PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 956, 27 June 1890, Page 26

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. FRIDAY, JUNE 20. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. messages from, the governor. Messages were received from his Excellency tho Governor as follows:—(1) Intimating that during the recent Parliamentary recess the following gentlemen had vacated their seats through demise :—R. Campbell and H. H. Lahmann ; (2) announcing that leave of absence bad been granted by his Excellency during the continuance of the session to Mr B. Oliver; (3) intimating that the resignation of Mr G. M. Water, house had beeu accepted. THE ADDRESS IN REPLY. Mr Stevens gave notice, in the absence of Dr Grace, that on Tuesday next Dr Grace would move the adoption of the Address-in-Reply to the Speech from the Throne. The Council, at 3 p.m., adjourned to the next Tuesday at the usual hour. TUESDAY, JUNE 4, IS9O. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30. Hon Sir G. S. Whitmore gave notice to introduce the Legislative Council Act Amendment Bill. The Hon Dr Grace, in moving the Ad-dress-in-Reply to the Governor’s Speech from the Throne, veferred to the fact that twenty years ago it had been his privilege to make a similar loyal speech. After referring to the many changes which had taken place since that time, the hon gentleman gave it as hia opinion that a rigid tariff such as the Colony wis now subject to would never lead to wealth, and he was surprised at so able and intellectual a politician as Sir Harry Atkinson advocating such a policy. He (the Speaker) advocated the simplification of local government business, and believed that by so doing the various works throughout the country would be performed more simply and undertaken at far less cost than at present. He looked upon the opening up and settlement of the land as New Zealand’s greatest hope. The hon gentleman next referred to the labour organisation, believing that if it ware not managed and carried out by gentlemen of more than ordinary intelligence capable of discussing the subject calmly in all its various branches, the Colony would be the sufferer. He thought it was an extraordinary fact -that scarcely any one with means could be found to draw their money out of the Bank to invest in any enterprise having labour as its basis. The Hon Mr Peter seconded the motion. The Hon Sir George Whitmore, while complimenting the mover of the address upon his speech, was at -,the tame time rather surprised that he had made no reference to the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. In criticising the Speech from the Throne, Sir George Whitmore referred to the condition of the Native land laws, saying that as they now existed it put a stop to all private enterprise between the European and Natives. As regards the proposed amending of the Bankruptcy laws, he thought it would perhaps be advisable to abolish the Act altogether. He sincerely hoped that before long some measure would be passed which would relieve the people of the Colony from the present excessive taxation. The motion was then agree 1 to. Tho motions on the Order Paper for the appointment of the usual Sessional Committees, was agreed to. On the motion of the Attorney-General the following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—The Oaths Act Amendment Bill, The Trustees Act Amendment Bill, The Arbitration Act Amendment Bill, The Mercantile Agents Act Amendment Bill, The Children’s Protection Act Amendment Bill, .The Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act Amendment Bill. The Council rose at 4 p.m. till the following afternoon. HOUSE OF KEPRESENTATIVE3 THURSDAY, JUNE 19. When the Speaker took the chair after the formal opening he had a fairly full house in front of him, the members present being (in addition to Min sters) —Sir George Grey, Major Hamlin, Dr'Fitchett, Colonel Fraser, Major Steward, Dr Newman, and Messrs Goldie, Cadman, Ross, Harkness, HutcbisoD, Blake, Taipua, Taiwhanga, Moss, Samuel, Kerr, Monk, Fisher, Izard, Moat, Buchanan, McGregor. Tanner, Bee f ham, Peacock, O’Conor, E. Richardson, Ballance, Walker, Izard, Seymour. Dodson. Taylor, Lawry, aud Macarthur. Mr Bryce (who was introduced by the Premier and Mr Macarthur) was sworn in, and so was Mr Hislop (introduced by the Premier and the Postmaster-General). Very peaceable all these gcn lemen looked, teilining in their seats and devoting no mental energy to the careful study of practical and abstract political questions; Mr Kerr and Mr Samuel fr-ternised pleasantly, and members applied themselves generally to the pleasant civilities of a fresh meeting In the near future it will be different, of course. In the last session of what is commonly called a moribund Parliament, it is inevitable that some yards extra of Hansard shall he filled by members who want to say a last word to the country through the medium of that very indigestible specimen of heavy literature. Members will get up to speak, who “ would not have risen at this late hour of the night had it not been for a remark that fell from the honorable gentleman who has just sat down and “ while I am on my legs ” (which is not strictly correct), he will go on to make an hour or two’s “few remarks” about something else. Wo shall be told that the property.tax is iniquitous, and that it is the best tax that can be invented ; that a policy of retrenchment is absolutely necessary, and that it is a wretched, inadequate policy ; that the population of the Colony is decreasing, and that it ia increasing—and so on to the end of the chapter. Mr Turnbull will have something to say on the education question ; Mr Joyce will advocate reciprocity with Canada, Mr Fisher will remind the

