EVENING SITTING. I.O.G.T., GRAND LODGE SESSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3639, 9 December 1879, Page 3

EVENING SITTING.

1.0. G.T., GRAND LODGE SESSION.

The House met at 7.30 p.m. XOTICB OP MOTION. Mr Hislop gave notice of motion to the effect—" That ib is incompatible with his office for the Agent-General of the Colony to take part in politics." QUESTIONS. In reply to Mr M'Lean, The Hon J. Hall stated that, pending definite arrangements being mode with certain newspaper?, re the special wires, arrangements bad been made for enabling these papers to - obtain telegraphic information. Beplying to a question by Mr Kelly, The Hon J. Bbtce said his attention had been directed to a letter which appeared in a newspaper, to the effect that Bewi had joined the King party. He did not believe there was any truth in the statement. A request had been received from him some time ago that as lie was going to the King country, and had met with an accident, a carriage should bo placed at his dispoeal. That request was comElied with, and Government had no reason to elieve he was in any way displeased with them. The letter in question hod been received by one of the Maori msmbers, not from Bewij but from a friend of his. The letter had been left in the member's office, and in that way it had been got hold of by the newspapers. The member himself had not given the letter to the newspapers. Major 'Ie Wubjbo said that he was the member referred to. The letter stated that Bewiwa? displeased with the Government, and that he would not return to the European side ; and thnt thoso Chiefs who had been instrumental in turning out Sir G. Grey from the Government, must be left to carry on the government of the country. Theso were the contents of the letter, but he did not know how thoy got into the newspapers. • In reply to Mr Giaborne, Mr Ball stated that Sir Penroße Juljan had retired from tho Loan Agencjship on a pension, and there was no truth in the statement whichappcured in the newspaper?, to the effect that a difference of opinion had arisen between him and the Government, such difference having occasioned tho retirement. Beplying to Mr Macancrew, Mr Hat.li said he would be prejmred to state to-morrow what business was to be dropped, bo ns to bring the Bcasion to a close within (he next few days. Mr Macamdhew suggested for the consideration of Government that the business so dropped thould be taken up next session, both public and private, as it stood on the Order Paper. BEVISION OF BTATUTEB. The Hon J. Hall moved the second reading of the Revision of Statutes Dill. Mr Stewabt culled the attention of Government to the importance of making pecuniary provision for the publication of the Jurist. He pointed out that in the .abeence of such a publication there could be no uniformity of procedure in the various Courts. The works could not bo efficiently done by private enterprise. No ono whose reports were at all trustworthy would undertake the work unless .well paid, and in the present ; state of the Colony the profits arising from auoh a publication would not be sufficient to warrant a suitable person undertaking the 'task. The Bill was re ad a rccond time. MAOIU PBISONKHB. The adjourned debate on the confiscated 'lands, and Maori Prisoner's Dill was resumed. Mr Ttjbubull opposed the Bill, and spoke Btrongly against the Maori prisoners being i kept in prison for auoh a length of time with- • ont being brought to trial. Major Ts Wiieoeo also obiocted to tho {Bill, and stated that if pnssed the Maori pri- • ■oners might bo kept in custody without ■being brought to trial for years. They had 'been already in prison for a period of six - months, and after all it might turn out they were in the right. He argued lint they •ought to bo brought to trial forthwith. Mr Taindi oppoiedit. He argued that the prißonerß should be brought to trial at once, and the oharge not kept hanging over their Tfaeads in tho way it had been done. Mr Button supported the Bill. Sir G. Gbby said the measure was calculated to shake tho confidence of tho Native araoe in the justice of our Com ts of law. Mr J. B. Fishbb contended that the men ■now lying in prison had done nothing to ■ ■render them amenable to criminal law. : Thoy had limply asserted a fancied right. The Bill as it stood was not calculated to obviate the abni ea complained of. He moved as an Amendment — " That the Bill be read that day cii months." • Mr Skddox supported the second reading, and expressed a hope that when it beoame law, it would do justice alike to all. Mr'SnBBHAN supported the second reading. If they refused to pass the Bill; and allowed the Natives to return to Parihaka, a Native disturbance would be imminent. Certain mistakes in the Sill could be remedied in Committee. He considered that the policy enunciated in it waa the policy of the late Government, and one which was absolutely necessary if they desired to prevent a Native war.': . _ , ;. Mr H JBIOP opposed the BUI. The Hon J. Bbtcb replying, said it was the opinion of the Government that it would bo » moat dangerous thing to releaee the prisoners under existing circumstances. The late 7 Government held a similar opinion. The motion for the second reading was then put, and on division was carried — Ayes, 57 ; Noes, 12. ■ The House then went into Committee on the Bill; - •;• ITnm'.iM Own Oorr«pondent of fhs lutfoltm Tim**.) , WELLINGTON, Dec. 8< The galleries were filled to-night in anticipation that something would be said relative to the loan, and the secession of Bevri. All that transpired, however, did not add muoh to what is already known. Ib- reply to a question relative to tho loan, the Premier said that Government bad recoived telegrams from both Sir Julius VogelandSir P. Julyari relative to the loan, to a similar effect as those published in the papers, but he thought it inexpedient to say more. Relative to Rowi's accession, Mr Bryce was very cautious in lu'b roply, protending to attribute Bewi' a removal to Te Kuiti to. on accident' that he recently met with. . He had reason, he said, to believe that Bewi, was not " very greatly displeaßed." Te WheoWjOJ:terwards spoke, simply stating that hehadreqeived the letter, the contents of. which have ; alxeady been telegraphed,, but expressing bo, opiuiqn. as to ihe importance of the .information.,- 1 have- since been told by one. who, .s}vw/ the whpleTletter,.that Te Wbeoxo Tdids iUJtmen-. tipn,-,' the ' most suggestive: '.parthil <?f . it. r Tn-Pptahv iEowi's^ agent, indicated yew plainly. ; to ; my-, informant what Bewi would do on , his- (Potahahi) return to Kihikihi. lam informeaUhat the suggestion that Bowi has-. gone WT# Kuiti because of his accident.wiij'nojj hold water, in as mochas there is at. K"iii|kihi a medical man inwhom Eewi has ereab confidencep-and to whom he is. personally.- attached, while .at Te"j KuiU.there i[» no medical man», ; Again,' wken Bewi met, with his- accident; hov.went^to Baldkihi ta.conault his ; medical friendicand if bow known to have completely recovergjL •,

