NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

Colonist, Volume XVI, Issue 1655, 29 July 1873, Page 5 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT.

TUESDAY, Jcit 15. The Governor opened Parliament at two o'clock. The Volunteers formed a guard <of honor. In the opening epeeoh the Governor said:— HONOBABLE LEGISLATIVE COTTNOILLOBS, AND GbNTLEMBN OP THE HOUSB OV RePBESEHTATIVES— It gives me muob pleasure to meet you at so earlj a moment after assuming charge of the Government of Ne v Zealand, to which Her Majesty has been graoiously pleased to appoint me. lam gratified to learn that the condition of the Colony is extremely prosperous, and that the colonists at large are manifesting faith in its reaouiceß, and developing tham with energy and enterprise. The Public Works already authorized have been proceeded with as .rapidly as circumstances permitted, but in order to render effectual the polioy of Public Works which has been adopted by Parliament you must bear in mind that principles upon whioh those works were undertaken, involved, not only a system of arterial communication throughout the country, but concurrent 'settlement by numerous occupiers of lands so opened up. Papers will be laid before you indicative of the anxiety of the Government to promote and assist immigration. The iuoreMing iucccm of the Lift Aniurwioo »ad

Annuities Department is highly satisfactory, whilst the system of State insurance affords great advantages to colonists; and it does not close its doors to private associated enterprise in -the same ÜBeful direction. At the Intercolonial Conference, held during the recess, many important results were arrived at, to some of which your attention will be directed. In consideration of the unanimous desire of the Conference, her Majesty's Government have obtained the assent of the Imperial Parliament to a measure by which the Australian Colonies will have the right to enter into Reciprocal traffio arrangements. I do not doubt that this concession will be granted to the Legislature of • New Zealand, which has constantly advocated its justice and expediency ; and I expressa hope that such care will be exercised in making proper and reasonable use of it, as will prove that it has been wisely sought and granted. Arising out of the conference, though not directly associated with it, are proposals for the establishment of Cable communication between Australia and New Zealand, and Normantown and Singapore in joint connection with other Colonies. Your early attention will be invited to these proposals which await, and are subject to, jour concurrence. I regret that whilst so mauy other subjects received satisfactory consideration and decision at the hands of the Conference, upon the subject of Mail Services, a unanimous conclusion was not arrived at, and in consequence it yet awaits final arrangement. My advisers have given much consideration to the matter. Whilst they are anxious to re-open the" Californian Service they are only disposed to do so on terms which will do justice to the requirements of this Colony, and which will not disassociate New Zealand from the use of the Suez service. Negociations are still pending, but in all which have been entered into, the approval of Parliament has been made an absolute condition. The work of making roads in the Native districts in the North Island, and thus, through their aid, of opening up the country for future settlement, has been prosecuted during the year with steadiness and success. It is gratifying to observe that the opposition originally manifested at several points of this undertaking is gradually lessening as the Natives more fully understand the intention of the Government, and the benefit accruing to themselves from these works, in affording employment in several districts, and in giving increased value to tribal lands. It is also gratifying to observe that the Natives generally appreciate the advantages of peace, and are directing their attention to industrial pursuits and to the establishment of schools, in which their children can obtain the advantages of an English education. A murder committed in the Waikato by certain natives has attracted much public notice. While lamenting the circumstance of a crime, now happily so rare, I would announce with satisfaction that it h»9 evoked from the leading tribes throughout the North Island a general and public condemnation, as well as renewed declarations "of. their loyalty. The Government have left the criminals to the ordinary operation of law. That operation may be tardy in the district which is still remote from European settlement, in which they have taken refuge, but the Government, while mindful of the requirements of justice, and of protection to industrious inhabitants, have not deemed it expedient by any precipitate i measures to risk a disturbance of the generally peace- ' ful condition of the Colony. Gentlemen of the House of'Refbesentatives— Estimates, prepared with every desire to consult economy to the utmost extent, consistent with the requirements of the Public Service, will be laid before you. Your consideration will be asked to subjects relating to the Civil Service. The public revenue is increasing, and the improved credit of the Colony is shown by the enhanced value of its securities. Honorable Legislative Cotjncillobs, and Gentlemen of the House of Repsesentatives— Measures will be laid before you to initiate the reconstruction of the constitution of the Legislative Council ; to amend the lawa relating to Goldfields1; to provide for Education ;to consolidate the laws relating to prisons; to amend and consolidate the Electoral Laws ; to establish a Silver aud Copper Mint ; to amend the Insolvency Laws, and to abolish imprisonment for dobt; to provide for the Election of the Native Distriot Counoil; to amend the laws relating to Native Lands ; and to give increased security to persons insuring their lives. I confide to your careful attention these and other mesu^f^designed in the interests of the whole Coloiiy>'ajnd of the two races which inhabit it; and I trust that' Divine Providence wi'l bless your efforts to discharge efficiently your onerous duties. WEDNESDAY, July 16. The following Bills were read a first time :—Joint Stock Companies Amendment Bill, Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill, Waterworks Bill, Distriot Courts Amendment Bill, Assaults on Constables, Gold-mining, and Prisons and Insolvency Bills. Mr. Seymour, was elected Chairman of Committees. Mr. Gillies moved for a return of the cost and revenue under the Public Trustees Act. Mr. Bathgate replied that the cost was £150. Mr. Gillies moved for a return of the amount of gunpowder authorised by each officer of the Native Department to be supplied or sold to Natives. Agreed to. Mr. O Conob moved for a return of the annual importation of coal, with its value ; also a return of the field work performed by each officer of. the Geological Department during the past year. Agreed to. THURSDAY, July 17. In the House to-day, Mr. Mubbay gave notice of a motion to the effeot tbat tbe Government ought to ' take immediate steps to prevent further purchases of land from Natives by Europeans, until a measure was passed to regulate such transactions in a manner mote satisfactory to the Natives, more consistent with progress, bona fide civilization, and the maintainance of the peace of the Colony. The Speaker announced the receipt of a telegram from Mr. Hallenstein resigning his seat. He laid he must await the formal resignation before issuing the writ for a new election. In reply to Mr. Jobnstone, the Pbemibb said there were two securities of £25,000 from Messrs. Webb and Halliday held by the Government. The Government would recover the money. Ten thousand pounds had already been stopped from monies due to Mr. Webb. The Volunteer Land Scrip Act was read a first time. The Municipal Corporations, Waterworks, and Assaults on Constables Bills were read a eeoond time. A return showing the practical result of the Industrial Committee of last session was agreed to. Mr. Weeb moved the address in reply, and in doing bo referred to the prosperity of the Colony as due to the Public Works and Immigration policy. The country would feel gratified if the Government prevented another Native war. The people of the Middle Island would approve of the action of the Government. He trusted the same good feeling would exist between the present Governor and the Ministry, as there was with Governor Bowen. Mr, Cuthbertson seconded the reply. Mr. Gillies said he would not move an amendment, and would not now debate it, as other opportunities would arise. He only spoke now lest it should be thought he entirely agreed with the address. FRIDAY, July 18. In the U.pper Houbb to-day, Mr. Habt moved the address in reply, which was agreed to. In the House of Representatives to-day, Mr. Richardson read a telegram from the Agent-General, stating that 2,650 emigrants had been despatched in May and Jnne, and that probably 1200 will leave in July. 16,500 tons of railway plant had been shipped,, with 16 locomotives, 3L carriages, and 163 waggons. The Extension of Miners' Franchise, Telegraph Cables Subsidy Agreement, Ratification of Civil Service Act Amendment, Permanent Officers Salary, Animals Importation Prohibition of, and Provincial Councils Powers Bills, were read a first time. The Municipal Corporations Waterworks and Assaults on Constables Bills were committed. Mr. Uva&xx moved nWAn to the prevention of

