Parliamentary.

Colonist, Volume XIX, Issue 2283, 13 September 1877, Page 3

Parliamentary.

■ . Wellington, September 11. , On the House resuming last evening, Sir G.'Grey said,that Messrs Cox and Russell's proposal to lease' the Taupo land was a perfectly legal and' legitimate transaction. He had, at the request of the« native owners, suggested to many people to lease land in the interior for 21 years as runs. He did'not in the least remember the .conversation recounted by Mr Cox, but he had no doubt that Mr Cox had corrootly stated his impression, though he was equally sure that it was a mistaken one... Thore was a misunderstanding somewhere. At the most,it amounted to his having for a few. days contemplated becoming a partner with other, gentlemen in a^perfectly fair venture, but determining not to do so for fear of his actions being misconstrued. He had been accused of having extorted a bribe to use his influence, and such a charge demanded an exhaustive enquiry. The letters should be produced, all parties being now quite willing. He believed it would be found that

the only reference to him was in the words "The Governor, for State reasons, declines to take any part. Some other moneyed men will take his place." He desired to have .the charges made against him fully investigated, and the evidence placed on official record.

Mr. Reos had been surprised at the tone of the debate, and would not imitate it. If Messrs Ormond and Whitaker did not know the falsity of the charge about his absconding from his creditors they ought to. He denied it absolutely. Through over speculating in mining, and being made responsible for debts not his own, he had been driven into- bankruptcy, but had paßsed through without loss of credit, and over since, every penny he had made, beyond what was absolutely required for his family was devoted to paying off just claims, and he hoped that in another year or so all would be paid. Sir G. Grey wanted no one to do dirty work, and would not ask him if he did, and he was not elected for that purpose. He reprobated the attacks made on Mr. Henry Russell, and was astonished at tho charge of extorting a bribe being made against Sir G. Grey, without the truth being first ascertained. Mr. Cox's statement showed it to be absolutely unfounded. He defended his action regarding the native claims in Hawke's Bay. He dwelt at length on tho nature of the Hawke's Bay land transactions, and denied that the actions had been withdrawn, although Mr. Sheehan's clients had been bribed to withdraw them. There were plenty of cases for a Committee to enquire into without interfering with those pending in Court. The refusal to pr&nb a Committee would cause general suspicion throughout the colony.

The Souse then divided on the " previous question." Ayes : 34. Noes : 41. The motion therefore dropped.

In Committee on the Education Bill, clauses 34 to 38 were passed. Along discussion took place and numerous amendments were proposed in olause 39, but all were rejected and the clause passed. The House adjourned at 1.5 a.m.

7.30 p.m.

The House met at 2,30 thiß afternoon In reply to questions, Ministers said:—l. The Government -would endeavor to give Nelson every facility in regard to the dates of the depature of the English mail, but it was very difficult to do so. Experiments were being made as to the use of native coal in locomotive engines. 2. The Dunedin gaol cost £26 per prisoner for maintenance ; Auckland, £16; Lytteltou, £20. It was intended to reduce the cost in Dunedin by reducing the number of warders rather than by lowering the salaries, except in certain oases where they are excessive. ' 3. The Government would place the Mana light on Cape Eginonfc when they were able tv secure a suitable site. 4. It was intended to settle the Sartoris-Downes claims as recommended by the Committee. The following new Bill was introduced ;—Goldmining Act Amendment Bill. (Mr. Eowe.) The House then went into Committee on the Education Bill. Clauses 40 to 43 were passed. A long discussion took place on clause 44, as to whether the committee or board should appoint teachers. Three separate amendments, to give the power of appointing and recommending to committoes, were lost on divisions of 25 to 41, 32 to 33, and 31 to 34. The clause is not yet passed.

September 12. The whole evening was spent in Committee on the Education Bill.

After a further long discussion, clause 44 was passed, the words "by leave of on Inspector," being struck out in line 50, and a proviso added that all appointments and dismissals of teachers should be recommended by tho Committee, and none be made without the Committee being consulted. Clauses 45 to 48 were passed. Several hours were spent over olause 50. Mr Wakefiold moved an amendment to render scholarships open to all children whose parents paid the capitation tax. This was lost be 46 to 16. —Mr Bowen proposod an amendment to allow the establishment of open scholarships for all children of school age. This was carried by 51 to 10.—Mr Stout then' said that donominationalism had been introduced into the Bill, and he moved that the Chairman leave the chair. This was lost by 42 to 18. Progress was then reported, and tho House rose at 12-15 a.m.

The House met at 2.30.

Leave of absence for fourteen days was granted to Mr Button,

Jn reply to questions, Ministers said—(l) It is not intended to amend the Savings Bank Act. (2) They will ascertain the oost of connecting the Brothers Lighthouse with the mainland by telegraph. New Bills introduced :—Dunedin Reserves ; Dunedin Gas and Waterworks ; Laurence Municipal Reserves Leasing.

Mr Burns moved that tenders be called for in the Colony for all railway rolling stock, and also iron and timber piles and iron and woodwork required for wharves, bridges, and other Government works, or works under contract to Government, and for wooden and iron ships, dredgers, lighters ; and that sufficient time be given for supplying the same. He contended that the Stella and Hinemoa could have been built cheaper in the Colony than at Home. He believed all kinds of work could be done equally well in the Colony.

Mr Sheehan moved as an amendment, that New Zealand coal should be used on the railways and in the Government buildiDgg.

Mr Ormond accepted both motion and amendment. The Government would endeavou to carry out both as far as practicable. Tenders would be called for all plant which could be manufactured in the Colony. A list of what would be required for two or three years was being prepared. He believed New Zealand timber equally good with any imported wood. They would use local coals wherever they could. ' Mr Macandrew urged the Government not to depend on its engineer's report, and to immediately telegraph countermanding ajl orders on the way. home for plant, and call for tenders for it here. He moved an addition to this effect. ■, Mr Ormond objected to this. All, the rolling' stock ordered was nrgently required, and is, now being made at Home. He had within the month j refused to sign an order for home for £9000 worth of plant, tenders for which would be issued in the j Colony.

Mr Montgomery thought locally made articles should be preferred, if Hot costing above ten per cent more. -

Mr MacFarlane speaking from experience said, locally made engines were superior to those imported, but wheels, axles, and springs had to be imported, Mr Sutton quoted the inducements offered to mechanics tq emigrate, and urged, the duty of the Government to find them work. Messrs Pyke, Travew,Kiehardion, Murray-Ayhsley Saitingi, Gibbe, Hind Giiborne,baring spokra, ft

division took pla'ca on Mr Macandrew's addition.' Ayes 20—Noes 23.

. Mr Stout moved another addition that specifications should provide that all nrtioles which could be manufactured in the Colony Bhould be so. After discussion this was lost by 25 to 27. The debate on the original motion was interrupted by 5-30.