HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1914, 9 August 1888, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

[Tha following is tho oonclu3ion of the report of Tuasday night's sitting of the Hoaae ] " - Oiaaa 12 — Public baildiog and domains, £27,050. Passed. Olftßß U— Workings railways, £69,000.

Mr Fieh drew attention to the atationmaster at Moeglol, m interfering fn the last general election for the purpose of prjadioine M> J. MaokerzVs election. Mr J, McKeLzle strongly condemned Mr Maxwell's management, and moved to reduce his salary by £250, a3 an indication that be Bhoald ba dispensed with.

Mr Mitohelson defended Mr Maxwell, saying the feeling against htm on purely personal grounds. The present administration was far more economical than any past msn<igement. Mr O'Oonor also took Mr Maxwell's part. The Premier sa\d he had received oomplalnts against the railway manager which seemed well grounded, but m every caeo he found Mr Maxwell m the right. It waß political power brought to bear which hampered his efforts to manege the railways for the benefit of the colony. Mr Duncan supported Mr Mackenzie's views. After a lengthy debate, lasting till 5.15 a.m., the committee divided on Mr MacketzVs amendment, which was lost by 82 to 21.

The Premier said the Government would undertake, if no board were appointed, to make considerable reductions m the vote and give the House an opportunity of considering them. He accepted a reduction of £10,000 on the total vote.

On this understanding the amount was then passed, and the house re 83 at 5.50 a.m. till 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday.