PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 971, 9 December 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[from our own correspondent.]

Wellington, This Day.* The House met yesterday at 7.30. Replying to Mr. Kelly, the Native Minister said his attention had been directed to a letter that had appeared m the newspapers that morning to the effect that Rewi had joined the King party. He did not believe there was any truth m the statement. A request had been received some time ago from Rewi for a carriage to be placed at his disposal, as he was going to the King country and he had met with an accident. The request was complied with, and the Government had no reason to believe that Rewi was m any way displeased with the Government. The letter that was published was to the Maori member, and was not from Rewi ; but was from a friend of his. Major Te Whero said he waa the member referred to. The letter stated that Rewi was displeased with the Government, and would not return to the European side, and that those chiefs who had been instrumental m turning out Sir George Grey must be left to carry on the Government of the country. The adjourned debate on the second reading of the Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners Bill was resumed. Messrs Turn bull, Te Wheoro, Fisher and others opposed the Bill. Mr. Sheehan supported it as necessary to avoid a Native disturbance, which would ensue if the Maori prisoners were allowed to return to Parihaka. After a long debate the motion was carried by 57 to 12. The House then went into Committee on the Bill, and having discussed some of the clauses, progress was reported. It is believed that the Government are really uneasy about the reported disaffection of Rewi. The Public Works Statement will be made to-night, but owing to the favorable news of the prospect of floating the loan, Public Works Estimates have been recast on a more liberal scale. Rumours are current that Mr. Sheehan will join the Ministry as Native Minister, but the rumours not credited.