GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 741, 30 June 1876, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

—*o~~~ (Condensed from Dunedin dailies.) Wellington, Juno 22. Last night’s sitting produced little but a shower of notices of motion. Sir Julius Vogel moves his vote of indemnity to himself at 7.30 to-night. The debate will be acriraous, although not a party question. The Opposition do not expect to succeed, but look to shake confidence in the Government greatly with the moderate members. Sir George Grey gave notice of a question as to who paid the purchase-money for the Swamp. It is believed to have been Whitaker ; if so, it is believed that it is such a contract as may disqualify him for his seat. Copies of correspondence were asked for relating to the leasing of right to cut timber td Thomas Russell and others over a number of blocks, recently acquired from the natives for 99 years ; also, as to the withdrawal of the blocks from the administration of the Provincial Government. Sir Julius Vogel gave notice of motion to appoint Mr O’Rorke Chairman of Committees of the House.

Petitions were presented by Mr Stout from Mr James Smith and others, members of the legal profession of Otago,- praying tor redress for grievances of Mr H. Smythies, owing to his suspension from practice ; also, a petition from Mr Barnes, relative to a robbery from the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Dunedin. A netition was presented from the Cavershi, electors, complaining of the alteration in che boundaries of the Roslyn Electoral Distiict.

On the proposal to proceed with the Members’ Disqualification Amendment Act, also the Deputy-Superintendent of Wellington Bill, opposition was made on the ground that members had not copies of the bills. It was urged that they were merely formal matters, but Rees, Stout, mnd others objected to passing anything, however formal, in the dark. Sir Julius Vogel gave way, informing Mr Rees that he seemed to think he could teach the House a great deal, but would find he had more to learn than he ■could teach. Sc was evidently much annoyed at the unwillingness of the House to take his word for the harmlessness of the bills.

The Disqualification Bill is not a harmless measure, for it leaves a loophole for any member to receive remuneration by way of fees between the sessions of the House, so long as they resign before sitting each session.

There is a good deal ot talk about a Canterbury party, led by Stafford, being formed. It is said that Stevens, Fitzroy, Harper, Montgomery, Cox, Wakefield, and a few other members—about twelve in allure going with Stafford. 'They hope to get Vogel to carry the Abolition Bill, and will then supplant him by the aid of Grey’s patty, when they will go in for economy and a system of large boards of works, instead oi Provinces.

In reference to the statement fn the Otago Daily Times, that it is not improbable t lat the future Inspector of Prisons is now in the Colony, it is understood here that there is no foundation whatever for such a

statement. It is understood that Mr Macandrew and the Auckland members have arrived at an understanding on the Land Fund question, and that it any attempt be made to alter the clause in the Abolition Act relating to the Land Fund, a majority of Auckland, Otago, Canterbury, and possibly Westland members will, it is said, go in for each island being one Province, the seat of Government for one being at Auckland, and for the other, at Akaroa. Members to-day presented a petition to the Premier from 152 residents in Cardrona district, asking that their district may be included in the same boundaries as Wakatip, in settling the counties. There is likely to be a very warm debate to-night over the Piako affair, and Sir George Grey’s motion for returns about a number of M r Thomas Russell’s other land transactions with Natives and Government. June 23. In the Legislative Council on Thursday, Cay tain Fraser moved, and the Hon. Mr Hall seconded, the Address in Reply. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse spoke at some length. He said the progress of the Colony was not so great as had been made to appear, and denied that the position of the Colony was one ot prosperity. lie said that the elections at Wanganui and elsewhere disclosed corruption on the part of the Government, and criticised the land correspondence, which, he said, would damage New Zealand in the eye of strangers. Colonel Kenny said he would be ready to join any gentleman who would form an Opposition to the Government.

The Hon. Mr Chamberlain denounced the Government as reckless and extravagant, and said the Governor’s speech was barren. It should have contained immigration returns, public works statement, and details of the escape of Winiata, the murderer.

Dr Pollen criticised and answered the remark ot Mr Waterhouse, and defended the action ot the Government.

The Address was adopted. To-day Mr Reader Wood made a most slashing attack on Mr Stafford. Mr Ormond spoke but weakly. Mr De Lautour is now making an able speech against him. The Government parties avill re-arrange once the new Constitution is proposed, and many will leave the ministerial side. Juno 24. Last night’s debate was very dreary. Member after member, on each side, went over the same ground, and only the personalities enlivened the proceedings. There is a spirit of personal bitterness pervading the speeches on each side this session never before seen in the House, and probably some evciting scenes will be witnessed before the session ends. Mr Rawe and Mr Wason wore the most practical speakers last night. Mr Whitaker was prolix, and Mr Rees violent and abusive.

Somo more papers on the four million loan are publisher!. They refer chiefly to the dispute between Sir Julius Vogel and the Crown Agents. The latter decline to have their name associated with his in any future loan negotiations, but they speak in terms of high praise of Dr Featherston. Juno 26. There is really no political news stirring. It is said that the Opposition will try to keep the Piako Swamp debate going through the week, but if they do no Government member will speak at all.