THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS AFFAIR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1289, 15 July 1886, Page 2

THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS AFFAIR.

(VROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT

Wellington, July 10. The debate on the question of the report of the District Railways Purchase Committee, which it was feared would be of a long and acrimonious character, collapsed in a somewhat unexpected manner. Mr Peacock made a personal explanation in reference to his action in connection with the sale of Rotorua debentures, which was thoroughly satisfactory to the House. Major Steward then rose, and, la a long, eloquent, and manly speech, explained his action from first to last, sitting down amidst the applause and evident sympathy of a large majority of the House. He explained the charge made against him by the Committee, by alleging that some of its members were presumably unconsciously biassed by their antagonism not to him but to another who was implicated. Sir K. Stout then rose, and in a very few words, uttered in exceedingly good tas*e, proposed a resolution which he hoped would meet with unanimous approval The resolution was to the effect that Major Steward had acted in a perfectly ■ traightforward manner, but that It was Inadvisable that any member of Parliament should in future 'ake part in such negotiations wi'h the Governmsnt, Tne general feeling of the lobbyltes is one of sympathy for Major Steward, and Srhile moat admit that his action was indiscreet, none are found to say that in view of his past aiblemlshed|character any suspicion of corruption attaches itself to hit action. Sir R. Stout’s resolution was passed wit'.out a dissenting voice, and a general feeling of relief was expressed.