House that it ia making history, Mr Smith will “ apprehend that what the hon gentleman means is thi?,” Mr J. McKenzie and Mr Duncan will unite in condemning the land policy of the Government, and Mr Verrall may bring out a few facts with respect to a State Bank. All these contingencies are in the future, not to speak of references, if constitutional points crop up, to what was done in ’79 —to “ Old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago.” The business was not specially interesting during the three-quarters of an hour that the House sat, but was remarkable for the number of papers laid on the table. Several notices of motion were given, and a few petitions presented. major camfbell’s retirement. The Speaker announced that since last session he had received a letter from Major Campbell stating that he had resigned the position of Cleik of the House. Major Campbell, said Sir Maurice, had been in the public serviee for 45 years, the last 35 of which was spent in the service ot the Colony as Clerk of the House, and his letter (which was read) expressed his grateful sense of the kindness and consideration he had always received from members. The House, he (the Speaker) thought, would agree with him in reciprocating this feeling. Major Campbell presided at the table of the House before any of its present members took their seats his appointment, indeed, was almost coeval with the existence of the House. When he entered upon his duties in 1854 he had but few precedents to guide him in recording the proceedings, probably not even a copy of the journals of the House of Commons, but being of a painstaking and methodical character, he managed to keep a record of the proceedings which would bear comparison with any similar records in the other colonies. The House would no doubt join him in these sentiments, and in hoping that Major Campbell would long enjoy the retirement he was so well entitled to. (Hear, hear.) The Speaker added that Mr Friend, who had been clerk-assistant for 27 years had been promoted to the clerkship, aud Mr Ofcterson, who had been iu the service 17 years, to Mr Friend’s former position. The Premier gave notice to move on Tuesday, That Mr Speaker be requested to convey to Major Campbell, on his retirement from the office of Clerk of the House, its acknowledgment of his long and valuable services during the time he held the office, and its appreciation of the advice and assistance he has at all times been willing to render. OLD SOLLIERS. Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Defence, without notice, whether he had received any reports from tlm Crown Lands Commissioners with respect to old soldiers and Volunteers’ land claims, and, if not, whether he would do his best to got the reports laid on the table of the House. Captain Russell replied that the matter had not been lost sight of. The Commissioners had been instructed to push on with these claims as far as possible. No reports had been received yet, but inquiries would be made with a view to having them laid on the table during the present session. A DISSOLUTION. The circumstance that Sir George Grey, instead of taking his usual seat at the far end of the chamber, sab down in the gangway with Mr Fisher, was considered a premonitory symptom of an event, and actually proved to be so. When Mr MitcheiBon moved the adjournment of the House, Sir George rose to move an amendment, and said be had been very much struck with tho fact that the Governor might, if he had issued a proclamation on the Sth of May, have had a new Parliament in session before the end of June. He went on to express his arguments in favour of a dissolution, which, briefly, were that while the present House sat the people were being robbed of the right conferred upon them by the establishing of the principle one man one vote last eossion, and that in consequence “ the interests of the country have been sacrificed, in point of fact, to the personal ambition of the Ministers—that is, the desire to beep their seats for a long period of time.” He compared the sitting of the present House to the dead ruling the living ; and finally concluded a speech in bis best form by asking members to act unselfishly in this matter, and by moving an amendment, That this House do forthwith resolve itse'f' into Committee of the Whole for the purpose of considering a humble petition tn his Excellency the Governor praying him, without delay, to dissolve the present Parliament and to cause writs to be issued for the election of a fresh House of Representatives ; and they assure him that due provision shall be made for the efficient conduct of the public business during the short time that mush elapse before the nevr Pa’-lianicnt can assemble.

The Speaker ruled that that amendment could not be accepted that the only amendment possible to a motion for adjournment was one which referred 10 a proposal to adjourn to some other time than that proposed. This practically ended Sir George Grey’s action, though the Speaker pointed out that notice could be given of the motion, and that on the ordinary motion for adjournment it was open to members to discuss any matter affecting the Colony. Mr Taylor thought Sir George Grey was entitled to great praise for bringing the matter forward, though he did not think the rolls could be prepared in six weeks. Mr Fisher : You don’t want any rolls.

Mr Taylor maintained that rolls were wanted. He referred to the Governor’s Speech as “ a rigmarole—a meaningless thing,” but withdiew tho remark at the Speaker’s request, and spoke of the Speech as a “ colour less one.” As to the surplus, the Government claimed, there was the primage duty to come out of it. The Minister of Education was entitled to credit for the surplus, too, having, he believed, kept back £15,000 from the boards.

Mr Hislop : Not a penny. Mr Taylor said that was what he was informed. He reminded Sir George Grey that the Registration of Electors Bill was necessary ia order that- the “ oae man one

vote ” principle should be carried out; otherwise a man might vote id several districts.

