The Government Exposition.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 1707, 7 August 1875, Page 2

The Government Exposition.

Graphic Description of the Scene in the House. In the House last night the great anticipated event was the exposition of the Abolition Bill by the Government. On resuming, after the adjournment, every gallery was crowded to suffocation, and the deepest interest was manifested. Ministers looked exultant, and Dr. Pollen, who, on great occasions, comes down from the serene atmosphere of the Peers, and who had taken his seat behind Ministers, was as lively as a flea, and twice as pleasant. Everything betokened a brilliant success, and, after the first applause, as an air of the stillness of awe fell on the House, as the opening words of what, was to crush all life out of provincialism swelled on the air. _ 1

With one eye on Major Atkinson, Dr. Pollen watched the House to note the effect, and others could note the effect on his own face. Gradually a cloud seemed to float about the roots of his hair, where the cultivated country meets the broad expanse of barren land. Slowly and steadily it descended until the cloud of disappointment, sorrow, and chagrin enveloped his countenance When leaning back the doctor covered his face with his hands, and resigned himself to results. , ■ , L , , The other Ministers gradually settled down until the bowed heads around presented a striking contrast to the animated scene in front. Cheers, but, alas, ironical and chaffing remarks accompanied the exposition of abolition, until at length Mr McGlashan, who soul was deeply pained, appealed to the Speaker to rule if ironical cheers are not contrary to the rules of Parliament—an interference which Major Atkinson spiritedly, resented. The portions in which the Minister proved that Provihcialisna had failed because

it had established Highwayflßoards, Educ*. tion Boards, Municipalities, Harbour Boards.' '> etc., to do its work, evoked irrepressible *£]£ plause. • Altogether, the speech (a digest of whicfc appears in another column) was unfortunate and caused considerable regret among many not favorable to the Ministry, for Major At- / kinsonis a favorite with the Houße forhiii.| honesty and unassuming demeanour.. ~ 1 Mr Wood was intensely sarcastic in refer- 1 ring to the speech urging that it would be i wrong to proceed with the business -when V under its spell. - j || On the motion of Sir George Grey, v>ho 1 said little, the debate was adjourned. I Sir D. McLean intimated that on Tueg. I day and thenceforth the debate would he con. " tißued to its conclusion. After several unimpcrtant matters the House adjourned. What the " Times " Thinks of it. In a leader to-day the Times says: "Those who listened to the financial statement oa Friday week must have been disappointed' with the speech of Major Atkinson inmovW the second reading of the Abolition of Provinces Bill last night. It certainly was not what the House or the country had a right to expect as an exposition of the great policy. Public expectation had been excited to the utmost to hear what Ministers had to say on the subject. The House and galleries were full, and the Treasurer addressed a sympathetic audience ; but the speech fell flat on the House. When the Hon. Minister sat down, the question, so far as the exposition was concerned, remained very much as it was before he got up."

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