The Address in Reply.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1693, 22 July 1875, Page 3

The Address in Reply.

Address in Eeply. The great debate of the session was introdaced by Mr Inglis, on the motion for the address in reply. The skeleton of the address was sent round made up of thanks and gratifications, the latter scrupulously kept for non-debateable clauses in the address. The thanks were freely applied to anything in it requiring delicate handling, notably that having reference to constitutional changes. On this the proposed address was, "To thank His Excellency for informing the House that in accordance with 4 i reßol. utions adopted by this House in its J|d6Bt session the necessary measures for the _, A?°PB jition of the provincial form of Govern*rsk \\3r *' an(* *k° establishment of a more <$. ™°rougn form of local Government in *ac North Island have been prepared

and -will be immediately laid before «s, and that we shall be invited to decide whether, taking the circums'aices of the colony into consideration, etc., the operation of the proposed measures may not at once with general advantage be so extended as to include the whoteof the provinces, and to assure His Excellency thab the question of extending the operation of the piopose.l measure so as to include the whole of the provinces shall when submitted receive our most earnest and careful confcideration."

Mr Inglis spoke longer than was customary, Mr Stafford sitting beside him, and the impression conveyed irresistibly was that Mr Inglis w»3 simply his mouthpiece. This was confirmed by a certain restlessness and nervous twitchings on the part of the great man.

It was originally intended that Mr Ballance should second the address, but being absent Mr Joseph May supplied his place. Ho had carefully prepared notes and spoke rapidly. A long pause succeeded, nobody caring to rise.

Mr Swamon broke the silence, and after a brief, telling speech, moved the adjournment.

After Messrs Murray and Wakefield had spoken on the same side, Mr Stafford arose, and deep attention was pail to learn the indications of his intentions. These were declared unequivocal by his saying, "On all questions during the present session on which the existence of the Ministry may be at stake, I shall give them my cordial and loyal support." He repeated the declaration emphatically, and it caused surprise and a deep impression. Major Atkinson, for the Ministry, expressed that he was not very unwilling to adjourn if it were desired by the House, or by a reasonable minority ; but the feeling of the House was evident to pres3 the question to decision.

Sir George Grey arose amid great applause. He spoke calmly and impressively, laying stress chiefly on the absence of members. He had himself only seen the address in reply that instant. He dissected the statements which they were called on to endorse : as that the railways were paying, etc., and pleaded that to force on a decision would be an unjust and arbitrary proceeding. He sat down amid applause. Mr Luckie spoke to the effect that members absent should not be considered.

Mr Fi'.zherbert made a capital speech urging postponement, and referiing to Mr Stafford's declaration of unqualified support. He said he had listened to that expression with greater pain than surprise. Mr Kolleston on the same side gave indications that the debate on the maia question will be thorough. The debate was interrupted by the dinnerhour at 5.30.

On resuming', Mr Pyke moved the adjournment, and was supported by Mr Bucklanrt, who said he knew the Government could compel a division by their majority, but hoped they would not exercise it arbitrarily. Mr Richardson, on behalf of the Government, consented to an ajournment, and the debate was then placed on the paper for Friday. Mr Shepherd's Goldfields Bill. Mr Shepherd's Goldfields B 11 was real a first time. The mover referred to the goldfields caucus in indignant terms. Mr Pyke denied that it was resolved to sib on the JfcSili, but that they mean to do so is true nevertheless. Suggested State Forestry Measure. Sir Donald McLean's Protection to Animals Bill was lead a second time. Its object is to protect seals from June to August In the discussion Mr. Shepherd urged a short bill to protect forest 3in the North, as by a contract with the Navy they were about to be slaughtered wholesale. He showed what a remarkable alteration had taken place in Sir Julias Vogel's professed policy of last session. Mr. Bucklaud mged that the minimum of £20 fine in the present Protection Act be altf red. The discussion was adjourned till Friday on account of the Governor's ball to-night. To-day s Sitting. Members were urged to meet half an hour to-day, to receive papers regarding the floating of the last loan. This was ultimately agreed upon. Financial Statement. In reply to Mr Rolleston, Mr Atkinson said he could not tell when the Financial Statement would be delivered till the address in reply was decided. Lighthouse at Cape Brett.

A petition in favour of a lighthouse at Cape Brett was presented by Mr Williams.

The House rose at 8.30. What the "Times" Says

The Times says : —"lt is assured on good authority that the Government measures go to the root of the matter, and provide abolition of provinces North and South."

A2l Important Notice

In the Legislative Council, Mr Chamberlain gave notice to move that it be an instruction to the House Committee to take measures to prevent a draught of cold air descending on the heads of honorable members.

That was all the business iv the Lords,