PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 401, 11 August 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

(l)Y TELEfiKAFII.) Wellington. August 11. In the House of sjnla ives yestcrdiy afternoon, no less than s'.x petitions were presented against the passing of the Native Lands Bill. The general bns'ncss transacted was not of any very great interest. The principal part of the tune was taken up by a discussion upon the action to be taken by the Government with reference to the Native Lands liill. There is a strong feeling in the House against the 8.11, and it is certain that the G iVernment will'be defeati d when tic second reading of the measure comes to a division.

On the Preinkr lm-ving that the resumption of the de'-ate should be postponed until Tuesday next, several nieinbeis wanted to know what the intentions of the Government were with regard to the amendment which had been moved. The Premier replied that he would state what the Ministry intended doing on I uesday. The debate was ultimately adjourned. At the evening sitting Mr. Ormonrt delivered liLi Public Works Statement, which was of considerable length. He laid before the H.mse a detailed .statement of the works which had been completed during the year, anl of those in course of construction. He also explained

at length the intention of the Government \ with regard to other lims to be con- \ structed! The honorable gentleman was .| lo idly applauded on resuming bis seat. .f Mr. Joyce expressed great surpr so . that no mention was made in the state- < ment of a line between Biverton ami , Orepuki, and dealt at considerable length A upon the very great hardships tlio miners suffered for want of the line, be- ■? cmse the road was impassable in winter t;me. A line would have become part of \ a main line, and would open up millions ; of acres of agricultural land. Mr. narff'complaiiicd that no line was projected between Greyniouth and ll<»ki-tik.-i, where a line would pay as wdl as any in the Colony. Tne House adjourned at. D o'clock.