GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 21, 20 September 1873, Page 9

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(Sept. 9 to Sept;. 17.) I* the House, on a motion to go into Committee on the Provincial Loans .Bill, Mr Vogel eaid he was surprised to see Mr Tolmie oppose KS I.'H f" t? y f Pai r d b itß favOr — Mr Tolmie »id he had voted for the second reading, believing that the Government would have sense enough to withdraw the Bill- A number of rS clauses were passed. Ul rawng In the Legislative Council, Dr Pollen moved the second read?™ of the Native Reserves Bill-Both the Native members opposed S! mo ion -Colonel Whitmore .aid the Natives should be left to deal with their own land*.~Dr Pellen, in replying, said that I!.^ nous chiefs who held land in t'mst foVo&nVd gro sly°ab«° S ed their trust They wanted education in the matter of administration and lacked the B ame moral perceptions as Europeana.-The BiU was earned by 20 votes to 10. v waß In the House a Bill to authorise holders of miners' rights iBBi 88U ed in a»y part of the Colony to exercise the same within the .mlri fi i m in any part of the Colony, was read a first time g ° M fit>ldß In reply to Mr Eeeves, Mr Vogel said the Government had not , Mr Bradshaw moved tliaf an address be transmitted to the Governor, asking him to recommend the Secretary of State for t c Colonies to grant a Royal ChaHer to the University of Otago Eventually, the motion was withdrawn. B The Southland Waste Lands Act Amendment Bill was uaased in Committee, with amendments making the price of agrfculturS I*3 £2, the Superintendent to have power to throw all agricultural X open for sale on deferred payments in blocks of two hundred acres at J:me P6r aCre PCr anUUm> f ° r t6D 3eal ' 9 ' The EiU w2^SdT2iJd Mr O'Conor asked what steps should be taken to prevent witnMß«B <rom materially altering their evidence when a proof Sin o f it was sent to them for revision. He stated that material al tetaUuna had been made and he desired an enquiry into the matter lifter On the third reading of the Provincial Loan* ran \r- -a j Wood said he believed /dissolution wTadvSabTe, Government were unable to carry their measures Tim « rS \ - tude of the Upper House was duo to the state of tlJ To P " atU i a want of confidence in Ministe s. He reviewed the ar^JLT' "J in favor of the Bill. He showed .that 10-roUml had Edv X USed on a larger scale than ever, as instanced by tfe unanimk/ f S^ House over the Provincial Loans Bill last niit -M T f Z 7 Ith!1 th ! that an expression of opinion *as to be taken" L the ßm gkd thoroughly objectionable: The limit of interS Vault £ T evaded. It would drag the credit of the Co O ny in th«l,L T*/ down to the level of the weaken Pro*nc -^ T^InTLTSS ovary time be looked at the Bill, he liked it uL i? & fc against it—Mr J. L. Gillies would vote against the am h "^ V ° te minent defects had not been remedied^^^l^^^^:

sha* explained #hy he had apparentlj left the party he hud w«,*»,» with for eight year, and why he supported the dßElfc JfiSSS n^l ann . O « QCed J , . that he supported the Bill._Mr VogKnliST and the third reading was carried by 50 to 22. g "PHed ; An, M K V iSr nfc J jke hU n ßiT ? n ? otico of motion th at the gold duty fc^sssLsyss b 7 foarpence pee ounce ' to &° **% Mr Creighton's motion for the production of audited capital and profit and loss accounts, covering the last four years, of the Government printing office, was carried—Mr Creighton said the return Sh^fhVi'a 0 ™ WMUt^ W - Ten I*™' experience con^cea him that the Government printing cost one-fourth more than if it were done m any other office in the Colony. He condemned the Gov^S ment for competing with private capital and spoiling the trade br EZSSHfrT fr ° m iDg abl ° •» ttfford «- Jatesfimproveme^ .X maehin^ iy - •?e? c Baid tbij trade » wh i«« employed more labour than any other industry in the Colony, was iniured bvtha Government Office while the dolony reaped no^dvanta^fro^itMr Harrison pointed out that the value set on the work of the Govern~eSES? lB ? e " tMnfurni^d was most excessTv^ ! It was evidently mode op to show a good balance. He proved its o7der plpeS' * * ™ n< * '° the * W0 item 9° f tele S ra P ll and In the Legislative Council, nine members have spoken on the funnor?? 0 ' 1^ I^ B^ ,° nly Colonel Brett an <* Captain Fraser -upported it. The motion for the second reading of the Bill this day 3SJ2T ." *,0, 0 be Ca>rie(l b^ a lar g° majority- Members conWUI — by IMIOOBtITIOK. The report of the Committae appointed to consider the Immigra- ' turn quostioQ, reviews the objects of the Immigration policy of 1870, and states that railways and other public works were intended to open up the country and provide temporary employment for immigrants. lin-tA f^jfl, farm Imn »8*"»t« possessed of a little capital is limited, and the Colony must look for its supply of immigrants mainly to the surplus workers for wages, for whom employment must be found for some time after their arrival. An excess of immigration, and flooding of the laboiT markets, are to be guarded against. The Committee recommend the revival of Scandinavian immigration. The Committee see no reason to attribute the disappointment felt as to the number of immigrants