PARLIAMENTARY.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1699, 29 July 1875, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(-FROM OUJi SPECIAL COIMESPON. DENT.) '

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WELLINGTON.

This day.

The. Absence of Sir Julius VogelAn exceedingly spirited debate took place on the motion of Sir Donald McLean that leave of absence be granted to Sir Julius Vogel for the remainder of the session. Mr Sheehan expostulated against a matter so grave as the absence of the leading man of the Ministry being passed over without a full explanation and assurance of the legality of bis position. Major Atkinson replied somewhat snappisbly, under the impression apparently that the matter would be got over by poohpoohing. He adduced no arguments, but asserted that the action of the Government in relation to the appointment of the absent Postmaster was perfectly legal. ■ <

Mr. Fitzherbert made one of his most caustic speeches. He referred to the apologetic tone adopted by Mr. Sheehan in yen- ; turing to speak of the great man. The House had learned this deferential manner he knew not how, but if the Ministry thought they could continue to sneceed by domineering they were grossly mistaken. He then supposed a general case which members could particularise if they pleased, amid irrepressible roars of laughter. He described the possible case of a man continuing sick because he could not practise self-denial. He pointed to the impropriety of Mr. Vogel continuing his attention to the important business of tele* grpahic cable, loans, etc., when infirm, and said that such an angry correspondence as that which had passed between the Crown . Agents was the very worst thing possible for a man afflicted with his malady. He wondered how he could do all this and not be able to take a two months' voyage to join his colleagues. He was like a leader giving the: order to fix bayonets and then becoming «o» est invenins, the call out party en avant, and' himself runs en arriere. The speech bristled with fun, blending doleful sympathy so grotesquely, that the House was in fits. Mr Stafford replied to shew that Mr Fitzherbert once occupied the same position himself.

Sir George Grey replied in an able speech on the Constitutional law of the question, shewing that the exercise of Executive powers could only be inside the colony. H Mr Vogel, he said, were other than our agent, all his contracts were illegal, and advantage could be taken of that fact if desired, by the contractors. Mr Bunny made it exceedingly hot for Mr Stafford and his proteges, the Minsters, whom he commanded like children. He made the important assertion i hat there was a better organization of the Opposition at the present moment than that which turned out, the Stafford Ministry in 1869. Mr Bowen, in a piping treble, squealed out a feeble reply expressive of the deep anxiety with which the Government had considered this question, and secured the legality of their position. , ■ Mr Reader Wood made a monfc capri" speech in reply to Mr Stafford, giving authority for the assertion that Major Atkinson and Mr Bowen were nominated by Mr Stafford, and that Mr Stafford was really Premier. ' Messrs Johnston andßolleston supported Sir George Grey's views. Mr O'Rorke showed from the Executive oath determined the year before last that Mr Vogel cannot be a member of the Executive. Sir Donald McLean briefly replied, and leave of absence was granted without division.

The Kaipara RailwayIn reply to Mr O'Neill, Mr Richardson was understood to say that the Auckland and j Riverhead railway was not commenced owing to a scarcity of labour. And to another \ question of Mr O'Neill's, the Government i replied that the consolidation of Gold-mining Acts could not take place owing to con- ; flicting interests, and could not be before next session. , "" In reply to Mr Sheehan as to what author- | ity and what were the reasons for the cost , ; ? of the erection of Mangare bridge being ; charged apainst the sum of £60,000 vote? for roads and works north of Auckland, Mr j Richardson said great pressure was given from the Provincial Council and Provincial ;; Government in favour of this work, and we; Government had told them that there was no appropriation or other means for doing"Out of this vote the Provincial authority had seen the contract before it was signed, and should have objected. The Power to Abolish ProvincesSeveral questions of only Southern interest followed, and at three minutes to tne dinner hour, Mr Header Wood's great question, Whether the Government had te»», ; any steps or means to get an authoritiveleg* opinion or opinion to remove doubts tns exist as to the constitutional powers of *& General Assembly of New Zealand ? an* J* | so, whether they would at once communica^ it to the House, together wi|li^^ corres" pondence in connection there\f v£\ a , The House, resolved to g<O,piier, »a- : to dine did go accordingly. >§* *-