GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 630, 28 July 1882, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSK OF REPRESENTATIVES

QUESTIONS. Amongst other questions no less than three were asked regarding the Longhurst cane. Replying to Mr Siitton, the lion T. Dick s id it was not until a year after the conviction of the prisoner Longhurst, Government was mnde aware of the evidence of a witness tending in the direction of proving prisoner's innocence. The degrading part of tlie sentence had been inflicted before they were made aware of such evidence. The purportof Dr Collins , evidence was known at the time of the trial both to the prosecution and the defence, but it was not at the time deemed to be of any great importance. TERM OF ABSENCE FROM DUTIES. Mr Barron moved—" That the permission extended to members to absent themselves for a period of live days during the sitting of Parliament without any deduction from their allowances, shall not apply to the last ten days of the session, and that, in addition to the proportionate deduction provided for, a special deduction of £5 5a per day shall be made from the honorarium of any member who so absents himself." The question wae put that the original motion stand part of the question. Ayes, 48 ; Noes, 21 ; THE NEW LOAN. Mr Moss moved, as a further amend ment —"That it was desirable to defer until next session the consideration of the question as to the propriety of adding to the funded debt of the Colony." He disclaimed all party purpose, nnd reviewed at great length the financial state of the Colony, concluding by Bteting that a serious conflict as to who would defray the cost of those burdens—whether the labour or the property of the Colony— must arise. Sir G-. Grey seconded the motion. Major Atkinson expressed surprise that the point was not debated by those whom he understood were opposed to borrowing. When the Loan Bill came down he would be prepared to discuss the matter at length, and he would then be prepared to defend the course proposed to be followed by Government. Mr Montgomery also spoke in favour of the discussion being postponed until the Loan Bill came down, as in that case they would only have one instead of two discussions on these same points. After further discussion, the motion for going into committee was carried by 28 to 11. TOE ESTIMATES. The following items were passed. Property and Tax Department £5065, Miscellaneous Services £27,100. Class Vl.—Commissioner of Customs ; vote Customs' Offices and Services, £41,984. Miscellaneous Services, £250. Marine and Harbors, £33,011. Class Vll.—Commissioner of Stamps, £24,835. Public Trust Office, £2800. Insurance, £25,410. Clhss IV.—Minister for Justice. De- [ partment of Justice, £G75. Crown Law office, £2275. Supreme Cou; - t, £7215. District Court, £4703.