Mr Fisher regretted that Sir George Grey had not consulted other members before he brought this question up, for none were prepared for it. As to the advi3ableness of passing what was proposed, there could be no two opinions about that; and with respect to rolls, all that was needed was that the present rolls should be added to and corrected. The country was ripe for an election a year ago, and desired it now. He taunted the Government with calling the House together at the least period possible before the effluxion of Parliament, and said Parliament should have been convened a month ago—the immigration and emigration returns for the mouth would shew that. (Hear, hear.) The motion for adjournment was carried without dissent, aud the House, at 3 25, adjourned till 2.30 next day. FRIDAY, JUNE 20. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30. NEW bills. Bills were introduced and read a first time as follows :—Sir George Grey—A Bill to defino the Hours of Lubour within the Colony of New Zealand ; Mr Buchanan—A Bill to amend the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Act, ISBS ; Mr Hutchison—The Patea Harbour Bill ; Major Steward—The School Committees Election Bill; Sir G. Grey—A Bill to repeal the Contagious Diseases Act, 1569 ; Mr Peacock—The Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Bill; Mr Samuel—A Bill to amend and extend the Law relating to Divorce ; Mr Taipua—A Bill dealing with Native Reserves on the West Coast; Mr Macarthur—The Palmerston North Reserves Bill ; The Minister of Lands—The Todman Land Grant Bill, Tho Sheep Bill, The Cattle Bill, The Auckland Roman Catholic Reserves Bill, and the Gimmerburn Forest Reserve Bill ; the Minister of Education— The Registration of Electors Bill, The Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill. MAJOR CAMPBELL. In moving the motion of which he had given notice, with respect to the retirement of Major Campbell, the Premier paid a high compliment to the gentleman Darned, pointing out how greatly members were indebted to Major Campbell While they regretted his retirement, they were, however, _ fortunate in obtaining as his successor Mr Friend, who had been trained up under Major Campbell. He moved, “ That Mr Speaker be requested to convey to Major Campbell, on his retirement from the office of Clerk of this House, its acknowledgments of his prolonged and valuable services during the five-ard-thirty years he held that office, and its appreciation of the advice and assistance he was at all times willing to render to members of this House in the conduct of their business.’’ Mr Ballance, who seconded the motion, testified to the accuracy and fidelity of Major Campbell’s work ; as also did, Sir John Hall, who spoke as having a longer official acquaintance with the retiring Clerk than any other member had. Sir John Hall added a suggestion that the Government should consider whether some more distinguished recognition should not be made of the services of the oldest Clerk of Parliaments in the colonies. The motion was put and carried. TRAVELLING ALLOWANCES. Mr Fisher’s motion for a return of tho travelling allowances paid to Ministers from the Sth of October, 1887, to the Sth April, ISS9, was carried. THE ADDRESS-IN-RE^LY. When Mr Tanner’s motion for the Ad-dress-in-Reply was called on, Mr Ballance pointed out that on the Order Paper the motion was fixed for 7-30, and that in consequence many members had gone away under the impression that the matter would uot come on in the afternooD. Mr Mitchelson explained that the reference to 7.30 was a mistake, and that the motion was brought on now at the request of Mr Tanner, who was unwell and did not wish to be there at night. He suggested that the House should hear Mr Tanner, and then adjourn till evening. Mr Ballance said he did not wish to object, but at the same time he thought it right to point out that a breach of faith was being committed. Mr Tanner (who was muffled up to the chin, and apparently suffering from a severe cold/, then moved that an Address-in-Reply be presented to the Governor, explaining that indisposition prevented him from addressing the House. Mr Ross, who seconded the motion, spoke in a very low tone, and was understood to say that he had been under the impression that he would not have to make a long speech, because the mover would go over all the grouud. The debate was at once adiouened, on the motion of Mr Ballance, and " the House, at 3.20, adjourned till evening. EVENING S'TTTN’G Mr Ballance, who rose amidst Opposition cheers to take up the Address-in Reply debate at 7.30, expressed surprise that the mover aud seconder of the Address had not thrown more light on the subject, and said lie understood .vtr banner bad been prepared with a speech that would occupy three hours in delivery, Mr Ballance then referred to the rumours that tho Premier’s illness was of so grave a character that it would involve resignation of his present position. He was sure he expressed the feeling of the Opposition when he said that they deeply regretted the hon gentleman’s ill-health, and hoped a short rest would restore him to health and strength. (Cheers.) One feature of the Speech was ti.&r. it made no reference t-0 such a great feat a 1 e of the times as the organisation of labour in the Colony and all over the world—a movement rema'kable for the intelligence and capacity shown by the working people, and which would, he believed, result in a reconciliation between capital and labour. (Hear, hear.) Here, ferred specially.to the railway employes deputation, and contended that it was better, for the present, to leave these men to work out their destinies than for the House to interfere, especially in view of the capacity shown by the labour representatives. Touching Mr Fergus’ speeches in the recess, Mr Ballance maintained that it must evidently

have been an authentic indication of the Government policy, arrived at after due consideration. They were not abstract questions that were touched on, bus practical pressing questions, such as local bodies’ loans, and the condition of the Gisborne and New Plymouth Harbour Boards. Reverting to the Speech, Mr Ballance pointed to the great importance of the land question, and said the heaviest charge to be brought against the Government was their want of sympathy with the people in this matter. The present Government claimed a greater choice of tenure of land, butit was a fact that the choice was greater under the Act of 18S5. The present Minister of Lands destroyed the perpetual lease system, and actually took pride in disposing of the freehold of large areas of land, and quoted it as against what the previous Government sold. As a fact, while he was alienating larger areas, year by year fewer persons W6re being placed on the land. A semi-official statement by the organ of the Government in Wellington ” was recently made to the effect that at a land sale there were 523 applications for 24 sections of land. Was that a favourable condition in view of the large number of people who were leaving the Colony. (Cheers.) In Canterbury there w&s great difficulty in getting sections for small farmers and labourers; and at Lake Ellesmere, when some land was recently cut up into 48 sections of from 5 to 100 acres—where there was an excellent chance of establishing, say, a dairy settlement —the Minister sold it for cash, so that a few individuals acquired it ■ all ! Then again the surveys were in arrear, to reduce the cost to the department, and consequently ''settlement was hindered. The administration of lands had done a great deal to destroy hope and confidence iu the Golony, and the men who were going away were the best of our people. If they had felt that there was a Government to sympathise with them they would not have gone. With respect to Native lands, he contended that the Government had wasted £IO,OOO over Rotorua, and was simply promoting the interests of speculators instead of those of the public. Referring to Major-General Edwards' report on the defences, he said the General was Dot a, high Imperial officer givinga professional opinion, but on a political mission for one of the Governments of Australia to advance the federation scheme, in proof of which Mr Ballance quoted Sir Henry Parkes’ letter to the General suggesting that it would be a good thing for New South Wales if the Chinese fleet could sail about in Sydney harbour to enable the people of Australia to see the dangers they were liable to. He talked of a federal control too. The result of Major-General Edwards’ report, if carried out, would only be to give employ, ment to the sons of officials living in Wellington. As to Mr Fergus’ reference to school buildings, Mr Ballance suggested that the Government, wishing to keep the primage duty, had selected this as the most acceptable object on which to spend it. He expressed approval generally of the action of the Federation delegates, but asked why other delegates were to be appointed now to the coming convention ? It was really committing the Colony to federation. Why should they have anything further to do with it if the Colony had decided against it? the 12,000 miles to which Sir John Hall had referred would still exist. He was surprised that no reference was made in the Speech to tariff treaties with the Australian colonies, the advantages of which to New Zealand were obvious. Some remarkable things had taken place in connection with appointments during the recess. They would like to know why an appointment had been made to the Supreme Court in defiance of the law and the spirit of the Constitution. The Government had no power to appoint Judge Edwards, except by a Bill amending the Civil List Act. Moreover, with respect to that gentleman, he was paid £ISOO for work that a Native Land Court Judge did for £550. What status had Mr Edwards that he should be selected for this office ? (Mr Kerr : To keep Ward out.) It was simply arranged by a legal coterie in Wellington. Then there was Colonel Trimble, whose appointment to the Native Land Court Bench would have to be legalised by a Bill, and whose salary in consequence was being paid out of unauthorised expenditure. They were told long ago that the Public Works Department was to be abolished, but a moat distinguished member of the Government had been given that very portfolio. Then there were other appointments, snch as the Enginee.r-in-Chief and a marine engineer, which were made to Bettle the claims of two competitors for one office. (Laughter.) Ke hoped all the matters referred to in Mr Fergus’ speech with respect to the land belonging to the East Coast Settlement Company would be inquired into; and he censured the Government for not giving the House an opportunity to adjust the property-tax. Adverting to Mr Fergus’ speech, be accused tho Minister of suggesting that general and local finance should be mixed up, as it were. (Mr Fergus denied that he had made such a suggestion.) Then the hon gentleman told his audience at Queenstown that they were to burst up large estates. Was that the policy of the Government, or was it to stand for correction ? They were told that there was to be local government for the West Coast, which had not been asked for. (Mr Fergus inter, jected that it had been asked for.) Ho contended that there should hove been a dissolution last session, and that the small number of Bills indicating no general policy—to bo introduced, proved that. They were to work all tho session at these Bills. The Parliament did not represent the country—it either over-represented it or did not represent it it all ; the Government should bring down a policy upon which they could go to the country. (Cheers.)

