POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 664, 26 September 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

THE CLOSE OF THE SESSION. a IL.';- ~. [SFECIAL TO THIS STANDABD.J . —— Wellington, last night At the Idit moment the third Native Land Bill of the session- came down. This was a measure placing in the hands of the Native Land Court power to hear and determine certain cases in dispute between natives and Europeans. Introduced by the Native Minister, and approved by Mr Bees, it was thought at last there would be some prospect of a satisfactory solution of the Native difficulty, if only of a temporary character, but these hopes were soon dashed to tho ground. Sir George Grey, on looking into the pro visions of the Bill, cams to tha conclusion that its promoters were simply inviting Parliament to commit a great wrong by validating titles for transactions which had been earriel on in defiance of law. He read a list of twenty-five blocks, ranging ia area from 4827 acres to 106,000 acres, claimed by private in iiviluats, whose clains it was proposed to validate through a subordinate tribunal, the Native Lands Court. He contended that it was utterly wrong to force a Bill dealing with such vast interests through on the last day of the session. He was strongly supported by Mr George Hutchison, and the leader of the Opposition likewise threw bis weight against the passing of tha Bill, ths powers oonterra-i by which | completely staggered him, although ho was aware that there were many oases which were sntitled to relief. Mr Rees pleaded very hard for tha Bill, and it was generally admitted that there were many cases of defects in titles, through no fault on the part of purchasers, for which the Bill would provide an equitable remedy. After a prolonged debate it was got into Committee. C ause after clause was then struck out until there remained very little more than the title, and as a last resort the House agreed io the inserting of the saving clause, the effect of which is to suspend for twelve months all litigation in respect of disputed Native titles. The closing hours of the session were very lively. It is usual to review the work of the session in the debate on Appropriation Bill, and the Opposition availed themselves of the privilege to the fullest extent. They attacked the whole Government policy fiercely, but had the deba'e pretty well to themselves in the latter stages. The Ministers of Education and Miass spoke, and also the Premier. Mr Seddou made the interesting statement that during the recess the Government proposed to go into the question of further appointments to the Legislative Council, so as carry their policy through that Chamber. The Premier, ia speaking, claimed that the exodus had ceased. Beyond these points there was little that was new in the speeches. An altera'ion occurred between the leader of the Opposition and Mr Seddcn, and there were other smart passage of arms between the opposing parties. Both Houses met this morning, when the Appropriation Bill was finally passed. Mr Siddon made the amende honorable to Mr Rolleston, who expressed his satisfaction, and the session ended harmoniously. Thirty four members were present at the closing scene. Parliament has been prorogued by gazette to December 24th.