete and equip the line to the Port Molyneux Bead. . Waipahi-Heriotburn. —This railway being already completed., the . proposed is merely to cover existing liabilities. Edendale-Toitois. —It is proposed to complete this railway to the end of present formation, namely, to a point four miles beyond Wyndham ; and the vote to be asked for will be sufficient for that purpose. Otago Central Bailway. —As already stated, I consider that the Hindon section of this railway should have been more rapidly pushed ahead, and it will be my endeavor to further this end during the current year by all means in my power, and also to push forward the construction of the line generally as rapidly as is at all possible, in order to utilise as soon as practicable the large expenditure of close upon L 200,000 already made upon it. With this view it is proposed to ask this year for a vote which will be sufficient to enable all the work to be put in hand which can be reasonably got at without entailing a heavy loss for carriage of material. * Lumsden-Mararoa. —The vote proposed for this line is sufficient to complete it to the end of present formation, namely, to a point six miles from its commencement. Gor*-Kelso. —It is not intended to continue this line at present, so the vote proposed, is merely sufficient to cover cost of working survey and land plans. • Waimea-Switzers.—The vote proposed for this is sufficient to complete it up to the end of the seventh mile. . Seaward Bush.—For this railway a vote is proposed sufficient to complete it to the end of the sixth mile. Biverton-Orepuki.—ln this case the . vote asked for will complete and equip the railway throughout up to its present terminus near Orepuki. . If the House consents to vote the amount which I have intimated that we now intend to ask for railways, we shall have, I expect, by the end of this financial year, a length of 1480 miles of railway open for traffic, as against 1404 opened up to the 31st March last. Hon. members are aware that large sums have been expended on roads to the north of Auckland in lieu of expenditure on railways. This course was decided on many years since, it being considered that roads were a more immediate object of necessity than railways. The time has come, hjwever, when the people to the north of Auckland are very earnestly appealing for an extension of the trunk system of railways through their districts, with the view to connect the various settlements. It is urged with great force that the timber, gum, coal, and other minerals, which the northern districts possess, together with the capabilities of the soil of a very large quantity of land, would make such a railway at once remunerative, and the means of conferring a large amount of indirect advantage on existing settlers, besides inducing a considerable increase of settlement. The Government think the subject demands, attention, and will cause inquiries to he made in order to place the House in possession, next session, of accurate information concerning the route and prospects of additional railway communication, the extent of Grown lands likely to be benefited, the advantages to existing settlers, and what funds towards payment for the construction of the railway would be derivable from the disposal of the forests, and from rentals obtainable from suitable sized farms in the districts through which the line would run. Although, as before stated, I do not propose to cr o into all the road votes in detail, it is necessary that I should say a few words as regards the total amounts proposed to be asked for under three of the principal classes of roads, namely, the roads north of Auckland, the grants in aid under the Boads and Bridges Construction Act, and the roads to open up lands before sale, as it might otherwise appear that these amounts are excessive. For the roads north of Auckland our proposal is to take a vote for the whole o£ the balance of the amount already allocated in the loan of 18&2, which amounts to LIO3,SOD, and to distribute this sum amongst the various local bodies, to be expended by them during the remainder of this, and the whole of the next financial year. This is done in order that they may make arrangements for the works being executed during the most suitable period of the year, as it has been found that the annual allocations of small amounts made .in midsummer, has the effect of running the construction into the winter time, and also of necessitating its being done in a very piecemeal fashion. For grants-m-aid under the Boads and Bridges Construction Act the vote proposed, and the one which so materially swells the total amount asked for under the general heading of roads, is L 304.200; and it has be explained that this sum includes a liability of L‘204,200, being the total outstanding balance of all allocations made up to end of March last, together with LIOO.OOO which we propose for allocation this year for main roads. This will leave the item of district roads still to be provided for under the permanent appropriation of LiOO.OOO made by the Boads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882, the balance available for allocation under this head, including some Llßoo of debentures already paid, being L 43.957. For the roads to open up lands before sal ® o an l? Ul ? fc , p - ro ‘ posed to be voted is L133,30S that being the balance- of loan, allocation of 18b with some small additions recommended this year. I venture to express a hope that next year such a system of local government will be introduced as will maxe it unnecessary to come to tins House for such an amount of votes for roads and bridges. In conclusion, Mr Speaker, I shall only-add that I hope when the time comes round for the next annual Public Vi orks Statement I shall be able to show that the department generally is being administered with greater economy than at present ; that I may have been able to place the tariff on the railways m a more satisfactory state ; and that I shall be able to submit a Bill providing for the creation of non-political boards of management, which will be satisfactory to this House and the country. I have, I am sure, wearied the House, and perhaps I have trespassed too far on its patience ; and it only remains for me now to thank you, Mr Speaker, and hon. members for the indulgence accorded. to me. Before resuming his seat, the Minister for Public Works moved that his Excellency s message be referred to the Committee ot Sl The y 'PBEMIEB, in seconding the motion,

