STONEWALLING IN PARLIAMENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1903, 27 July 1888, Page 3

STONEWALLING IN PARLIAMENT.

AN ALL NIGHT BITTING. DEBATE GOING ON. (FROM OUB OWN .CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, July 27. The Otago Central Bill is undoubtedly furnishing the sensation of the session, and it brings back forcibly to mind the famous stonewalling Of 1881 when the Representation Bill was under discussion. When the galleries were cleared last night the debate was continued by Mr G oldie, who after about two hours talking was squelched by points of order and his place was taken by Mr R. Thompson who spoke. right on end for three hours and forty-seven minmeß, Sir 6. Grey then took np the running and after about an hour and ha f was followed by Mr Duncan who kept the debate going from 8 thiß morning till eleven when he retired for refreshments. Mr Fish followed and is still jogging merrily on with the prospect of continuing for four or five hours. The debate generally is said to have been of a very tame description and no special incidents occurred. At 7 o'clock this morning Mr Hamlin was relieved by Major Steward, and at 12 o'clock he will take the chair again. It is generally anticipated tbat the stonewalling will be kept going till Sunday unless something interferes to stop it. The only block that can be applied will be the oarrylng.of a motlou by tbe Government to adjourn the debate, tbls would of oourse suit the book of tbe obstructionists, but If such aotlon Is taken it will throw on Government the onus of opposing the Bill which will place them In a curious petition with Its supporters. So far, therefore, there is every prospect of the obstruction proceeding till Sunday, and possibly all day Sunday as well. During tbe evening there was the greatest trouble ln keeping a quorum,|and every few minutes the bell was rung to bring members In. At times every qaepaber except tbe speakers and Chairman were asleep end snoring loudly, and they hsd to be frequently awakened to permit the speakers to be heard .