Thß Minister of Education thanked Mr Ballance for his reference to the Premier, and described his speech as a characteristic one, in which an effort was being made to speak to an audience outside the House. He did not think, however, that the people would be caught by such chaff. Why should reference be made in the speech to unionism, which was a non-political question ? As to the

settlement of the land, full information would be laid before the House in respect not only of settlement, but also of those whom the hon. gentleman had put on the land, and who had retired from it. (Hear, hear.) It was no credit to anyone to say he had put say 1200 persons on the land at an expense of £65,000, especially if those persons gave up the land a year or two later. As to Mr Ballance’s remarks about the loss of population through the land laws, he assured the House that the number of departures from the Colony was larger in 1885 than in any other year next to 1889. Mr Ballance himself had assisted an Act which practically killed the perpetual lease system which he charged the present Minister with abolishing. It would be shown that the number of persons who had settled on the land under the present Government was greater than under Mr Ballance, although the late Government’s practice of putting down a person who bought 50 acres as 50 purchasers would not be followed. (Cheers.) As to the Ellesmere sales, the Government were forced by Act to sell that land for cash. He defended the Rotorua -purchase, and said something more than . rumours was the authority for saying that Mr Ballance had intended to purchase Rotorua. (Mr Ballance : No.) Mr Hislop resented Mr Ballance’s insinuation that the Government had made an appointment to the Supremo Court bench at the instance of a coterie of lawyers. .The Government had a high sense of the sacredness of the Bench. As to the law,, the Government had not acted contrary to it, and he instanced an appointment to the Appellate Court at Home without salary, and without a Bill, as a precedent. In answer to several questions from various parts of the House, Mr Hislop said Judge ‘Edwards had been appointed, and would act at once. Colonel Trimble’s appointment, he said, had given great satisfaction to the people concerned, and his action had justified tbe Appointment. . Mr Fitzherbert : How many rehearings have been applied for ? The Minister : A great many, I dare say, if the hon. member is concerned. Resuming his review of Mr - Ballance’s speech, he con--tended that the Governor’s speech- had touched on a sufficient number of topics for the House to deal with. Finally he said that the hon. member had not been able to show any faults in the administration of the Government ; and that the record of the present Government was tar better than that of which Mr Ballance was a member. (Cheers.) Sir George Grey, who was warmly received, could not refrain from quoting : Oh wliat weariness, Oh what dreariness, Surrounds us all this night. He went on to maintain that the people should immediately be allowed to exercise the rights they possessed, which were given to them last session. They had heard a lot about unionism and the qualities of the men concerned in it—but those men were denied the right of exercising their faculties ! He asked th 9 House to assent to what he proposed on Thursday, to apply to the Governor for a dissolution without loss of time. He intended, when the third section of the address was assented to. to move a resolution thanking his Excellency for the interest he had taken in the welfare of the Colony, as shown by his remarks about the Exhibition and the Auckland Jubilee. It was evident that his Excellency’s heart was moved by those things ; and what he would suggest would be that the regard already shown be continued by removing from, the people the bonds that were upon them, and doing away with the delay that existed in giving them their electoral rights by a dissolution of Parliament, with free scope to return a fresh House better suited to deal with the difficult questions of the day. Sir George made it clear that "he was not opposing the Government party on this question, which was superior to party. fie did not see much difference between the administration of one Government and another, though this munh was certain, that the people had been pillaged of their lands. He depicted eloquently the advantages which would accrue to the people by the enforcement of the new electoral privileges, and concluded by reading the provision he should move to have inserted in the Address—to the effect stated above, and assuring his Excellency that ample should be made for the efficient conduct of the public service during £he short time that must elapse before the new Parliament could assemble. (Cheers.) Mr Taylor rose at 9.25 to ask whether it was intended to take the usual supper adjournment at 10.30, explaining that he had been told by “ two of them ” that it was intended to go right on to the end of this debate. He commented on the circumstance that the Government “had not been able to get decent members to move the Address-in-Roply.” - The Sbkakek called on Mr Taylor to withdraw this expression. Mr Taylor : Very well, sir, I’ll soy “intellectual members.” (Laughter.) Mr Taylor proceeded to discuss general polities, and became ind gnant because Mr Bryce (“ who, I presume, is to reply to me,” said Mr Taylor) did not attend to him. He also resented some conversation which was going on around him, and asked Captain PuEsell if it was true that a certain military officer advocated “a system of angle-firing round corners.” He discussed various subjects, and objected to Mr Kerr standing between him and the Ministers, as “extraneous matter.” He also asked the Speaker’s advice about the rumoured reconstruction of the Ministry. Mr Taylor bad intended to ipeak till 10.30, but at 10 minutes, past 10 ho received a communication from Mr Kerr in consequence of which be resumed his seat after a few more pertinent observations. Major Steward moved the adjournment of the debate on the grounds that members were absent who wished to speak. The Postmaster-General said the Government had intended to finish the debate that night, but it was evident, judging by the tactics of Mr Taylor, that little would be done. At the same, time, he remarked that tha members refered to by Major