said- The Government wish the House distinctly to understand that all the proposals and intentions stated by my colleague m regard to railways in both islands stand together, and stand, moreover, connected with Bills which have passed this House, to which we hay e already said we attach paramount importance. The Government are not inclined to take too local a view of railways, and to say we cannot make a railway because we cannot make it to anothe . Patience must be exercised by localities, so that railways may be earned on wic.i some regard to speedily obtaining returns irom works in progress. But, whilst not taking a contractedly narrow view of local claims, tne Government have no notion of seeing on ® Island raised to a prosperous condition, anu the other plunged into gloomy depression. I will go indeed further, and add that, since there appears an inclination to bring about such a result, the Government will be no party to it, nor will they suffer it. They would sooner that this session should be entirely barren, and that another session should immediately follow, with or without an appeal to the constituencies. . . . Mr THOMSON complained that the printed statement had not been circulated amongst tne members of the House, and he regretted this more especially as the voice of the hon. the Minister for Public Works had been inaudible in the House. Mr Thomson referred to the speech so far as it referred to the railways -mentionedby the Minister for Public Works, and ex pressed£the hope that, before very long, the railways would be self-supporting. As a whole, he did not think the speech particularly objectionable, though on several points the Minister for Public Works was not very clear. The policy of the Government, as indicated in the speech was satisfactory and acceptable. Mr BBYCE considered that the speech as a whole was satisfactory, but the Premier, m his very short remarks, had introduced matter of the gravest character, and for this reason ha considered that the House should have time to consider it well before the debate was continued. , _ , , The motion that the Governor’s message be referred to the Committee of Supply was carried on the voices. BANKRUPTCY ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The House went into Committee upon the further consideration of this Bill. A number of new clauses were added to the Bill, which was reported with amendments, POLICE OFFENCES BILL. The House went into committee on this Bill. On clause 13, Major Steward moved the addition of the words, “or any morning newspapers,” with a view to exempt morning newspapers from the penalty. r l he amendment was lost on the voices, and the clause as amended was agreed to. Mr Seddon moved that the chairman leave the chair. A division was taken, resulting as follows : —Ayes, 2 ; noes, 45. Mr Seddon moved that progress be reported, and in the course of his remarks used some strong language, and was repeatedly called to order. The motion for reporting progress was lost on the voices. Phe clause wasagreed to. The Bill as amended was reported, and leave was given to sit again. The House at 1.40 adjourned to Monday next at 2.30 p.m.

MONDAY, OCTOBEB 27 ‘ The Speaker .took the chair at 2.30 p.m. , CITY ELECTORATES BILL. The PBEMIEB obtained leave to introduce a Bill to unite certain city electorat«3. The Bill was read afirst time, the second reading being made an order ot the day for Friday next.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. The PBEMIEB moved that Government business take precedence on Thursdays for the remainder of the session. The motion was agreed to. THE MINISTERIAL THREAT. Sir GEOBGE GKEY moved the adjournment of the House for the purpose of bringing under the notice of the House a statement made by the Premier after the Public Vv orxs Statement was delivered. He (Sir George Grey) considered that the remarks of the Premier were quite uncalled for, and, as it was quite subversive of the freedom of debate in Parliament, lie desired to obtain some explanation from the Premier with regard to his statement of Friday last. The PBEMIEB remarked that there was undoubtedly a preponderance of North Island members in the Legislative Council, and consequently there was an evident intention to pass only those measures which benefited the North Island. He desired to ascertain what explanation the hon. member for Auckland City East required. _ lhe Government, if their policy was to be interfered with in another place, would either have to resign or take some other way of checking the action of the Legislative Council. He thought that it was peculiar that no member of the late Government _ had replied to the statement he made on Friday last. _He certainly failed, to see what explanation was required by the hon. member. Mr BBYCE thought that if the Government had such a strong, objection to the Legislative Council rejecting Bills sent up, they should state how they intended to prevent the Council from exercising their undoubted privilege, and therefore he thought that the Premier had failed in his explanation, -f the Government intended to bring the Legislative Council to their senses by punishing the House of Representatives, it womd be most unfortunate for the House, who were to be punished for the laches of another place. The hon. member had undoubtedly a great power, but he ought not to curtail freedom of d6 Mr LEVESTAM failed to see the explanation of the Premier. The statement of the Premier the other night was a threat which he could not understand. The Bill thrown out was no doubt the effect of hasty legislation, and the Legislative Council was framed to check such legislation, and as the Government had failed to supply the House with certain figures, and had altogether failed to show that the - country desired to see the Bill passed, he considered that the Legislative Council had only acted within their prerogative in throwing out the B MrPYKE thought that the-threat would have the effect of giving hon. members a second honorarium this year. ~ .. The TBEASUBEB considered that the statement of the Premier was clear, and he failed to see how it was it had been misunderstood. The Public Works Statement had brought down certain proposals for thconstruction of certain railways, and the Government finding that the policy of the Government was likely to be altered, they had a nerfect riffiit to make the statement; they had. It was made that the Legislative Council should understand that the Government policy was not a piecemeal one, but that they desired to brin" the colonising of the country to a etaie in which it was left some years ago, and for that reason the Government desired to show that they were alive to the’-requirements ot tne colony, not only so far as one district was.concerned, but also as to. the colony as a wnole, and seeing how startling was the danger that the colony was likely to drift into localism, the statement read by the Government had been framed. Much as the Goverumen

