ELECTORAL BILL.

Wananga, Volume 5, Issue 45, 9 November 1878, Page 560

ELECTORAL BILL.

In consideration of the amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Electoral Bill, there was another warm discussion on the Native vote, Mr. Stout moving that the House disagreed with the amendments of the Council. Mr. Sheehan made a strong and well put appeal for the douBle : man hood vote on the old ground of expediency. Sir R.Douglas objected to half tho North Island constituencies being swamped by the Maori vote. Mr. Murray said he would support increased Native representation, but the Natives themselves .did uot want the double vote. Mr.'J. E. Brown followed with a strongly worded speech on the same side, his remarks being followed up by Messrs Rolleston and Moss, the latter speaking on the other side. Mr*. Takamoana supported the Government. Mr. Moorhouse made the ablest speech yet delivered in favor.of the Government proposals. Mr. Taiaroa, of course, followed Takamoana, going out of his way to have a slap at the Hawke's Bay land transactions. Mr. Fox said there must be something behind, as Mr. Sheehan had never been so excited over anything as this vote. He could not understand why this double manhood suffrage was fought for so hard if it were only to last for one year, and there was to be no dissolution in the recess. He, however, agreed that the Natives should be put on some electoral footing the same as the Europeans if they were placed under the same disabilities. Sir Q;,Grey (who appeared very ill) made a very moderajla. speech, saying he agreed with the latter remarkMijt%r. Fox as to Native lands being placed on the as Europeans, and lie believed that, at the be held during the recess, the Natives

would adopt the same views, but if this clause as amended were passed, it might create feelings of antagonism in the Native mind, and have a very unfortunate result. He doubted whether according to the Constitution Act, such a, clause could have a legal effect. Major Atkinson said if he could believe what Sir G-. Grey and Mr. Sheehan said about the effect the vote would have on Native negotiations, he would vote with the Government, but he feared that the Native votes wonldbe corruptly used by the low class Europeans. Messrs. Shrimski, Hodgkinson, and Turnbull supported the Government, and Messrs. Gibbs, Hunter, and McMinn opposed. On the division being taken at 2. 30., the motion that the House disagree with the Amendment of the Council was carried by 36 to 26. The House also resolved to disagree with the amendment abolishing the plural vote.— Daily Telegraph.