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Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 239, 9 June 1874, Page 6

They do tilings properly in Christchurch. Inspector Pender, who for many years Las had the oversight of the police in that city, is about to he transferred to Tiraaru, and residents testify the irappreciation of his zeal and ability by presenting him with a gold watch and chain and a tea-service, the sugar-basin of which contained 250 sovereigns.

Resignation of the Speaker. Some little excitement was caused in the Provincial Council yesterday by the temporary resignation of the Speaker, Mr J. L. Gillies. In the debate which followed the delivery of the Financial Statement, Mr Turnbull alluded to the Speaker's ruling on Monday, by which the delivery of the Financial Statement had to be postponed, and characterised that ruling.as one that was unprecedented and unjustifiable. Mr Gillies shortly after read a letter he had written to the Superintendent, tendering his resignation. After midnight, when all the business on the Order Paper had been disposed of, Mr Gillies, referring to what he had stated in the afternoon, said that in accordance with the rules of the House he would resign his position as Speaker. He thought it was his duty to resign to the Council itself. He then left the Chair. Mr Reid moved that Mr M'Glashan should take the chair. This being agreed to, Mr Reid expressed his very great regret for what had occurred, stating that he believed it arose from mere warmth of feeling on both He thought he was only giving expression to the sentiments of every honorable member when he said that Mr Gillies had filled the office of Speaker in a more satisfactory manner than any other member could have filled it. Mr Turnbull also addressed the Council, fully concurring with what Mr Reid had said. Mr Gillies made a few remarks in reply, thanking the previous speakers for their testimony as to the way in which he had fulfilled the duties of his office, but pointing out that the reason which led to Ids resignation was not the personal attack upon himself, but the attack made upon the House. On Monday last he had simply stated what his ruling wouid be; and the House endorsed his view. He maintained that it would deprive the office of Speaker of all the weight that should attach to it in keeping order in the House, if he should calmly allow himself to be attacked for a decision given by the House. After some conciliatory remarks from Mr Stout, Mr Reid moved the following resolution':—" That this Council, having every confidence in the impartiality of Mr Gillies as Speaker of the House, respectfully requests that he will again allow himself to be nominated to that office ; and that he do now take the Chair of this Council as Speaker." Mr Turnbull seconded the motion. Mr Gillies then assured the honorable member at the head of the Government that he did not give the ruling in question with any intention of taking up a position of antagonism to the Government; he did so under the belief that he was acting in accordance with the Standing Orders. He heartily thanked the honorable member for the frank manner in which he had explained to the House and to himself. He trusted that their friendship both as members of the Council and as private individuals, which was of very many years' standing, would not b i at all interrupted by what had taken place. He would be most happy to agree to the request now made that he should resume his office as Speaker. This announcement was received with applause, and Mr Reid's motion was then agreed to unanimously.— Daily Times, June 4.