desired a short session, their duty to the country demanded the statement which emanated from the Premier. The Government had determined that one part of the colony should not suffer to the advancement of the other, and this was the explanation he had to give relative to the statement made by the Premier on Priday last. *

Mr BARRON thought that the explanation of the Treasurer was unsatisfactory. The District Railways Bill wa,s brought forward to ease the burden of certain wealthy shareholders, and not to ease: the burdens of the taxpayers. Personally, he considered the District Railways Bill a most objectionable Bill, and he could not help saying that the Legislative Council had acted perfectly within their rights in opposing the Bill. If the Government desired to reform the Legislative Council they had a proper course before them to pursue, but they should not by a side wind attempt to nullify the acts of that body. Mr GRIGG considered that the action .of the Government was much to be deprecated. It showed irritation on the part of the Government, and it was quite unjustifiable on the part of the Government to assert that the Legislative Council had rejected Government policy Bills this session, for the Bill referred to was the only policy Bill which the Legislative Council had thrown out. Mr BROWN thought that the Government had acted quite justifiably in taking the stand they had with regard to the Legislative Council, who had thrown out the District Bill without any consideration. Allowing that the Bill was the first policy Bill sent up by the Government, past events had shown that the Legislative Council would throw out any policy Bill which might he sent up. Mr WAKEFIELD combatted the assertion of the Premier that the colonising policy of the country had been dead for some years. He would remind the Government that in 1882 the North Island Trunk Railway had been decided upon, and the balance as to the construction of railways in the South Island had been struck then, ana therefore for the Treasurer to tell the House that his Government was the first to provide for the construction of railways in the Middle Island, was false. He (Mr Wakefield) was quite opposed to the policy of spending money all over the colony because it had been decided to construct reproductive works in a certain district. He quite opposed the assertion that deep depression existed, or would exist, if money was spent in one district and not in another, and he was supported _in this by the fact that the commercial depression following upon the year 1879 was not felt so much in districts where the loans had not been expended. It seemed to him that the promise to spend money on public works in every locality was a system of log-rolling. He failed to see that the Legislative Council had been precipitate in rejecting the District Railways Bill, and he believed that had there not been hasty legislation in the House of Representatives, and had the Government seen fit to amend the Bill before it went up to the other House, the Bill might have passed the Council. It was incorrect for the Government to say that the Council intended to throw out all policy Bills, as lie believed that the Legislative Council were only too anxious not to run tilt against either this House or of the policy of the Government. The statement of the Premier certainly did appear as if the Government intended to hold out the threat of dissolution if they did not agree with the whole of their proposals. Mr TURNBULL remarked that the Government had found the industries of the country in a paralysed condition, and he felt assured that if the proposals of the Government were not agreed to by the House, things would be very much worse, and there was nothing to look forward to unless some relief was afforded to the people by the construction of railways. The District Railways Bill was a matter of necessity. The debentures of these railways were valueless, and were lying in the bank coffers obstructing capita], and were being offered for a mere song. It was by such measures as the District Railways Bill that any alleviation to the distress which prevailed must be due, and unless these and such measures were agreed to, widespread ruin would be the result. He thought that a grave responsibility rested upon the Government, and if these Bills and similar measures were thrown out, the Government would be doing quite right in asking for a dissolution. He regretted the Legislative Council had rejected the very keystone of the Government policy, and he should therefore support the Government. There was no other course for the Government to pursue than to again appeal to the country if these Bills were thrown out.

