PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 965, 2 December 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Telegraph.] ' • - [kkom our own correspondent.] Wellington, This Day. The House met yesterday at 7.30. Sir George Grey presented a petition from 500 residents of Canterbury, complaining of the conduct of the Hon. John Hall, Messrs. Moorhouse, Rolleston, and Saunders, m respect to the abuse known as "gridironing." Replying to Mr. Pyke, Major Atkinson said the Government would agree to the recommittal of the Estimates for the purpose of reconsidering a reduction of the honorarium. The House then went into Committee of Supply, and proceeded with the Estimates, with which they were occupied till rising at 1.30. There was a good deal of discussion on the items, and several divisions took place, but there was no reduction made. A Bill has been introduced by Mr. Bryce respecting Native Affairs on the West Coast. Its title is "The CouGscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners Trial Act." It provides for the appointment of three Commissioners to enquire into the promises alleged to have been made respecting confiscated lands, and to report within four months. It also empowers the Governor to fix date of trial, and to change place of trial of the Maoris now m prison, or who may hereafter be arrested. The Act is to remain m force until thirty days after the commencement of the next session of Parliament. Mr. Shepherd is going to introduce a Bill t© amend the Civil List Act, with a view of reducing salaries of Ministers.