introduced, to a want of zeal cr energy on the part of the Agent-General, who had to encounter special difficulties at starting With regard to granting free passages the Committee observe that m the long run a syotena of immigration, to be permanent, ??S b V el ? BU P? ortin 8- Part P<*Jment in cash also implies eligibUity. The land fund mu*t eventually fail, and adventitious sources or supply be dried up. The Committee, however, recommend the granting of free passages for a time, thus securing a better field of selection. The fystera of requiring the repayment of the cost of the passage is a good one. The regulations applied to assisted immigrants should be applied also to nominated immigrants throughout the country. The Committee account for the slackness of Irish immigration on the ground that Irish emigration specially tends to the United btates. They recommend the Scotch and Irish immigrants being shipped from the nearest port, without proceeding to London Improved passenger accommodation is desirable/ The Waste Lands of the Colony are rapidly passing into the hands of wealthy capitalists and stockowners, without conditions necessary for their systematic eettlemeut. Any action of the Agent-General for the formation of settlementa on the confiscated lands would be premature, no definite plans having been matured. To whatever cause it may be attributable, the Committee are of opinion that no practical effect has been given to the Immigration policy of 1870, in the formation of new settlements »nd the location of immigrants on the land. The Immigrants' Land Bill. — It provides that every immigrant paying his own passage to New Zealand shall be entitled to land to the value of £20, for himself, for each member of his family 14 years ot age and upwards a like amount, and for members of his family under 14 years —(?) The term « members of family "is to include the vnfe,_cliild, grandchild, nephew, and niece of the head of the family. The applicant is to make his claim within a specified number ot days after arrival. The claimant's name and the amount of his claim are to b» registered. At any time within five years of continuous residence, any registered inimigr.mt may apply for land to be purchased for him to the extent of his claim, specifying the land he wishes Jo be pux chased for him. The lacd inu s t be waste landj of the I town. If the land be put. up to auction, and it fetches a higher value than the immigrant is entitled to, he may notify other land. The land selected must be in one block. A registered immigrant may ocupy the land for two years, at the expiration of which period the immigrant is to be entitled to a Crown grant, ou proof of two years' residence, and that one-fifth of the block is cultivated. If the land is" unoccupied or uncultivated for two years, the right of occupation ceases Kegulations may be made for grants of land to persons or associations introducing immigrants at their own cost. The value of the land so granted ia to be in the same proportion as to the heads of familiee. Lands may be purchased out of moneys applicable to immigration. Mr Vogel, iv moving the second reading of the Immigrants' Land Bill, explained its provisions. The Bill, lie believed, might be mado the moans of inducing a most valdablo class of immigrants to cooie out -^-a class who would not cure to take advantage of assisted immigration, but would bo willing to come out if they could obtain land to settle upoi.. Regarding the general question of immigration, he knew come people were dissatisfied with the progress of iraniiaration and with the umioii of the Ageut-Q-oneral. He thought more correspondeuce tluu was desirable had been published. There must alway» be correspondence between & Government and an officer of the stundin* of the Agtsnt-Geucral, which it would not be desirable to publish! Ihe Government had not laid on the table the latest despatch in reply to others from the Agent-General. Some of the coires-

pondence on the part of the Agent-General had been coached in language that should not have been adopted towards, the Government. While some members would blame the Agent-General, it should be remembered that he had had very great difficulties- to contend against, and besides had suffered from very severe illness. He hoped members, would not travel out of the subject before them to discuss the fulfilment by the Agent-General of his duties. The Government were quite content to false upon themselves all the responsibility in the matter. The system of the nomination of immigrants tfce Government were desirous of pushing and extending, while at the same time the Agent-General would have to examine nominated immigrants as to their fitness. The Government were also intending to publish a pamphlet, in the preparation of which the assistance of the various Superintendents would be invited. The pamphlet would be circulated throughout the United Kingdom. Regarding the shipping arrangements, the Government were aware of the loss the Colony had sustained by reason of the existence of a monopoly. They were glad a local company had been started, and hoped it weuld succeed. The Government, however, were as much averse to a local as to a home monopoly, and would endeavor