Mr ROLLE3TON thought that it was the duty of the older members of the House to enter their strong protest against the statement made by the Premier. He regretted that the Premier had not come down and said that he had made his statement on H riday night in the heat of the moment. To-day, however, he had made things much worse. He did not think that the question of the North Island railway had anything whatever to do with the District Railways or of the East and West Coast line, for the House had affirmed the_ desirability of constructing the line. . He desired to express very strongly his feelings against pitting the construction of railways or any works in one island against the other, for he maintained that what benefited one part of the colony benefited all parts of the colony alike. The fact was that the District Railways Bill had been forced upon the House, as time after time certain information had been applied for by members of the Government, but without avail, and he certainly thought that the names of those ratepayers who would be relieved by the purchase of these railways should have been supplied. The House had been told that the Bill was to encourage the colonising of the country, but he would assert that it was a Bill to encourage private companies. It was absurd for the Government to say that they would go to the country on the District Railways Bill. The Hon. the Premier and the Treasurer knew better than to ask for a dissolution on such a question. He certainly considered that the country owed its thanks to the Legislative Council for having acted as they had in rejecting the Bill. Mr SE DDON deprecated the bringing forward a no-confidence motion through a motion for the adjournment of the House. He would remind the~hon. member for Geraldine that the members of the Legislative Council were at the present time bringing themselves into conflict with the House of Representatives for the avowed purpose of ruling the country. He had received information to the effect that the East and West Coast Railway Bill would be so mutilated in the other place that it would be perfectly inoperative, and this was a Bill which would benefit not only the West Coast, but every other part of the colony, and in addition, it was a Bill affecting the policy of the Government. When each island had equal claims for the expenditure of public money, it was the duty of the Government to see that such expenditure should take place concurrently, and for that reason the Bills under notice were embraced within the policy of the Government. Referring to some late elevations to the Upper House, Mr Seddon remarked that such elevations of partisans who had been rejected by their late constituencies were much to be regretted, inasmuch as they

carried their partisanship into the Legislative Council, to the detriment of the country. The House, by a very large majority had passed the District Railways Bill, and now the minority of the House very unfairly were backing up the Legislative Council, not only in their act of throwing out that Bill, but w'ere also encouraging the Council to throw out any other policy Bills which the Government were anxious to carry into force. Mr SHRIMSKI, as one who had opposed the District Railways Bill, said that the hon. member for Geraldine was the last person who should have taunted the Government with not having supplied the House with sufficient information relative to the ratepayers abutting on these lands. He asked the House to give the Government fair play. Mr SUTTER was surprised to see the action which was taken by the Opposition, considering that they had endeavored to smuggle the same Bill through the House in a former session. Mr THOMSON remarked that the obscurity of the statement delivered by the Premier on Friday last had been intensified that day by the speeches delivered by the Premier and the Treasurer.

Sir GEORGE GREY regretted the speech of the Premier, which was unlike any that had ever been made in that House. They were pure threats not only to that House but also to the other branch of the Legislature. He certainly thought that it was an act of selfishness on the part of those who brought the Bill down. The people of this country were to have a new tax imposed upon them.by persons who were interested in the Bill without even having had an opportunity of saying a word upon the subject. Let the matter he put before the country, and not allow it to be brought on in the sudden manner it had. For this reason he had thought it his duty to bring forward the motion for the adjournment of the House, as he considered that the threat had been a most unwarrantable one and calculated to interfere with the rights and privileges of the House, more especially as the Premier and the Treasurer were interested in the Bills referred to. It would have been far more graceful if the hon. gentlemen he had referred to-had waited till they had vacated the Treasury benches.

