Canterbury Runs: Stormy scene in the House.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume IV, Issue 411, 19 August 1876, Page 3

Canterbury Runs : Stormy scene in the House.

Friday evening. In the House last night Mr Wason moved the second reading of the Canterbury Pastoral Leases Bill, and a regular free land fight, which soon developed into a party one, com' menced. The Gtovernment strongly opposed fche Bill, as they had already intimated that their Waste Lands Bill would contain pro* visions dealing with the Canterbury runs in a different manner from that proposed by Mr Waaon. Messrs Stevens, MnrrayiAynesly, Fitzroy, and other Canterbury members opposed the measure as unjust and impolitic. Messrs Stoutand Rees supported Mr Wason, and took the opportunity to use very strong and offensive language about; the Government; and Canterbury members, accusing them of a corrupt compact in relation to this matter, by which the former had secured the votes of the latter on the separation question. Several attempts to adjourn the debate were negatived. At last the Premier rose and strongly condemned the manner in which the Opposition were conducting fche business ; being fouh mouthed abuse towards the Canterbury members and the Government, and talking apparently against time. He declared he looked with dread upon fche future if such a system of debate were permitted. More coarse and disgraceful language had- been used within the last few weeks than he ever knew before in the House. The Premier then proceeded to discuss the Districts Bill, but I tSir George Grey protested against fche mem 1 here having been aooused of -foul-mouthed abuse and wasting time. He moved that fcho words be taken down. The Speaker ruled that as the words had not been noticed afc tho time they could not be taken down then. Mr S'oufc tried to argue the question, and so did Sir George Grey, but the Speaker said he was there to rule not argue, and told Mr Stout to ait down. Another disorderly scene occurred, and the Speaker expressed regret that one word should have led to another, and that the Premier should have spoken so strongly.

The Premier pointed out that torrents of abuse hnd been levelled against him for weeks past ; he had treated most of this with com Jj|empfc, . but it was necessary. to draw the line somewhere- And that night fcho most dis r graceful and revolting language had been used

epaiding members who oj prsed the Bill, and or or would hove to be maintained even afc the cost of pxpelling the unruly. During lhe present- eb-s ion he had bt-en almost ashamedof being v member of the House. Here J-ir George Grey again got up, and insisted that those words should be taken 1 down. Mr Stout backed this up. Mr Stafford, amidst loud cheers, said he thoroughly endorsed every word the Premier had said, and hoped his words would also betaken down. "The Premier's words were taken down, and then ho was permitted to explain, which ho did by saying he had used the words advisedly, that the conduct, not; of the House generally, but of two members of it who had abandoned all ordinary restraints, who had no respeofc for their position or the dignity of the House, and who persistently used language calculated to lower the House in the public estimation and offensive not only to members but to people outside, had rendered him almost ashamed to be a member of tho House in which they sat. The Premier then withdrew. Mr Barff moved that the explanation was satisfactory. Mr Rees then defended himself afc consider' able length, regretting that the Premier should have singled out Mr Stoufc and himself. He thought the Premier should withdraw his words. Mr Stoufc moved as an amendment, " That the House regretted the intemperate language used by the Premier." A long discussion ensued, the Speaker pre' serving order and smoothing matters over. Ultimately, at his suggestion, both motion and amendment were withdrawn, so that the matter might drop without record. Tho Premier, on being informed of this, thought it hardly fair to himself. 'lhe debate then continued, and afc 2.20 was adjourned, and the House rose? Friday. Leave of absence was granted to Mr Reynolds for fourteen days, and to Mr Reader Wood for ten days. (PBE3S AGENCY. Sir George Grey Resigns the Leadership of the Opposition. Respecting the Counties Bill, fche Premier asked the House not to prejudice the Bill by considering the boundaries as stationery, as after fche boundaries were once defined they might be altered from time to time, but only by the two Houses of Legislature. The Government proposals had been framed to suit the province of Auckland better than any other province. Should some districts prefer to remain under present institutions, they will be allowed to do bo. The Government intended to make this a permissive Bill, districts that did not choose to come in could remain out, getting £2 to £1 of the land funds, bnt they must maintain their roadß. He hoped Sir George Grey, in giving notice of motion to shelve the Bill, spoke for himself only. He hoped the House would go into Committee, aiad mould the Bill into suitable form. Sir George Grey left speaking. Sir George Grey tomorrow resigns the | leadership of the Opposition, Mr Whitaker will take his position.