Steward would not be able to speak to the land question with any facility Until the land reports were laid on the table. However, the Government would not oppose the adjournment. The motion for tho adjournment of the debate was then carried, and the House adjourned till Tuesday, at 2.20. TUESDAY, JUNE 24. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30. NEW MEMBER. Mr Arthur, the newly-elected member for the East Coast, was introduced by Mr Lawry and the Colonial Secretary, and took the oath and hiß seat. THE MANAWATU GORGE RAILWAY. Dr Newman asked the Minister for Public Works —(1) —At what date the Manawatu Gorge Railway will bo finished ; and (2) the cause of the long delay ? The Minister for Public Works, in reply, said it was expected that the railway would be finished by November next. It was intended when "the last Public Works Statement was delivered to finish the line at an earlier date, but owing to heavy slips, which necessitated a deviation, and the fact that two contractors for the Ashurat section had failed to carry out their contract, the Government had not been able to do that. The Ashurst section was now re-let, however, and it was hoped that the line would be finished by November. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. The Postmaster-General, in answer to Mr Joyce, said no proposals had been made for reciprocity witb Canada or New South Wales, but any that were received would be given due consideration. The Minister of Lands informed Mr Buchanan that certain suggested amendments to the Rabbit Aot would be referred to the Stock Committee. NEW bills. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time: Mr Mouk —The Devon port Empowering and Endowment Bill; Mr Joyce—A Bill to Provide for Early Closing of Shops, and Limiting Employes Hourß of Labour, a Bill for the Representation of Seamen, a Bill to amend the Representation Act, ISS7, Amendment Act, 1889 ; Mr Turnbull —A Bitl to amend the Employment of Females and Others Acts Amendment ; Mr Fulton—A Bill to amend the River Boards Act; Mr Taiwhanga—The Native Land Administration Bill ; Mr Tanner —The Bible in Sohools Bill; The Postmaster-General —The Auckland Hospital Reserves BillThe Minister of Lands —The Educational Reserves Leasing Bill; The Colonial Secretary—The Counties Act Amendment Bill, the Volunteer Drillsheds and Lands Trustees Validation Bill. THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Major Steward, resuming the debate on t he A ddress-in-Reply and Sir George Grey’s notice of amendment (in favour of an im. mediate dissolution) thereto, likened the Speech to neatly tied up parcels of paper and rags left on footpaths by- boys to delude passers-by. It appeared, he said, aB though Ministers had been drowned in the exuberance of their own verbosity, Proceeding to discuss the contents of the Speech, he said it could not but be regarded as highly unsatisfactory. He deprecated the “ chorus of gratulations ” which it contained, on the ground that in future they would sound like mockery ; and suggested that the fact that it was not proposed to devote the alleged surplus of £115,000 to lightening the burdens of the people proved that the surplus did not exist. Again, why were there no proposals with respect to retrenchment, seeing that this Government had preached retrenchment so earnestly and persistently ? Was the necessity for retrenchment gone by, or was the principle exploded? He questioned the accuracy of the assertion that settlement had progressed, and Maid that, however much it might be shown on paper, it could not be shown on the land. No doubt the Minister had done his best according to his lights, but he had not realised his position and the wants of the people in this direction. A a matter .of fact people were leaving the Colony day by day. draining it of its life-blood, for the want of colonisation ; and the only real remedy for the present depression was by removing the present difficulties in the way of settlement of tho Jand. Ho expressed disapproval of tbe wretched policy pursued by the Railway Commissioners, and predicted that before long there would be a cry from one end of the Colony to the other for a change in the management of the railways. Finally, Major Steward referred feelingly to rumours of the Premier’s retirement, and found a parallel to that circumstance in the retirement of Bismarck, depicted in Punch as the pilot leaving the ship. With respect to the dissolution, he vigorously condemned the policy of the Government in the matter. (Cheers.) Mr Bryce (who was warmly received) said he rose not so much for the purpose of debating the Speech as to show why it should nob be debated, following a course which, he noticed, had been adopted in the House of Commons. With respect to the “one man one vote principle,” Mr'Bryce expressed an opinion that the question was not one of such importance as Sir George Grey considered • he did not think tho dual voce influenced the last elections very much. (‘ * Dh !”/ He combated tho argument that for the present Parliament to rule the country was lor the dead to rule the living he did not thiuk Parliament was ever dead. As to the value of the debate, he thought it useless for the reason that they would be able to debate it much better in a day or two when the Financial Statement came down, lie did not approve, either, of a euegestion which had been made to him that this would almost do away with the necessity for a full financial debate. They could not discuss the condition of the Colony until they got the Budget Tho best speech made in the debate, that of Mr Ballance, illustrated that ; for what was there In it to go to the country on ? The duty of the Government was to lay the financial and other circumstances of the Colony before the House at the earliest moment. The duty of the Opposition was to see that that was done, and if there were any suspicion that the Government would not do it, support