The PREMIER desired to explain that he was so far interested in one of the companies as being solicitor to it, and therefore he declined to vote. Sir G. GREY considered that the purchase of these railways would be a very injudicious act now, especially as the Bill was brought down solely for the purpose of relieving those wealthy persons who had constructed these railways in order to improve their property. He had taken his present action at the instance of several leading members of the House, who were convinced that the Premier had taken a very unwise course in making the statement he had made. The motion for the adjournment of the House was put and lost. . BANKRUPTCY ACT AMENDMENT BILL. This Bill was read a third time and passed. POLICE OFFENCES BILL. The amendments in this Bill were reported. On consideration of clause 13, Mr SEDDON moved that the Bill he recommitted with a view to the amendment of this clause, which deals with the imposition of penalties for Sunday trading and taking pleasure on that day. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr SEDDON continued his remarks on his motion for the recommittal of the Police Offences Bill. As an argument against the Sunday clause, Mr Seddon instanced the case of Mr Forster, who had. been forbidden by the police to give a sacred concert in the Theatre Royal on Sunday evening last. Mr D. STEWART remarked that the Sabbath was prized dearly by the working men, and he expressed his surprise that the member for Kumara had done his best to overthrow that estimable institution. He trusted the House would agree to the Bill as it stood. The PREMIER considered that it would be better to pass the Bill, which only affected those who worked or who carried on their business within view of the public on the Sabbath. There would be in the future no “travellers” on a Sunday, and therefore there would be no excuse for bars being open on that day. Mr LEVESTAM was under the impression that the Bill was so contradictory that it would serve no good, hut to give work for the lawyers. According to the Bill, even bellringers in a church would be prevented from ringing church bells on a Sunday. The question that the amendments in the Bill be agreed to went to a division with the following result—Ayes, 59 ; noes, 16. Ayes, 59.—Allwright, Atkinson, Ballance, Brrron, Beetham, Bradshaigh - Bradshaw,. Bruce, Bryce, J. G. Buckland, W. F. Buckland, Cadman, Conolly, Cowan, Dargaville, Dodson, Duncan, Fraser, Fulton, Gillies, Grigg, Hakuene, Hamlin, Harper, Hatch, H. Hirst, Hobbs (teller), Lake, Locke, Macandrew, J. McKenzie, McMillan, Mitchelson, Moat, Montgomery, Moss, Newman, Peacock, Pere, Reese, E. Richardson, G. F. Richardson, Rolleston, Ross, Russell, Shephard, Smith, W. J. Steward, W. D. Stewart (teller), Stout, Sutter, Taiaroa, Te Ao, T. Thompson, W. J. Thomson, Tole, Turnbull, Walker, W. White, J. B. White. Noes, 16.—Bevan (teller), Brown, Buchanan, Fitzherbert, Guinness, Joyce, Levestam, M. J. S. Mackenzie, Menteath, O’Callaghan, Ormond, Pearson, Samuel, Seddon (teller), Shrimski, Trimble. The Bill was read a third time and passed.' ROAD BOARDS ACTS AMENDMENT BILL. The MINISTER of JUSTICE, in moving the second reading of this Bill, remarked that the object of the Bill was to appoint a receiver for certain Road Boards on tile application to a Judge of the Supreme Court. The motion was agreed to, and the committal was made an order of the day for Tuesday. WEST COAST SETTLEMENT RESERVES AMENDMENT BILL. The House went into Committee upon this Bill. On clause 11, an addition was added to the clause, on the motion of the MINISTER of LANDS, relating to the empowering of the Governor-in-Council, on the receipt of the Public Trustee, to confirm leases of native lands. Two new clauses, giving extended power of confirming leases, and for the surrender of leases for new leases, .were added to the Bill, which was reported with amendments. LAND ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The House went into committee upon this BiH. On clause 5, dealing with the repeal of sections 75 to 85 of the Land Act, 1577, Mr Pearson expressed a hope that the House would not permit the pastoral lands of the colony to be alienated. Mr J. C. Buckland would prefer seeing the methods by which land could be selected increased instead of being diminished. Mr Pyke trusted the House would not part with another acre of pastoral land. These lands were daily increasing in value, and to give ] facilities to selecting under deferred payments ( was only to afford increased opportunities for

