On a motion for the committal of the Native Reserves Bill, Karatiana opposed the Bill as a bad one for the Maoris. They should define tbe reserves to be dealt with. There were too many Bills for the Natives.— Mr Sheehan said the Bill and two ethers were evidently prepared by different persons, and contradicted each other. The question of Native reserves was one of life and death to parts of the Colony. He objected to the appointment of a Native Commissioner, and to the power proposed to be given him. The expense of machinery would absorb all the revenue of reserves. The reserves should be dealt with by Native Lands Court officers, without in creased pay. He hoped the Government would withdraw the BilL—Taiaroaopposed the Bill. He did not understand it, nor did he kuow why it was introduced If wanted, he hoped the Government would bring in a simpler measure.—Mr T. B. Gillies said it was twenty years since he first took an in terest from a Middle Island view of tbe .Native matter. Since then he had taken North Island views. He believed exceptional

legislation on Native matters was bad. The n ativea should be treated as men, not child ren. He objected to powers being placed in the hands of anyone the Government might appoint. One law for the Maori and another for the European was bad. The Natives were well able to treit with the reserves. —Mr T. L. Shepherd said the Natives were not able to protect themselves against such Europeans as were in the North Island. The Bill was to protect them from combina tions of lawyers and land sharks.—Mr Fitz. Herbert coaaidered the Bill a in the direction of the ex optional legislation the Natives' casa required. He objected to i vesting such powers' in the Governor, and taking them out of the lunds of the Govern ment The Bi 1 dealt with the confiscated lands in an objectionable manner -Mr Fox said that the Natives required protection against people anxious to prey on them. He presumed power would only be given to the Governor in Council. He sup portel the Bill.—Mr Rolleston said the Bill contained little that was new or good. He urged its postponement.—Mr M'Lean re plied at length. 