[the alienation of. native land. Ho said that large tracts of land were passing into the bands of speculators; the natives about Napier being divested of their lands. The Native Minister promised, to introduce a Bill to meet the requirements of the oase. Mujor Atkinson hoped the confiscated lands would be included. Mr. Fitzhkbbbbt said immediate steps should betaken to prevent large tracts of land from being bought before the Bill was.passed. The lands were now being sold at fourpence per acre. Motion agreeed to. j .On the motion of Mr. O'Conob, a return of the cost of forming and revising the electoral rolls was agreed to. ; TUESDAY, Jvix 22. ; In the Upper House to-day the Interest Bill was defeated by a large majority. The Bill proposed to fix a statutory rate of interest, except under contract, to six par cent. ; : Tha Bank Holiday Bill was introduced to make the following close holidays : —New Year's Day, Easter Monday, twenty-fourth May, if week day; twenty-sixth December, if weekday. Bills of exohago due on any of these days to be due the following day. Mr. Vogel said in reference to the mail arrangements with M'Meckanand Blackwood, they repudiated the six months' contract entered into with their agent here. Government has been in negotiation with M'Meckan and Blackwood in reference to a three years' agreement, but reserred the contract for the approval of the House. Meantime arrangements had been made for the carriage of the next mail per Rangitoto. • • , ; The following Bills were read a first time|:—Law of Arrest Amendment; Leases and 'Sales Settled Estatos Aot Amendment; Notaries Bill; Aot to constitute Local Councils in Native Districts, and define their Functions and Duties; Regulation of Elections: Bill; Electoral Bill; Provincial ditto; Bill for enabling Governors of Wellington College to borrow money for College j Bill to amend Munioipal Corporations Act, 1867. j The following Bills were passed :—Munioipal Corporations Waterworks Amendment Bill; Assaults on Constables Bill. . ,

The Telegraph Cable Bill, introduced by message from the Governor, was rtud a first time. . Mr. Vogel moved the seoond reading of the Animals Importation Prohibition Bill. . Messrs. Bluett, Gillies, and Rolleston opposed it. Sir C. J. Wilson moved the Becond reading that day six months. On a division the Bill was thrown out by twenty-eight to twenty-five. The Miner's Franchise Extension Bill entitles every holder^of a miner's right or business^ license to vote for members of the House of Representatives or Provincial Council. The holder may also vote at the election of Superintendent of a Province in which such miner's right or business license is issued. The qualifications to commence from passing of the Act. A discussion took place on the aeoond reading of the District Courts Bill, which proposes extended jurisdiction to £300, in order to decrease the cost of litigation, and to promote equitable jurisdictionMr. Luckie supported and Mr. Shephabd opposed the Bill. The latter said that the Bill would cause delays, and that there was reason to fear that cheap equitable jurisdiction to the extent of £100 would gradually disappear. Mr. Bathgate having replied, 'the second reading was carried on the voices. The Gold-mining Bill, and Canterbury Waste Lands Bill passed the second reading. Select Committees were appointed to consider the amendment of the Civil Service Act, and the Permanent .Officers Salaries Bill. ■ •■

A petition from Christopher Frank, of Nelson, a German, was presented to both Houses, praying that he might be appointed instructor to the vine dreesers on their arrival from Europe, as he has discovered a mode of cultivation specially adapted to New Zealand. In the Lower House a petition from Thomas Baunner, surveyor, was - presented, asking for a pension or employment under the Colonial Government for seavices rendered. Mr. Richmond also presented a petition from James Smith Cross, showing that he bad been in the service for thirty-two years, and praying for a retiring pension. t -