. large landowners to acquire still larger estates. He should vote for the retaining of the clause. Mr J. M. S. Mackenzie favored the retention of the clause. Mr Grigg said that it would be impossible to obtain the full value of the pastoral lands if they were cut up into small blocks. He hoped the clause would be retained. Mr J. 'McKenzie would oppose the Bill if the clause were retained, as he believed that the only way to settle the land would be to cut up the pastoral lands into small sheep-farms. It would be easy enough to kill dummyism if such a thing was properly legislated for. Mr Stout said that two-thirds of the land selected in Otago under the old Act had been taken up for dummyism. The past had shown that the Act had worked very badly, and prevented the settlement of the country. Mr Rolleston again desired to say that he was thoroughly opposed to alienation of an acre, of Crown lands. He should support the Bill, although it did not come up to his own proposals. Dr -Newman thought it better to repeal all sales of land on deferred payment, and give leases of twenty or thirty years tenure instead. Mr Gillies thought whatever method went to settle the country was the correct system. Nearly all the systems propounded that evening had been mere theories. So far as Otago was concerned, the present Act had not had the effect of settling the land so far as pastoral lands were concerned. Some little land certainly had been settled, but it.was very little. He should vote for the retention of the clause. The clause was retained on a division. Mr J. McKenzie moved that the Chairman leave the chair, which was lost on the voices. On clause 5, which repeals section 9 of the amending Land Act of 1879, and therefore compels a selector on deferred payments to wait, at least, six years from the granting of his license before he can obtain his Crown grant, Mr J. C. Buckland objected that this would cause the selectors great inconvenience. Mr Pyke pointed out that the clause merely extended the time from three years to six years, in which a selector could obtain his grant. Mr Ballance pointed out that the clause was to prevent speculation and to prevent selectors from going to a money-lender, who in time would get the selector’s land in his own possession to the ruin of the farmer. Mr Rolleston supported the clause, which was, he said, framed to protect the selector from the usurious interest of the money-lender, which proved the curse of the settler, who in time would be driven from his land. Mr Menteath considered that the clause would have, the effect of preventing selectors from going into the money market, thus preventing them from improving their land. The Premier said that the clause would have the effect of helping the deferred payment selector, who, if the clause was not passed, would be wiped out, as whole districts in certain parts of the colony had, under the three years’ clause, been wiped out. Sir George Grey considered that the clause would have the effect of making a deferred payment settler a serf for a period of six years, notwithstanding that he may have concluded his payments after a lapse of three years. This was manifestly unfair, as a settler, after he had paid for his land, might see property which he might think would suit him ; then why not let him go, he asked? The Premier pointed out that such a case as was put forward by the hon. member was provided for by section 65. Mr Rolleston said that the object of the clause was to insist upon residence upon the land. What he should like to see was a system of leasing, for he foresaw that the time was coming under the present system when the settlers would be driven away from their lands, and when the country would he given up to swaggers. Sir George Grey said that to insist upon a settler remaining upon his land was to increase the misery of a class of men who had in all conscience suffered sufficiently. The clause was only another way of enforcing the usury law. Mr Pyke wished to point out that the hon. member for Auckland City East was, by his argument, doing unconsciously his best to bring the settler within the grasp of the money-lender, who merely lent sufficient money to the settler to bring him to his ruin and then gain possession of his holding. The clause placed obstructions in the way of capitalists from gobbling up the land of the country to the exclusion of the settlers who should be rooted in the soil, and who it was the intention of the Legislature should be placed upon the land. Mr J. M. S. Mackenzie ridiculed the assertion that the persons who lent money to settlers desired to acquire the property of the settlers. Nothing was further from their thoughts. The Government appeared to be exceedingly anxious to prevent the settlers from borrowing, but, if this was their object, they were, by their actions in other respects, showing them a very bad example. The same kind of paternal solicitude towards settlers had been displayed in Victoria, with the result that theselectors had been ruined. The Premier said that what he desired to see was the residential clause carried into effect, and he would go further, and would like to see a measure introduced whereby land could not be taken away from a family for debt even. Mr Gillies remarked that if legitimate means were not afforded to the selectors to borrow money, resort would be had to unlawful means. A division was taken on the question that the clause stand part of the Bill, with the following result : —Ayes, 30 ; noes, 21. Clause 7 was, after a long debate, agreed to on the voices. Clause 8, providing that a selector shall not he entitled to his grant, notwithstanding that he may have paid the whole of the capitalised value of his unpaid payments, evoked discussion, and, on the motion of Sir George Grey a division was taken on the question that the clause be postponed, resulting as follows : —Ayes, 13 ; noes, 36. The clause was agreed to with verbal amendments. On clause 14, Mr J. McKenzie moved that progress be reported. The motion was lost on a division, resulting as follows : —-Ayes, 17 ; noes, 23. After further discussion, a motion for reporting progress was negatived on a division—Ayes, 11 ; noes, 25. The clause as amended was agreed to. Clauses up to 20, inclusive, having been agreed to, progress was reported. LIFE ASSURANCE POLICIES. The House went into committee on this Bill pro forma, when progress was reported, and the House adjourned at 3 o’clock. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28. The Speaker tooic the chair at 2.30 p.m. QUESTIONS. The PREMIER, replying to MrMacandrew, who asked, Whether during the recess the Government would appoint a Royal Commission to inquire (1) As to what alteration, if any, should be made in the law regulating the currency in New Zealand ? (2) As to the advisability or otherwise of establishing a Government Land Bank, whereby advances may he obtained upon freehold -land at a low rate of interest, upon some such plan or system as that under which the Government of India makes such advances ? —said that the question was one no doubt of considerable import. Any Commission in the direction indicated would, he thought, be calculated to do more harm than good. As far as he could judge, he was under the impression that a paper currency would be very undesirable. With regard to the second part of the question, he might say that he had made inquiries, hut

had failed to obtain any information. Before doing anything in the matter, he thought it would be the better course to send to England and to India for data upon which to proceed. The TREASURER, in answer to Mr Bruce, said that the question of mounting postmen on tricycles had already engaged the attention of the Government, and indeed an experiment had already been made by the department in Christchurch in. 1882. It had, however, been found that in towns much time was lost by postmen who used tricycles, and in some localities the postman had to carry the machine quite as frequently as the tricycle carried the postman. For long distances, perhaps, it would be worth while to give the matter a trial so far as telegraph messengers were concerned.

