THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Evening Star, Issue 3015, 17 October 1872, Page 2

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[By Electric Telegraph.]

{F, ■om the Neio Zealand Press Association.) October 16. Mr Fox’s motion, on going into < ommittee of Supply, asking the Government to continue the temporary assistance, the same as last year, to the Wellington Botanical Gardens, was carried bv 33 to 19. Mr Stafford asked whether the Government intended to proceed with the Timaru and Temuka Railway during the recess. Mr t irmond declined to give a definite promise as to any line. Mr Rolleston moved, “ That it is desirable that the ouse should be definitely informed as to the works to be proceeded with during the recess.” Mr Reid said that the Government should be able to estimate the cost of the proposed lines, and put it into a schedule to the Railways Bill. Mr Vogel said the Government intended to carry on all the works in the same spirit as the House had authorised them. It would be fairer to commence all the works, and proceed slowly with them, than, as the late Government had intended, push on a few, and leave others untouched. At the same time time, some would have to be proceeded with more rapidly than others. Mr Gillies thought such a policy would result in a mess, and tffiat the Government were holding over the heads of members the threats that the progress ef works in their districts would depend on their votes. He thought that notwithstanding the general authority given, an actual vote should be taken for each work. Mr Murray said it was absurd, with our present means, to talk of constructing all the lines Mr Carrington regretted that the Government, bad not defined the Main Trunk Line in each Island in a Bill. Mr M'Lean said of course those lines that were lieely to be most profitable would be the most rapidly pushed on. Major Atkinson thought the House should have the information for. Mr Rolleston’s amendment was lost on a division by 30 to 31. The House then went into Committee of Supply. On the Confiscated Lands Department vote coming on for consideration, Mr M‘Lean intimated that the Government intended to reorganise the whole department, and to appoint a mixed Commission regarding lands. The vote was passed. Mr ogel announced that after matuie deliberation, the Government had abandoned the intention of appointing a Civil Service Commission. They would on a future occasion say what they intended to do on the subject. October 17. Nearly all last night was spent over the Estimates. The vote of L 5.600 tor Government buildings at Wellington was strongly objected to by Mr Macandrew, who moved to reduce it to L 1,500. After discussion, the original amount passed. The item L 1,500, for six months’ subsidy for the Suez steam sendee, was opposed by Messrs Calder, Gillies, and others, supported by Messrs Sheehan, Williams, and others, and passed without a division. The item, compensation to Mr Smy tines, Ll,ooo, was carried on a division by 22 to 13, the Government undertaking not to pay it unless Mr Smythies accepted it in t'nif satisfaction. . - The Public Works Estimates still remain. The Railways and other Government Bills were read a second time under arrangement that the discussion will be taken on them to-day on the motion for their committal.