MONDAY, OCTOBER 7.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 222, 11 October 1878, Page 3

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7.

In the House of Representatives — The Premier, in reply to Mr Kenny, said the Government did not propose introducing a Drainage Bill this session. They were collecting information on the subject in Europe, and if that arrived in time they would prepare a Bill during the recess. The Hon. J. Ballance, in reply to Mr Hobbs, said the Boards of Education had a right to distribute money amongst public libraries, and if they did not pay it in cash they could hand it over in books. The. discussion on the Beer Duty Bill was resumed. Mr Wason hoped the whole of the Bills would be withdrawn, and the session brought to a close as soon as possible. Mr Pyke condemned the Government for their ignominious retreat at the first reverse, especially after having been told that the Government would stand "or fall by their Bills. He was prepared to follow his leaders any length if. they were only bold enough to have the courage of their convictions, and were • prepared to act boldly. He blamed the Government for not treating their followers in a frank and straightforward manner, because it was rumoured in the lobbies that the Government had told some of their own support-

ers that it was a matter of indifference as to whether they voted for the Beer Bill. He at the same time denied there had been any triumph for the Opposition, because nine Government supporters had voted with them. Mr Barff condemned the , Government for not having been aware weeks ago that it was impossible to carry the Bill, and he objected to be cajoled or intimidated as to how he should vote for the Government. The Hon. J. Ballance said the withdrawal of the Bill was the result of accident. Had it not been for the difficulty over pairs, the Bill would have been carried. As to the statement which had been iterated and reiterated, that he stated that the Government would stand or fall by these two Bills, he could only say that the statement was not founded on fact, though it was quite true that he asked the Hotise to take the Government proposals as a fiscal whole. The member for Egmont, leader of the Opposition, took credit in the rejection of the Beer Bill, but he would afford the hon. gentleman and his party an opportunity of testing that on the amendment of the hon. member for Manawatu. In the course the Government had adopted he claimed they had taken the constitutional and usual course by withdrawing the Bill when it was found that a majority of the House were against it. It was not the people nor the publicans who agitated against the Bill, but the influences which were so industrious in lobbying for some time. As to the reinstatement of the amount lost by these Bills, the Government did not think fresh taxation proposals should' be submitted, this session. It was impossible for them to do justice to themselves or to prepare any fresh scheme of finance at present. They proposed, however, to utilise in the meantime the L 44,000 for harbour works, making it a charge on the Public Works Account, and bringing it under the Suplementary Estimates for harbour works. Sir R. Douglas said if the Opposition had i been factious, they would have objected to ' the breach of the Standing Orders which was committed in the House' sitting after 5.30. p.m. on Friday. Dr Wallis considered the conduct of the Opposition regarding this Bill as petty, unreasonable, and altogether discreditable. He was not sorry that Ministers had received a check over the Beer Bill, because it was as well they should be reminded they were only mortal. He was prepared to sacrifice a good deal for the Ministry, but there was a limit beyond which it was impossible for their supporters to follow them. He ridiculed the idea of the Opposition claiming a victory. Instead of being conquerors, they were mere tools who had been used by the Government supporters who were anxious to oppose the Bill. Mr Russell said that while it was always a pleasure to listen to the Treasurer when he made a set speech, that night he made the weakest speech he had listened to from him. Mr Johnston proceeded to reply to the principal arguments used in support of the Bill, and afterwards attacked the Premier for his action re the Land Bill last session, and the Ministry for the alleged " roll stuffing " at the Bay of Islands. He then announced that he would ask permission to withdraw his amendment. The Hon. J. Sheehan objected to thfe withdrawal. Mr Johnston's amendment was then negatived on the voices, and the second reading of the Bill was fixed for to-morrow. The Companies Income Duty Bill was withdrawn. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mr Stevens spoke at some length to his notice of motion, which was as follows : — " That it is expedient the House should be informed in what man-, ncr, and under what authority, the administration of hospitals and other charitable institutions will be conducted pending the next meeting of Parliament. " The Hon. J. Ballance said that the Government proposed to deal with this question in a defined manner, and that it proposed to deal with these institutions mainly on the voluntary principle. There were twenty-two hospitals at present controlled by municipal and other bodies and eleven supported by contributions from the Consolidated Fund. If the hospitals of the Colony could be managed on the voluntary principle, it would be the better plan to adopt, but the Government were not in possession of sufficient information at the present time to determine definitely what course should be adopted. He felt disposed to consider the appointment of a Commission to obtain the necessary information. Mr Rolleston stated his conviction that the voluntary principle would be found inoperative, as it was breaking down in those places where it was in vogue. After several other speakers had addressed the House on the Bubject, the motion was withdrawn. Considerable discussion occurred over the proposed committal of the Deceased Wife's Sister Bill, which ultimately was reported to the House without amendment. The remainder of the sitting was spent in Committee on private Bills.