The PREMIER,, in answer to Mr Cowan, said that the question of the maintenance of hospitals and the other charitable institutions of the colony was one of the most difficult the Government had to deal with. The matter was a very intricate one, and would occupy the attention of the Government during the recess. However, this he would say, that the Government were convinced that the charities would have to be locally maintained and locally managed. The MINISTER for MINES, in reply to Mr Guinness, said that the Government considered that the best conference that could possibly be convened for the purpose of considering amendments in the Mines Act, 1877, was the mining members of the House of Representatives. The Government did not intend to convene any conference of miners from the various mining districts to consider the question. The MINISTER for PUBLIC WORKS, in reply to Mr McMillan, said that the coal seam in the Acheron Valley was of the best quality, but the deposit so far as yet ascertained was not very considerable, and for this reason he did not see his way to promise railway facilities to the district at present. The matter, however, would receive his attention during the recess.

The MINISTER for MINES, replying to Mr Guinness, said it was true that the Westport Colliery had purchased the. 150 acres of land leased to the company at Wallsend, Grey River. The company had been allowed to purchase the ground subject to certain conditions.

The TREASURER, in answer to Sir George Grey a 3 to whether the telegraph employes received any overtime after completing eight hours work per day unless the overtime exceeded one and a half hours extra, said that it was now the rule to take a fortnight’s duty as the basis of gauging the overtime. It was, however, the rule not to pay for overtime unless the employes exceeded one and a half beyond the eight hours’ day’s work. MOTIONS. Mr PERE moved, That Wahanui he heard at the Bar of this House prior to the second reading of the Native Lands Settlement Bill. Agreed to. Mr SEDDON moved, That a return be laid before this House showing the population in the Nelson, Wellington, Canterbury, Auckland, Otago, and Westland Provincial Districts ; also the imports and exports of the said districts. Agreed to. Mr LOCKE moved, For a return of the amount of revenue derived from the Wairoa county by taxation, sale of land, or other sources during the past five years, and the amount expended in the same locality during the same period. Agreed to. NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SOUTH SEA TRADING COMPANY BILL. The TREASURER in moving the second reading of this Bill said that he trusted that hon. members had not come to a foregone conclusion. So far back as 1874 proposals were made to float a company which had the support of a number of gentlemen, both in _ the colonies and also in England, and in 1880 a proposal to form a German Maritime Company to work the plantations of the South Seas was made, but it fell through owing to the German Government not having given the amount of guarantee which the company required. The South Sea Islands had for years past been looked to as a scene for carrying on trading operations, as was evidenced by the envious eyes which were being cast upon them by the Governments of France, Germany, and Australia. The annexation of New Guinea certainly was of minimum importance to New Zealand, although the propositions would be brought down by his colleague the Premier, but the acquisition of the trade and commerce of the South Seas was of the utmost importance to New Zealand. All the Australian colonies asked was that the South Sea Islands should be brought under a stable government. The action France and Austria were taking would have the effect of diverting the trade of the South Pacific Islands from this colony, and it behoved them therefore to endeavor to acquire the trade of these islands. He did not think it would be possible to say too much of the importance of these islands to the colony, but he was of the opinion that it would be useless to sit down and expect that the trade of the South Pacific Islands would come to them. The islands would become large consumers of articles of trade from this colony, and in return they would send products to this colony. They had the statement of Prince Bismarck, that whenever the Germans required it, the protection of the Empire would be accorded them, and he therefore thought . that they might, especially in the Samoa group, be enabled to open up a great trade in connection with the Germans. The advantages of the trade would be incalculable to the whole of the colony, but, of course, owing to its natural geographical position, the headquarters of the company would be in Auckland. He did not think that the Government would be called upon to guarantee very long, if at all, and he firmly believed that the company would be in a position to recoup any assistance which the State might extend to them. The Government considered that the company would be able to employ the natives of the islands, and by thus doing they would do away with that traffic in human flesh which they all so much deplored. There was nothing of a monopoly about the company, as the groups were of such vast dimensions that there would be plenty of room for the trading of other companies in the South Pacific. The company would be empowered to issue promissory notes not exceeding one-fourth of the capital. The concessions to the company would be so small, and the benefits were so incalculable that he did not think that the House would refuse to adopt the experiment. He believed that had the companies of which he had spoken in 1874 been floated the difficulties which now presented themselves would have been obviated, but he also believed that if the Bill was not passed this session, the time for the creation of the company would have passed by. Such a company as he mentioned was by no means a singular one, for without mentioning the East Indian Company, they had before them the experience of the Borneo Company, the Hudson Bay Company, besides other concerns of a similar character. He therefore trusted that as the risks were so small, and the benefits to

