HC Deb 07 March 1872 vol 209 cc1615-6

Order for Second Reading read.

ADMIRAL ERSKINE

objected to the Bill, on the ground that it did not afford sufficient protection for those poor people who were kidnapped in order to furnish labour for Queensland. It was but a very small instalment of justice towards those who were absolutely at our mercy.

MR. R. N. FOWLER

said, he hoped the Bill would be read a second time, and amended in Committee.

MR. KINNAIRD

was of opinion that the Bill as it stood, would not accomplish the object which his hon. Friend the Under Secretary for the Colonies had, he believed, honestly at heart.

MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN

said, the honour of the country was concerned in passing some such Bill as this, and as there was no objection to its principle, he hoped it would be allowed to go into Committee, where hon. Members might propose any Amendments they might think proper.