would be given from his side of the House in enforcing it. Having, in conclusion, suggested that the Public Works Statement should be brought down with the Financial Statement, Mr Bryce sat down, after speaking about tea minutes. Mr W. C. Smith warmly advocated A dissolution. He condemned the land policy of the Government as being purely a cash policy, and asked why they had not stated their intentions with respect to the propertytax. In the present disorganised condition of the Government he maintained that a dissolution was the best step to be taken in the interest of the Colony. Mr Hutchison began by satirically congratulating Mr Hislop on bis receipt of the French Legion of Honour, He inferentially charred the Government with interfering with the course of justice by tho appointment of Judge Edwards, and said no act they had ever performed was more to be reprobated than that one. He pointed out how necessary iL was that the judicial bench should bo above favouritism and not stand within the shadow of Ministerial approval. There wa3 another phase of the subject, however, on which he must touch, though he did not care to do so* When the Native Lands Act was passed it Was understood with the Minister that the Commissionership should be opened to Mr Barton. Nothiug was said about it, however, and a few days before Mr Edwards was appointed, a fraca3 took place in the Native Land Court at Gisborne, where Mr Barton and Mr Wilson were sent to sit together—two gentlemen excellent enough in their individual capacities, but between whom anyone might have foretold a disruption. Mr Burton resigned, and then Mr Edwards was appointed. Of course the Minister had not done this purposely—it was a contingency and nothing more ; but still the action of the Minister did seem to resemble David ordering that Uriah tho iiittite should be set in the forefront of the battle so that he might be killed. (Laughter.) Mr Edwards, moreover, bad acted as legal adviser in many Native cases, and was now called on to decide on tho oase of Mr Rhodes, in which in the previous proceedings he had been counsel for Mr Rhodes; and iu the case of Seymour v. McDonald, in which the same thing occurred. In the latter case the alleged title of Mr Edwards’ client wa3 declared by the Appeal Court to be “absolutely ineffectual n ; and now Mr Edwards was going to decide on that “ineffectual” title. Was it not a scandal—a reproach to the country—that these things should occur ! Mr Hutchison went on to refer to a speech of Mr Graham, the former member for the East Coast, in which he said he went into the House to assist in getting some titles fixed, and was partially successful. He charged the Government with finding money for some litigants to enable them to try to upset the decision of the Appeal Court iu favour of tho Native owners. . Having suggested that Mr Fergus (“who was formerly Minister of Defence, hut now had something to do with sludge channels”) should tell the House something about finance, Mr Hutchison concluding by likening that gentleman to a balloon thrown up to see which way the wind blew, sometimes caught by the branch of a tree or reposing gracefully on a midden. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr j. McKenzie, who was greeted with Opposition cheers, began by expressing sympathy with the Premier in his indisposition. He contended that the duty of tbe Government was to dissolve Parliament instead of calling it together, for Ministers knew very well that they could not carry out any policy—the policy of their own supporters last session was to keep them iu and their measures cut. In the present condition of parties it wa3 not possible to carry any measures of importance. Mr McKeozie was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. Mr J. McKenzie, continuing when the House resumed at 7.30, began a vigorous criticism of the land policy of tho Government, asserting that instead of the Minister settling people as he claimed bi 7 his own policy, he had come into office when a large area of country was ready surveyed for sale, and all he had to do was to offer it for sale and take the cash. He challenged the Minister to lay a return on the table, giving particulars of the individual instances of settlement. No more disgraceful thing had ever been done than the Minister s action in connection with the Shag Valley run, where he had set the law at defiance by not classifying the run. He also condemned the Minister for the manner in which he had dealt with tbe Cheviot runs for toe benefit of the holder of the Convict a atinrs. Mr McKenzie intimated Ins mt-nntnm >.f moving for returns, asking questions, discussing the matter, and in all other respects endeavouring to saovv that toe Mims ter’s assertion that hie \au* policy was more liberal than that of the SloutVogel Government wm utterly fallacious. Dealing with railway matters, he censured tho administration of the Commissioners, and said the country would insist on their removal from office. The administration was juafc as bad as ever, and Mr Maxwell was still the administering officer, Mr McKerrow taking the place of the Minister, m conclusion he said the retrenchment policy of the Government was a sham, and that is was quite ready to borrow at any moment if tho House would allow it, (Cheers.) Mr FrSlI expressed ar.« opinion that, fcciough from a Ministerial point of view Captain RuaseU’s accession to the Ministry would strengthen it, seeing that the hon gentleman was a freetrader and ultra-conservative bis inclusion was not a wsso on;-. Discussing tbe question of tha Premier’s health, Mr Fish did not think Sir Harry should continue to Hold office, but thouffi resign, and there should then be a dissolution. That was a view he had come to only after careful consideration, and he put it whether the Premier’s colleagues were acting in his interest by asking him to retain office in ffie circumstances. He thougnfc the House had. a right to exoeofc that on the first or second dayof tho esasion tho Government would have told it what was to be done in this matter. The Government, in bis opinion, ought to obtain supplies and taen dicoolvo. He should vote against Sir George Grey’s

amendment* bolding that the financial policy of the Government ought to be before the country before a dissolution.

