GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Waikato Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 3470, 25 September 1894, Page 5

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE'OF REPRESENTATIVES.

After the closing of the Telegraph Office at midnight on Friday, Captain Russell was followed by , . _ Messrs Duncan and Morrison who supported the Bill, and Messrs Earnshaw and George Hutchison opposed it. Mr O'Refcan said the Bill was undoubtedly part and parcel of a policy of borrowing, He moved an amendment that the Bill be referred back to the Government for the purpose of introducing the principle of betterment into it.

Mr Carroll said the construction of roads and bridges was absolutely necessary in the interests of the country, and fchore should to no distinction between native and European lands in this respect.' Messrs Hone Heke and Allen opposed the Bill, and Messrs Lang and Finkerton suppoitedit. Mr Q'Regan's amendment was lost on the voices. In his reply Mr McKenzie, referring to MrO'Regan's amendment, strongly advised that hon. gentleman to go over to the other side of the House. He evidently had not read the Bill, as it already contained the betterment principle. As to what had been said during the debate about selling native land, he declared that under the present Native Land Act transactions of the most flagrant character in the purchase of native lands by private individuals had come under his notice. He defended the Govern* ment policy, and referred to the high price at which the colonial securities now stood. He replied to the various speeches against the Bill. . The second reading was agreed to, and the House rose at 2 a. m. MONDAY. The House met at 7.30 p.m. After the Ministerial statement regarding the proposed bank amalgamation the House went into committee on the Government Advances to Settlers Bill, Clause? was amended -.so. as to provide that members of the staff of the Advances to Settlers office should be appointed by the Governor in Council instead of the Colonial Treasurer, Clause 15, relating to, the general board elicited a lengthy discussion, but was.pasaed without alteration. : ,

In clause 21, an amendment by Mr Geo/ Russell, that members of either House of Parliament should not be eligible for seats On the district'board, was lost by 33 to 19. ' Clause 22: Duties of District Board. Mr Earnshaw moved an amendment allowing money to bs advanced not only od land but on all other! properties. : Ihis amendment was still ander diaouwion when the telegwph offici closed at midnight,