Mr Swanson recommended the Maori mem bers to accept Sir Donald M'Lean's proposal, and be satisfied with one additional member.
Mr Taiaroa, in reply, said they would do so, viz., one for Waikato district. If the House did not agree to this, it would not be acting fairly to the Maori people. On a division, the second reading was re jected. Ayes, 17; Noes, 20. At 1 a.m., on a motion for adjournment (ayes, 16; noes, 21), a discussion ensued as to whether the Otago Harbour Board Empower ing Bill be then taken as next on order paper or postponed.
Mr Macandrew objected to discussing the qxiestion at that late hour.
Mr G. McLean wished to go on with it. On the division for postponement there were 18 against and 14 for. The House adjourned at 1.30, after devoting half-an-hour to the above.
The House met at 2.30 to day. Mr O'Neil gave notice to ask whether the Commodore's house at Auckland was the pro perty of the Government; if it is, why it is allowed to fall into disrepair ? In reply to Mr O'Neil, the Native Minister said the Government had under consideration the qxiestion of sending representatives to com pete at the great international rifle match at Philadelphia, but the expense would be so great, they did not feel justified in incurring it. The amount would probably exceed £1000. Mr Thomson gave notice to ask leave to in troduce a Bill providing that anyone purchas ing lands from the Natives should pay in addi tion a certain amount per acre to the State.
On the motion of Mr O'Conorj without notice, a Select Committee was appointed with a view of enquiry into and reporting upon the colliery reserve at Westport in a fortnight.