Mr Fisher said if a second session was .to be held the Government would be responsible. They were told in the Speech that tha Colony was progressing satisfactorily, but he oontended that, as a matter of fact* people were putting their funds into the banks, so that they could lay hands on them and leave the Colony if necessaiv. When he was in power he desired “to administer the Customs laws fairly, but how had tho other Ministers administered them? He proceeded to cite cases in which large firms had received cos** sideration from the Department. J)rota one, £3OO was accepted in payment of back debts, from another £l5O, another had worth of goods that had been seized. returned to them, and a fourth received £IOO worth back. No payment,’ no penalty in any case I But small brewers at Alaster* ton, Gore and Auckland, had each been fined £SO, and their plants confiscated, for breaches of the Act. Was a Government who would do these things fit to remain, in office ? Dealing with . the depression aud its causes, he saicl the . Colony had lost, net, 15,500 people in the last five years. Absentees were deriving the benefit from the thrift and taxation of those who lived in it. He pointed to the Union Steamship Company a 3 a vast concern that paid no taxation, owning the largest coal monopoly in the Colony, and, in his opinion, it evaded the Stamp Act. The railways, it seemed to him, were worked in the interest of the Union Company. For instance, you might travel from Christchurch to Dunedin, or vice versa, with six passengers. As to retrenchment, why had not the Public Works Department been abolished ? There it was still, with the same officers and the same salaries, aud only recently two hic(h appointments had been made to it. Criticising the surplus, he pointed out that the Primage Duty had to be deducted from it, and that fortunately for the finances three gentlemen of great wealth, had died. Perhaps others would die next year—would any gentleman be kind enough to die? Then liabilities had been held back, for he had a written statement from a contractor that he had been asked by a member of the Government to hold back his account; till aftsr the end of the financial year, and other cases could be named. Why should money be wanted for school buildings (£3200) when there was a smaller increase than usual in the number of school children ? If there was a surplus, why should not taxation be lightened? The real meaning of this sohool buildings proposal was a belief thatit would promoteobjection to the present system which some gentlemen (the Premier, for instance) opposed, on the ostensible ground that it was too costly. He maintained that the sooner the connection between the Bank of New Zealand and tna Government of the Colony was cut, the better for the Colony, and while on this subject he quoted an article from “ Fairplay,” in which it was stated that certain members of the Ministry had owed the bank £BO,OOO, and had net paid interest on it for four years. Referring to Mr Fergus’ speech at Queenstown, he produced and read tha Otago Daily Times’ report, the authorised version, and pointed out that Mr Fergus \va3 there reported as saying “the Government will do” so and so, aud that “that was the policy of the Government.” The policy of road debentures and so on was what the Government would have proposed if they dared. He should voce for the amendment, though ho did not know whether it would be carried. The policy of the Government was “ nothing pius nothing,’ and it should, he asserted, have proposed ameliorative legislation. Not to do so svas to abrogate its functions. And iu the absence of such a policy it was the auty or the House to express its opinion on these subjects, and to endeavour to create a public opinion and obtain an intelligent; vote which would assist tha progress of the country. As to the expense of a second session, the Government was cloarly responsible, aud the cost to a man of contesting any of the new electorates precluded the idea of any member desiring to get two honorariums. Apart from that, the country would experience a distinct gain, and. he hoped the amendment would be carried. (Cheers.) The Minister for Public Works, who said he arose to do little more than make a personal explanation, aroused a chorus of “Oh’s!” by accusing certain members of blocking the Financial Statement and a legitimate discussion. Never in his experience of Parliamentary life had ho heard of an Address-iu-Iteply being debated .o much as this one had, without a definite motion sod he whether the leader of the Opposition was prepared with a no-con-fidence motion. He thanked. Mir Ballance.for the courteous and sympathetic tone he had taken with respect to the Premier ; bub he (Mr Fergus) could see nothing generous—(Mr W. P. Reeves : Hear, hear) —in Mr Fisher’s speech. He challenged Mr Fisher to produce the contractor’s letter referred to, and emphatically denied that he or any other member of the Government had ever asked a contractor to keep back an account, fio affirmed also, for his part, that he was not, and never was indebted .to the Bank ofjjNew Zealand, for he had always paid every shilling he owed, Gould Mr Fisher say“the same ? He knew the stories that had been circulated about what his his colleagues said to him on. his raturn from Queenstown, but as a fact his colleagues said nothing to him of tha kind, and the relations between him and his colleagues had always been of the most harmonious kind. No doubt Mr Fisher would he vary glad to hear that. Referring to his speech at Queenstown, ho ho Quoted from on extract—(Mr Seddon : What edition is that?)—it was the original speech, and it simply said that it was tho duty of the Government to endeavour to get better accommodation for the local bodies when their loans fell in, which most o? them would nob do for years—not to take up their loans, he emphatically. denied that. Hio solo object was to enable the local bodies to get their loans in the cheapest markets, and that the Government should assist in that. Concluding, Mr Fergus

