HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wellington, October 5 The Bouse met at 2 30 p.m. CHINAMEN. Mr G. W. Russell gave notice to ask whether Government would bring m a short Bill to prevent the whole sale naturalisation of Chinamen now going on m the colony. THE CONSOLS BILL. The Console Bill was received from the Legislative Council with amend ments. The Speaker said he considered tbe amendment made by the Council m clause 4 of the Bill, reducing the term of repayment from 40 years to 20 years, was an infringement of the privileges of the House. The Council, he thought, had not power to make an amend ment of that kind. Mr Ward moved that the House dis agree with the amendments made by the Council m the clause, and that a Committee be appointed to draw up reasons for disagreeing. He said the Governor's message would be brought down later on, reducing the amount under the Bill to half a million, ex tending over a period of two years. The motion was agreed to, NATIVK LAND COURT BILL. The Native Land Court Bill was further considered m Committee. Clause 135, dealing with Native land prohibited. « Mr Seddon moved to amend the clause to the effect that except as pro vided for m part 4 of division 2 of this act, it shall not be lawful for any per son, other than a person acting on be half of the Crown, to acquire any* Native land. A lengthy discussion ensued; several members objecting to the Crown hav ing the pre-emptive right of purchase of Native land. Captain Russell strongly objected to the preemptive right. Mr Seddon urged it would be much much better for the natives them selves and the colony that the whole of the Native land transactions should go through Government. In several Native districts he found the Natives wished to deal through Government. Mr Seddon'a amendment was even tually carried on the voices. The House rose at 5.30. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. On the motion of Mr Parata a pro viso was inserted to tbe effect that nothing m this Act should prevent the leasing of land m the Middle Island. The clause as amended was added to the Bill by 34 to 19. The remaining clauses passed with out material amendment. 