HC Deb 01 June 1863 vol 171 cc240-1

Order for Third Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."

MR. ADDERLEY

said, he rose to move that the Bill be read a third time that day six months. The extension of British law and British authority to large tracts beyond the South African Colonies would be certain to involve us in disputes with the various native tribes. The Colonies of the Cape of Good Hope and Natal had perfect legislative powers to deal with the question, if there was any necessity; but he contended that it would be better to leave it alone altogether. Kaffir wars had already cost this country sufficient to make Parliament extremely careful not to sanction anything which might involve us in another; and the Bill, if it did not remain a dead letter, was not at all unlikely to have that result. He would conclude by moving that the Bill be read a third time that day three months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three months."—(Mr. Adderley.)

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

MR. CHILDERS

suggested that the Executive Council should be made responsible for the extension of British jurisdiction.

MR. ARTHUR MILLS

said, he must protest against a measure of such a dangerous character, likely to lead to aggression and increase of taxation to the Imperial taxpayers, being passed in such haste and with so little deliberation.

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

ridiculed the fears and alarms of the opponents of the Bill as completely groundless.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Order for Third Reading read, and discharged.

Bill re-committed; considered in Committee; Committee report Progress; to sit again on Friday.