PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1107, 5 November 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

'Wellington, September 4. In tlie House of Representatives today, G. Grey gave notice that ho would move for leave to introduce a Dill to establish an elective Legislative Council. Mr. Mont Joinery gavg notice that he would move in Gon#j inline on the Electoral Bill —Tha: no clecti.r be allowed to have his nanu; phtcud on more than one roll in the Colony. Replying to questions, it was stated that the Government recognised the importance of rendering less expensive the procedure in divorco courts, so that it shall not bo for suitors to go to the Appeal Court, but ihsy doubted if the question could be dealt with this session. As far as possible the Government would cause an equitable adjustment of expenditure upon public works to be made as between the different provinces. If possible, n Bill v/ould be prepared to receive fees payable for by half tiio present amount. The would during the recess consider the uxpeuionoy at amending the 01i'ence3 against tho Pensions Act. The Government was not yet prepared to state what steps would be taken with the Maori prisoners. Provision liad bjeen jjjado fov fchg erection ff[ a courthouse at Cambridge. Tho n«sfc scciion of the Lurosden-Mararoa railway be ready for inviting tenders for construction ifl'xwp months. The amount Swamp was L 13,152 ;

the capital value of the property was L 200,000, and the value set down under the Land Tax Act, L 12,680. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—Gold Duty Abolition Eating Act, 1870; Amendment (Seddon.-; to N the. Laying Out of Towns on Private Land v (Thpmson); to Amend the Otaso- Boys' and. Girls' .'High School Act, 1877 (Ro)leston),; to Regulate and Restrict Chinese Immigration '(Hall). \ ... A- message was -received .from/the' 'Governor, recommending provision for payment of salaries, &c. In Committee, L 300.000 was granted, and an Appropriation ..Bill for that amount was passed through all its stages." . " ; " " / Mr. Dc Lautour moved as an amendment, " That the House was determined to do all in its power to pass a Bill forthe re-ad jusnnent of- representation this session." Mr. Hall said the Government was prepared to accept an amendment, which on being brought to a division, was carried on a vote of 55 to 5. Mr. Hall moved the second reading of the Maori Representation Bill. The subject was a difficult one to deal with, and the Government was prepared to receive suggestions in committee. Mr. Macandrew objected to the Bill, saying that it would give double the present number of representatives to the Maoris. Mr. Sheehan said the Bill was defective, as it precluded half-castes from being returned as Maori representatives, and not unfrequently that class were found to be the most eligible from which to elect representatives. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. , Messrs. Tomoana and Tawhai complained that the Government had not given more definite information as to the Maori prisoners. Mr. Rolleston replied that at present the Government had" no intention of interfering with the ordinary course of law. The matter, however, was one of great importance, and would be carefully considered. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Sir G. Grey pointed out that from the position of the Readjustment of Seats Bill on the Order Paper, the Government evidently did not intend passing that measure this session. Some distinct pledge on the subject should be exacted from the Government. Mr. Hall said the Government was anxious to deal with the subject this session, if possible. There were certain Bills which would have to be passed, and whon they were gone through, the readjustment measure would be pushed through if time permitted. Mr. Moss urged that there was a unity of principle running through all the measures, and if they were taken piecemeal, that unity would be destroyed. Mr. Kelly resumed the debate on the second reading of the Maori Representation Bill. Modifications were needed, and with the view of providing for these he would move the adjournment of the debnte. Mr. Bryce pointed out some objections to the Bill. Sir G. Grey said that the Bill proposed a great wrong to the natives. In early days the Maoris protected Europeans on the distinct understanding that they would be provided with equal rights and privileges with those of Europeans. This Bill would have the effect of withholding these. He advised that it should be abandoned altogether. Mr. Rolleston denied that a wrong was intended to bo done to the natives. He would agree to a postponement of the measure, so as to enable the amendments to be made in the direction indicated. Messrs. Ballance, Moss, Tainui, Tomoana, and Colonel Trimble urged objections to portions of the Bill. Ultimatel}' the Government consented to the adjournment of the debate. The triennial Parliaments Bill was then passed through Committee. It was proposed to make the existing Parliament to expire on the 28th February, 1883, but an t amendment was moved to make it expit'Q j on the 28th February, 1882, and this was | carried by 34 to 26. j The House rose at 12.5 a.m.