be derived were. so large, the House would agree to the motion for the second reading. said that the House had looked forward to the speech of the Hon. Treasurer with eager anticipations, but he (Mr Wakefield), after hearing the speech of the Treasurer, must say he was disappointed, for he had dealt really more with the questions of <_ federation and annexation rather than with the scheme, and the Treasurer had failed to show how it would be worked or how the enormous profits, which had been alluded to, were to be obtained. The sanguine temperament of the Treasurer led him to say that the present time should be at once seized in order to acquire the trade which might at any*, moment slip from their hands. He (Mr Wakefield) believed that the trade between the colonies and the islands was steadily and rapidly increasing, and, according to Sir Arthur Gordon, the trade between the islands and New Zealand was outstripping the trade to New South Wales. The same authority also, in a despatch to the Imperial Government said that it would be a matter for regret if the colonists were to overrun the islands, as they would demoralise the natives of those groups. He would desire to point out that the proposed company, or any other company, would be opposed strongly by the Imperial authorities, who would object to any company obtaining power in the South Pacific Islands which might prove to be almost supreme. The Hon. Treasurer had very adroitly kept in the background the weak points of his Bill, hut he had let slip that the company would drive out the growers’ interests from the Pacific, but he considered that Prince Bismarck might have something to say to that. Besides this, he would point out that a large German trading company in the islands had fallen into difficulties, and had been refused assistance by the German Parliament, Therefore, if the proposed company purchased the German interests they would be buying a bankrupt concern. Then, again, it should be borne in mind that the New Zealand Government would be pledged to support the company, and the initial expenses and guarantee * would be only the commencement of a large liability. The explanation of the Treasurer as to the formation of the company was meagre, but he gathered from the Bill that there isTas some kind of an organisation. It had been said that the company would not set up a monopoly, but he maintained that, as the company would have the privilege of issuing notes, it would be to all intents and purposes a monopoly. He had been credibly informed that the company would not have the slightest difficulty in buying out all the trading companies at present existing in the island, and this company would undoubtedly have to purchase out the traders if they desired to get a footing in the islands. Thus it - would be seen that the company would open the door for a large amount of jobbery Then with regard to the management of the company in the islands, they would have either to engage agents who were familiar with the groups, and who were certainly a most undesirable class of men, or they would have to obtain the services of persons in New Zealand who knew nothing about the business. He hoped that the House would not agree to trying this “harmless experiment,” as it was designated by the Treasurer, unless : they were fully persuaded that the experiment would pay from a commercial point of view. It was not for them to give themselves Imperial airs, and it did not behove them to pledge the credit and good name of the colony in a venture which they were not warranted in embarking in. Colonel TRIMBLE pointed out that the New Zealand directors would be overweighted by the English directory unless the Government made a counter policy by nominating more directors in the colony.. He would ask, was not the trade being steadily developed in the islands with the colonies ? He thought that it would be far better to leave the trade as it was rather than to force it by such a monopoly as was proposed to be established. The hon. gentleman criticised the provisions of ” the Bill adversely. With regard to the power to issue notes, he considered it one of the most monstrous propositions which had ever emanated from any Government. It was his opinion that the Bill was a most dangerous one.

Mr THOMSON remarked that the Bill was quite a new departure, and might be designated as. a foreign policy. The Treasurer had admitted that tire company would he merely as experiment, and for that reason he did not %hink that the colony would be war ■ ranted n the expenditure or in the guarantee «. to the shareholders of the company. He thought that it would be idle to suppose that the proposed company would be able to drive out the trade of France, Germany, and Australia, as had been asserted the company would be able to do, and so far as the company not setting up a monopoly, he thought that the company would prove to be a large monopoly. He was of the opinion that trade would better thrive entirely untiammelled, and therefore the Bill for that reason would not * have his support. The House adjourned at the usual dinner hour.

For remainder of Parliamentary Report see third page of supplement.)

Quantity 1882-83 1883-84 f Live stock, number... 47S.003 686,287 Goods, tons ... 1.564,823 1,700,040

Between 1st April, 1882, and June, 1SS3 ... 30th 3,205 Between 1st July, 1883, and June, 18S4 ... 30th 6,267 Since 30th June, 1884 ... 147 9,619