to foster a wholesome competition. Ministers felt that an advantage would be gained by first-class ships being laid on the line, so that those coming out might convey to their friends at home good impressions, not only of tho Colony, but of the passage out. The Government felt that they should have the sole control of the immigration arrangements at home, the Provinces contenting themselves with seeing to the immigrants on their arrival. Mr Reevea said the occupation clauses of the Bill were such as •would materially interfere with the proper working of the scheme. He would address himself to the general subject of immigration. It was matter of surprise to him that a discussion on the subject had been delayed so long. The true reason . why the question had been -shirked was because it was not the interest of the Government to raise it, while upon it the remnants of the Opposition were divided. The instructions sent home to the Agent-General had not been acted upon. The Agent-General was not the right man in the right plai-e. He .did not possess the qualifies necessary for the post. Undoubtedly he had high integrity, but not the other necessary qualities. His own despatches (from which Mr Reeves quoted at length) proved this. His utter disregard of the clear , instructions sent home showed an utter want of method and business ability. His want of subordination was equally clear. In spite of the latitude given him, and the deference shown him, he had displayed au utter disregard of his instructions. He had received.the most definite instructions, but for many months took no action in these matters. His lack of business ability was shown in his shipping arrangements. Instead of breaking up the monopoly (as with the business is hand he could easily have done), he had confirmed it. Enumerating the Agent-General's blunders, and referring to the short supply of immigrants, Mr Reeves said a want of judgment to discern the difficulty of his work had been conspicuous, and it had led hini to go in opposition to the wishes and advice of valuable subordinate agents, and consequently his own anticipations of the result of his labors had not been fulfilled. The conclusion he (Mr Reeves) had arrived at was that the Agent-General should be recalled froaa a position to wliich he should never have -been appointed, and that the business portioa of his duties should be performed by a second ©fficer. While blaming the Agent-General, he could not pass over the responsibility of the Government Minister for Immigration, who seemed to be totally devoid of all fixed ideas on the question. At one moment, for instance, he suggested giving free passages, and at the nest he expressed different opinions. The House had received the announcement that the Colony would undertake the conduct of immigration, with. pleasure ; but the Government had allowed the work to slip through their fingers. The errors of the Agent-General had been tbe cause of Otago taking up the work again, and of Canterbury following suit. The -system of free nominated immigration Tvas most desirable. The Colony required tbe greatest accessions to its population. , He believed that free immigration would have to be adopted. If this were done, it would be well to give the friends of those already in the Colony the preference. The experience of Canterbury as to nominated immigration showed the value of the system. The adoption of this, and the giving of- some aasissance to emigrants before their embarkation, would turn the tide of immigrants to this Colony. A discussion arose as to whether the debate should be adjourned, it having travelled bovoiid the limits of tho Bill, aud members bein<* unprepared to discuss the question of the Agent-General's administration. The debate was adjourned. There was quite a scene in the House on tho 17th. Mr Stafford and Mr Fitzherbert spoke most strongly, insistinu on the production of the suppressed despatch to Dr Featherston. The Government used all sorts of excuses, and tried by every meaus to prevent having to produce it, even saying that tho Governo" objected to that being dime. Mr FilzherbPit denied the right of the Governor, to refuse the production of a paper which in no way affected Imperial matters. Mr Vogel threatened to divide the House on the matter; but the feeling of the House was so evidently against him that ho did not divide it. The despatch, which bears the Hon Air Pollen's signature, was very strongly worded. It wus laid on the table. The Immigration question is reg irded as the principal one of the session, and a test of tho Government's stability. KXTNUOIiDIXCr INFLUENCE. In the Legislative Council the Otago Waste Lands Bill was thrown out by 25 to 3, the Council objecting to the system of deferred payments for laud. C-ipt. Eraser, who introduced the Bill, said he knew it Mould not pass, as ruuholdiug capitalists were so influential in tho Council, and would use all means to prevent the poor man from obtaining land.

The Pope, m a speech on Jlay 26, declared that he ever prayed for Frani-e, but that ho would now pray with greater confidence, tor the election of McMuhon io tho liead of that country was a guarantee of order and juitico to civilization, which was menaced on 'all sides.