The annual Grand. Lodge of _ the Independent Order of Good Templars , of New Zealand South opened at ten o'clock this morning intho Templar Hall." Th* robin had been suitably prepared for the occasion, and a number of flags were s6 "disposed a3 to create a pleating effect. ' - ■- The officers 1 seats were filled as follows :— G.W.O.T.^Bro J. W. Jago (Duhedin) ; G.W.8., Brb D. 0. Gomeron (Dunedin) 5 (J.W.T., Bro W. Carr (Dunedin) ; G.M., Bro Webber (Ohmtchnrch) 5 G. 'Chaplain, Bro the Rev Dr Koseby (Dunedin); G.S.J.T., Bro J. T. Smith (Christchuroh)j Tho following temporary appointments were made :— Prov. G.W.0.T.,' Bro B. Clepbane ; G.W.Cr., Bro J. W. Parkinson ; G.W.YX, Bro E. J. D. Johnston} G.A.S., Bro B. 0. Bobbins $ G.D.M.,Br. Webber > G.G.,8r0 K. Sandoj G. Sentinel, Bro G.^W. Andrews; G; Messepr<". Bro J. W;Ca»ter;! : 'In- on Credentials, Bros D. C. Cameru.,, v W. Andrews, and G. Diamond, examined and reported upon the credentials of representatives and candidates for the G.L. degrees. Subsequently the degree was conferred upon 17 brothers and sisters, as follows r .-'.-' • ; • Bj}presentatiTe(",.Bro John Barnetb, West ChristchwohrßroJ. Bolts, Otago North Central j Bros A. D. Hawaii and J. Shaw, North Canterbury ; Bro W. Pawßon, Banks Peninsula; Bro W. Fag*, Buller. • ' Alternate representative, Sister Hirding, Hawkb'd Bay. . / Subordinate Lodges: Sisters Eliza and Ellen Bing, Good Intent, No. 49 ; Bro. W.V. Wilson, Perseverance, No. 39 ; Bros. G. W. Clark and E. Webber, Pride of Sydenhani, No. 200; Bros. J. Howdley andJ. J. Ash wood, and Sister M. A. Hardley, Dawn of Peace, No. 164 j Sister F. Bhearer, Will and tho Way, No. 286; Bro. G. A.ShaiLr, Dauntless, No. 7 ; Bro. J. Frazer, Star of Seftoft, No. 169 ; Bro. A. Vincent, Transit, No. 79. It was resolved that the sittings of the Grand Lodge should be as follows ;— From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ; 3to 5 80, and 7, until adjourned. . ■ It was. resolved £0 "work in-the subordinate degree during each afternoon and evening Bitting, after conferring the G.L. degree, Also that the G.L. degree should be conferred at the commencement of each morning and evening sitting. • . ■ Correspondence between the G;W.O.T. and Dr F. E. Lees, relative to the G. L. lectureship, was laid on the table, to be subsequently dealt with. . ' From the official reports presented, it appeared that the statistics of the others showed a diminution. The present number of lodges in good standing was -155, one less .than last year. The existing membership was stated to be 7653, a decrease of 323 as compared with last year. This falling off, both the G.W. Chief Templar and the Secretary attributed to the scarcity of work which had been bo prevalent, and to the consequent moving from 'place to place of so many of the brethren. The statement of. .assets and liabilities showed a balance in favour of the Grand Lodge of £307 4j 7d, after allowing £127 19s for depreciation of stock on band and accounts owing by Lodges. The returns of Juvenile Temples showed a total membership of 2359, an increase of 721. The G.W.O.T. announced that temperanoA libraries had been formed in different parts of the jurisdiction, and urged that great attention should be given to this branch of the work. In another portion of his report, he said, "The Press of the Colony have placed this Grand Lodge under obligations for the manner in which the meetings held and the lectures delivered under tho auspices of the Order have been reported, and the fair and courteous manner in which our measures and methods have been discussed. The changed tone of the general Press towards the temperance reformation, and the attention given to tho liquor controversy is one of the most encouraging signs of the times." The report of the Grand Worthy Chief Templar was considered clause by cluse, a lengthened discussion ensuing upon the division which had arisen in a lodge at Lyttelton. It appeared that in consequence of tha action taken by tho Lodge Deputy " a minority of the lodge withdrew, taking with them the lodge -property." This circumstance, in connection with some others of a like nature, had impressed tho Executive with the desirability of taking measures to get the Order registered under the provisions of the Friendly Societies' Act, so that property might be protected from "such action as that taken by the saceders at Lyttelton." Communication had already beon opened with tho Registrar of Friendly Societies, and he had promised to recommend His Excellency the Governor to extend the operation of the Friendly Societies Act to the Templar Order. The question was referred to a special Committee, consisting of representatives from distant districts, a report to bo brought up on the following, morning. Sevoral clauses of the report wero adopted, and the Grand Lodge adjourned until three o'clocV.