Untitled

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 55, 29 July 1875, Page 3

WEDNESDAY, 21st JULY. In the Legislative Council, on the motion of Dr Pollen, Mr Richmond, C.B-, was appointed Chairman of Committees. Leave was given to the Premier for introducing a Bill relating to the registration of Births and Deaths ; also a Bill to amend the New Zealand University Act. The usual sessional Committees were appointed. In the House of Representatives, in replying to Mr Rolleston's question whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill during the session to amend the Friendly Societies Act, 1867, the Minister of Justice said the Government would take into consideration the, whole question of the state of the law in regard to Friendly Societies. The Speaker informed the House that the writ for Wallace had been issued., The Pollution of Rivers Billwas introduced by Mr T. L. Shepherd, and read a first time. The Protection to Animals Bill was read a second time. Mr O'Rorke was elected Chairman of Committees. Mr Ingles moved, the Address in reply. Mr May seconded. Mr Svvanson moved the. postponement of the debate. Mr Murray seconded. The Native Minister said it would be highly inconvenient to postpone the adjournment of the debate. There was no intention to take the House oy surprise. There was nothing in the Address to compromise anybody. Mr Wakefield supported the adjournment, on the ground that the Address was not merely a formal record of thanks, but expressed gratification at certain aspects and conditions of the Government of the country not concurred in by many. Mr Stafford said, whether the Government should or should not accept the motion of the member for Newton, 16 was merely a question of courtesy, and might very properly be accorded. But at the same time he felt bound to say there was nothing to be gained by an adjournment. To do so would not advance the business one half- hour. He could not agree with the exception taken to the terms of the Address, such" as expressing 1 gratification that his Excellency had been loyally received in the colony, or at the fact that cable telegraphic arrangements had been made on better terms than had been authorised by the House. The other paragraphs conveyed merely thanks. It would be most unprecedented for the Government to introduce great fundamental questions by which they must stand or fall before the Address in reply was passed. He felt it would have a great tendency to retard jusiness. With regard to the remark of the member for Christchurch City East, that it was a significant fact that the mover of the Address was the member for the Cheviot, he might say at once, • so as to prevent any misconception on 1 the matter, and because of his political i association with that gentleman, there were certain periods in public life when the first consideration of a politician should be his country. New Zealand has not arrived at such a crisis, and he had no hesitation in saying that upon all the fundamental questions upon which the Ministry would have to stand or fall he would give them his most cordial and loyal support during the session. Mr Atkinson opposed the adjournment. Sir George Grey rose amidst applause, and said that the House had a fair claim to ask for an adjournment. He maintained that the highest possible principles were involved in the question of adjournment. He must object to swallow these things wholesale, arid in forcing this Address upon them they were made to do( so. Why- -mot give them an opportunity of consulting .with absent members whether they, .should accept the Address, or, to enable 1 tihem ! them to prepare an: amendment to it 1

It was too mucli"t6"isk Kirn to ~e£f>Jesjr gratification -at- thtrigs which were not . ,tb,e Tact, .sucHas jt^e statement Regarding' « the railways paying^ The- ve T ry 'refers jj was the case. They were also askea to give up all representative institutions!, and deal with the. rights and liberties which belonged not to them, but to posterity and,all r tim ; err-( Cries of " No, no," and " Yes.") ilie Address would pledge the House to certain priDciplesj He implored the Government no* to ibrce on what he t believed to be a most; arbitrary and unlawful proceeding. — • {Applause.) . ; . . Sir Cracroft Wilson and Mr Luckie opposed the adjournment; Mr Fitzherbert and Mr Hoifeston supported it.