THE NATIVE BILLS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5569, 14 September 1889, Page 2

THE NATIVE BILLS.

[FKOM OIK OWN" CORUESI'ONDEN'T.] Wellington, last night. Sir George Grey, Mr Balance, Mr Mifccholson and one or two other members are opposing further progress of the Native L:uid Court Bill with a view to force the Premier to give details of -the issue of Crown grants to Sir J. Fergusson. The situation looks very like a " stonewall." The Native Land Courts Bill was considered in Committee this afternoon, when the new clauses were submitted for discussion. I was informed that the Nativos had withdrawn their opposition and that the new clauses would have an easy passage. The contrary has been the case. AU'ioii^h the Natives did not obstruct the .Bill, the discussion became exceedingly animated, and the delay that was threatened might have been disastrous to the Bill. What occurred was to the following effect : — On clause 4 Sir G. Grey said this Bill would validate some transactions that were against the law when they took place. Equity and good conscience could not validate unlawful transactions. He asked that a schedule should be added to the Bill giving the names of claimants and description of the land the titles to which were to be validated. The Native Minister said it was the intention of the Government to appoint a commission to obtain the information sought. One particular case, that of Sir Jas. Fergusson, was mentioned, and the Premier being appealed to said lie believed that a Crown grant had been issued in that case.

Upon this information relating to Sir Jas. Fergusson's claim being given, Sir (>. Grey denounced it as a "very bad case, indeed."

The Native Minister and Premier called the attention of the House to the fact that the case of Sir Jas. Fergusson was altogether outsido the provisions of this Bill, that whatever was done in that case was upon the authority of a Committee appointed by the House. He promised the fullest information at next sitting.

Sir G. Grey then moved the Chairman report progress, repeating the argument lie had previously used that thero was no reason why mare .should be done for Sir Jas. Ferguson than had been done for the "claims of old soldiers," whore each claim had to be established before any legislation upon them would be permitted. Upon the question to report progress a division was taken with the result that the motion was lost by 35 to lb. The Hon. Mr Bnllance, Mr Hutchison, Mr Turnbull, and Mr Taiwhanga supported Sir G. Grey's contention of clause (5. Sir G. Grey moved that the Chairman do leave the chair. This was lost on the voices. From this stage up to the evening adjournment the progress of the Bill through Committee was comparatively easy. ! To-day. The Native Lands Court Bill was piu through all its stages last night, but the discussion in Committee was exceedingly lively. A passage of arms between Sir Geo. Grey and Sir H. Atkinson caused great interest. Sir Harry said : What lias the honorable member for Auckland Central ever done for the people except talk about the unborn millions ? He would ruin the people who bore the heat of the day. Whenever he was wanted to do good he disappeared. Were the men who spent large sums in settling the country to be destroyed for a mere sentiment ? It was the same speech at the end of every session of Parliament. He always discovered some terrible iniquity at the end of a session, just as he had now, and for reasons which were noble ones he wished to postpone the Bill. It was always "hang things up and talk about the unborn millions. " If the lion, member would give his attention to what he knew to be the real aspect of the case, the Houso and the country would be glad to listen to him, but he would not do that. He was prepared to give him full information about these transactions whenever he asked him, and whenever to do so was in order.

Sir George Grey replying said he didn't want the information. He wanted the House to have it. Subsequently things took a more pleasant turn. Mr Taipua warmly thanked the Native Minister for the consideration he had shown to the Native members, and said if there were Maori newspapers everyone of thorn would be tilled with praise of Mr Mitchelson. The humorous Mr Taiwhanga next appeared on the scene, and declared that he was "frightened of the Premier's hob boot nails." As this occurred in committee it Avill be reported.