(34)

the real views and intentions of Government with
regard to it, on which there appears to have
arisen some misapprehension. After hearing
such discussion and declaration, the Hon. Member
may deem it necessary to re-consider the subject.
I do, therefore, deem it inexpedient to have the
second petition, embodying the Hon. Member's
sentiments, read now. There can be no objection
to both petitions being received and laid on the
table, but the reading of the second petition
should be deferred until the eve of the discussion
on the bill itself, the second reading of which is
appointed for this day.

Mr. Porter. The object of one of the petitions
is, that the second reading of the Land Claims'
Bill may be postponed.

The Governor. Should the Council agree that
the bill be read a second time now, preceded by
such a statement as to the views of Government
as may correct any existing misapprehension as
to their nature, there can be no objection on to the
reading of both petitions, presented by the Hon.
Member. After that stage, further time may, in
accordance with the prayer of the first petition,
be given for deliberation, previous to the final de-
bate and decision. Every Member of Council, if
this suggestion meets with approval, would thus
be in full possession, not only of the real views
and intentions of Government, but also with the
sentiments of the petitioners, so that an oppor-
tunity would be afforded of carefully considering
the case on both sides. The bill for settling Claims
to Land is one of so vital importance to every in-
habitant of New Zealand, and to its future pros-
perity as a Colony, that I would avoid not only
any premature decision upon it, but also, if pos-
sible, any premature expression of a decided opin-
ion. I am of opinion that, if the second petition
be read now, the Hon. Member (Mr. Porter)
would find it a very hard matter, however desir-
able it may afterwards appear, to get over his
avowal in support of the sentiments it contains.
I think that the second petition, having been re-
ceived, should, in the present stage of our pro-
ceedings, be suffered to lay on the table.

Mr. Porter. The petition is, altogether, on the
merits of this bill. My motion is, that such peti-
tion be now read; but, if the Government has
something to propose that will alter the character
of the bill, that may form a ground of objection
to the petition being read now.

The Governor. No; not any essential altera-
tion in principle; but only that the objects of the
bill may be more clearly elucidated, and erroneous
impressions corrected.

Mr. Earp. I do not exactly understand the
observation of his Excellency the Governor, that
the petition should not be read until the last hour,
or on the eve of the discussion on the bill.

The Governor. The Hon. Member (Mr. Por-
ter) has distinctly said, that the petition embodies
his own sentiments in much better language than
he could employ. This petition may, therefore,
be considered as his speech. Let Hon. Members
give an independent vote by all means; but it is.
very desirable that they should not be irrevocably
pledged one way or the other, until the Govern-
ment has had a fair opportunity of explaining its
views and intentions.

Mr. Porter -I repeat that I coincide, most
strongly and clearly, in the sentiments expressed
in the petition; and also, that those opinions are
set forth, in that document, in more forcible lan-
guage than I could adopt. My opinions have
been formed deliberately, and I have not uttered
one word that I feel called upon to retract. But,
although pledged to those sentiments as the bill
now stands, I am open to conviction. There was
an occasion in this Council, when statements were
made during a debate, and alterations adopted,
which induced me to change my mind.

The Governor. -The motion before the Council
is, that certain petitions, laid on the table this
morning, be now read. It is unnecessary to dis-
cuss this motion further at present, as another
petition on the same subject, ordered at our last
meeting to be read, must have precedence.

The Colonial Secretary then moved the Order
of the Day, that the petition presented by Mr.
Clendon, from certain inhabitants of Kororarika,
be now read.

The Clerk of Council having read the petition, -
Mr. Clendon begged to make a remark.

The Governor. -It is desirable to refrain from
such observation as may provoke a discussion on
the principle of the bill, in the present stage of
our proceedings.

Mr. Clendon. I merely wish to observe that
all the signatures attached to the petition are those
of bona fide settlers, and owners of land purchased
from the natives. They have all had much ex-
perience in the Colony; some having been resi-
dents for periods of from ten to twenty years, and
I consider their opinions are entitled to the serious
attention of this Council. To those opinions it
is necessary that the fullest attention should be
given; and I now move that the petition be
printed.

Mr. Earp. -I most cordially second the motion,
but beg to observe at the same time, that there
are several portions of the petition with which I
cannot coincide. It contains, however, much
valuable information, and although I do not pledge
myself to carry out its views, I yet think it should
be widely disseminated.

The Governor. -I do not think that it is expe-
dient to publish a long petition already in print.
The finances of the Colony are extremely low,
and as every Member has had an opportunity of
perusing it in the newspaper, through which me-
dium it has obtained a much wider circulation
than we could give it, there seems to be no suffi-
cient necessity for having the petition printed.

The Governor then put the motion to the vote,
when there were :-

Ayes-Mr. Clendon
Mr. Earp
Mr. Porter.

Nces-His Excellency the Governor
The Colonial Secretary
The Attorney General
The Colonial Treasurer.