said Mr Fisher Wag bnhfe a member •of the Government, but lb consequence of his action in connection with brewery prosecutions—actions whioh were looked tapoo with the gravest suspicion, for he cOulfi snot find adequate language to express the disgust the members or the Government "felt at the action of the hon gentleman—it was deemed advisable that the benches should be rid of his presence. They thought it utterly impossible to carry oa the Government of the country if actions such as were attributed to Mr Fisher were indulged iru isnd so ho was called upon to give up his seat. He refused for a time, but ultimately Biis better sense prevailed, and he got off 4he Treasury benches. But he (Mr Fergus) thud no doubt that no action the Govern, nnent could perform would receive one word «of commendation from Mr Fisher, and every ■word that gentleman said aimed at ousting the Government. (Cheers). Mr Seddon vigorously condemned the administration of the Government, and especially the conduct of Mir Fergus, whose •explanations of the Queenstown speech he considered most unsatisfactory. It was time an appeal to the country was made if only on acoount of the condition of the land question. Hitherto, all efforts had been in the direction of benefiting the financial rings ; the people had been least considered, and it was time an alteration was made in that respect. Book at the increased cost to tho/se who remained in the Colony of bearing taxation for those who had left it, and then compare it with the cost of putting people on the land. The Colony admitted now, when it was too late, that Mr Ballance’s land policy was the right one, and if he went to the country to-morrow he would come back with a majority at his back. (Cheers). Mr Kerr briefly stated that if the Government did not clearly explain certain matters, he should say, and send all over New Zealand, what his opinion was. Mr Taiwhanca briefly opposed the Native policy of the Government, aud said Mr Mitchelson went down to the East Coast to arrange questions for the East Coast Settleenent Company. The Postmaster-General made an explanation of the policy of the East Coast Settlement Company which had been referred to in consequence of Mr Fergus’ remark about it at Queenstown. The Natives, ihe went on to say, asked the Government ■to assist them, and when he had been to the (East Coaßt and inspected the Natives and seen the land he found one block had been handed to Mr W. L. Rees and Wi Pere on the understanding (not carried out) that the Natives would get £9OOO for it. That was some years ago, and the Natives had never got a penny. They had parted with their legal interest, and they asked the Government to replace them in possession of that block. In the case of another block the Natives got £IOOO out of £IO,OOO, and £9OOO in scrip in the company, which was worthless. They told him they would never allow any person to take possession of the land, and be and the Minister of Lands had seen it and came to a conclusion on the subject; but it was considered necessary to have official and outside opinion, which had been arranged for and received. He feared, however, that however the Natives might have been deceived, the Government would not he able to do anything. As far as he was concerned he acted in the interest not of any financial Company, but of the Natives and at their ■request. He agreed with Mr Hutchison as to Mr Barton’s ability, but denied any coliusion to secure bis resignation. The idea of the Government in appointing Judge Edwards woa to set in the Commissionership a man who would be in a high position and would be above suspicion. They had no idea that he had appeared in any case likely to come before the Commissioner. Hoa members : “ You ought to have inquired.”) As to the case referred to by Mr Hutchison, one reasoD an appeal was made was that the Government wore advised that if the decision went in a certain direction Judge Edwards’ appointment would not be necessary, and after consultation with his colleagues it was decided to lodge the money (£300) for the appeal, with the intention not to go further without reference to the House. He defended the Rotorua purchase, and said he was sure the Colony would not outsider it w«g a bad one. The sum paid for it was £BIOO. Mr Grimmond, who took up the debate after the supper adjournment, referred to Mr Hislop’s crucifixion, bis resurrection at Oarnaru, and subsequently his miraculous ascension into the Ministry. (Laughter.) He charged the Government with spending money in and giving considerarions to those diririofcs represented by Ministerial! fcs, while districts whose members were in opposition were studiously overl oked. He a Ivocated a dissolution. Dr Fitch arr said the Bank of New Zealand mus the owner, on mortgage, of the Ind referred to by the Postmaster General and the .inference was that what was proposed was to buy the land in the bank’s fa von!. Mr Mitchelson : I didn’t say that. Dr F itch EXT said the hou gentleman had said the Government were considering how they onid relieve the Natives, find bow cou d that he done except by buying the land? lie did n-1 think the House could coaeider this matter and that mentioned by Mr Hutchison too closely. Mr Taipca rose at 11.50 to say that he was very weary of the debate —(lieiv, bear) —and to express a hope that the Governor would Dot be offended at the excop lions taken to his Speech. The Governor had only been here a short time, and now he was being b'arnerl for statements put into bis mouth by Ministers. Speaking on general questions, he approved the Native bind policy of tha Government, and opposed a dissolution, on the ground that many important Native matters wanted attending to. Mr Tanner, who got up at 12.10, issued a warning that be intended to speak for some time, dwelt at length oa the evils of party government, aud opposed a dissolution oa the ground that the ceusus should be taken before a general election. If some such proposal as that ware not made by any one else he should make it.

The motion that an Address lti-Reply be presented to the Governor waS harried on the voices. On the Address being considered, Sir George GrEV moved his amendment to the 'effect that the Governor should be asked to grant a dissolution immediately. Mr Grimmond seconded the amendment. THE DIVISION. The amendment was put after a short discussion, and on division was negatived by 39 to 19. Following is the division list : Ayes (for the amendment), 19.—Messrs Ballance, Feld wick, Fisher, Fitcbetfc, Fitzherhert, Fraser, Goldie, Grey, Grimmond, Hutchison, Joyce, Lance, J. McKenzie, Moss, R. H. J. Reeves, Seddon, Smith, W. J. Steward, Walker. Noes, 39.—Messrs Allen, Anderson, Arthur, Beetham, Bruce, Buchanan. Cowan, Dodson, Fhi-gtis, Fish, Fulton. Hall, Hamlin, Harkness, Hislop, Hobbs, Lawry, Macartbur, T. Mackenzie, Marchaut, McGregor, Mitchelson, Moat, Monk, Newman, O’Conor, Ormond, Peacock, G. F. Richardson, Russell. Seymour, W. D. Stewart, Taipua, Tanner, R. Thompson, T. Thompson, Valentine, Verrall, Withy. Pairs. —Against : Messrs Hodgkinson, Scobie Mackenzie, Wilson, Meuteath, Bryce, Atkinson, Izard, Ross, Rhodes. For : Cadman, Barron, W. P. Reeves, Kelly, Turnbull, Kerr, E Richardson, Loughrey, Taiwhanga. The Address was then agreed to, and the necessary motion carried authorising its presentation. The House rose at 1.20.