PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 789, 22 October 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington", October 21

In the Council to-day,

The Local Bills Committee were instructed not to pi'oceecl with the examination of any Bill which shall either be opposed before them or shall contain provisions affecting matters on which general statutes are in existence, or which are calculated to induce much debate, but to report every such Bill immediately to the Council. The Fencing Disqualification and Public Reserves Sale Bills were read a third time and passed. The second reading of the Public Revenues Bill was moved by Colonel Whitmore, and agreed to after a short debate. The Mount Cook Reserve Sale Bill was also read a second time. The Council then went into Committee on TCW.tnral Bill. There was « Idiscussion on the motion of .Mr. W ateiiiouse, with the view of altering clause 147 in the direction of representation of minorities. The motion was carried by IS to 13. The remaining clauses passed without material amendment, and the Committee took up the postponed clauses, which were under discussion at the adjournment hour.

In the House to-day, Mr. Reeves asked the Government if they will during the recess frame a Bill for the more effectual suppression of tlie sale of adulterated liquors, and punish the vendors of such liquors. Mr. Slieehan said if the law now existing is not sufficient, the Government will introduce a Bill next session. His impression was that the existing law was sufficient, if properly enforced.

Mr. Reeves asked the Commissioner of Customs if it is his intention to have leading signal lights placed at the entrance of Tory Channel. He looked ujoon this as one of the most dangerous parts of the coast. Signal lights had been ordered by Mr. Reynolds when in the Ministry, but they were lying in the store, and had never been utilised.

The Premier said the Government would take the matter into consideration, and give an answer during the recess.

Mr. Barton asked the Minister of Lauds (1) When will the land being surveyed at Waimate Plains, in Taranaki, be sold ? (2) Whether the sale will take place at New Plymouth, Wanganui, or Wellington ? (3) Whether any of the land is intended to be thrown open on the deferred payment system ? (4) Whether, if put up to auction, all the purchase-money will have to be paid at once, or in what manner ?

Mr. Slieenan replied that it was rather difficult to tell the precise surveys. Six parties of surveyors were at work, and a large area was being surveyed and subdivided, and could be brought into the market at once. But the Government thought it better not to sell until the surveys were completed. The sale would take place early next year, but it was not settled whether it would be held in Wellington or Wanganui, but for choice the Government preferred Wanganui, as most central. Land on the deferred payment system would be sold both in Waimate Plains and Waitotara. In case the lands were put up at auction, a deposit would be required, and at the end of one month the remainder must be paid. Mr. Sheehan said, with reference to the reported disturbance on the East Coast, and that two natives had been killed, he was in receipt of authentic information that no persons were killed. Conflicts had taken place about a small piece of land. The fighting parties consisted of nine men in one and ten in another, at a safe distance from each other. The disturbance was a mere attempt to induce him to visit the district and spend money, which he would not do till the powder is exhausted.

The Rating Act Amendment Bill was read a second time.

On the question to grant that the Validation Bill be committed, Mr. Rolleston expressed his regret that the Native Minister had not adopted theprinciple of putting up the Native Reserves for sale "by public tender or auction. The system of disposing of lands by Orders in Council was likely to lead to abuses. Confiscated land should be placed on the same footing as the waste lands of the Crown. The time was coming when they must revert absolutely and exclusively to the preemptive right of the Crown, or of absolute free trade in native lands, with reserves made absolutely inalienable, or only alienable by the House in a most public manner. The Premier expressed his concurrence in these views. He had been anxious to bring native lands under some fair system, but the Government had to contend against the most powerful interests in the country. The Government would give the whole subject their consideration, and endeavor to give effect to the principles recommended. After some discussion,

Mr. Sheehan consented to the adjournment of the debate until Tuesday, which was agreed to.

The House went into Committee on the Cemeteries Management Amendment Bill. Clause 4 was amended by insertion of the words "At the instance of the local body or bodies concerned." After "may" in sixth line, so as to render the placing of portions of cemeteries apart for the burial of bodies of poor persons dependent upon the consent of local bodies, a further amendment was inserted exempting the Jewish Cemetery at Auckland from being closed. Mr. Tole moved that the Catholic Cemetery of Auckland be exempted, which was negatived on a division by 15 to 27.