THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Evening Star, Issue 3018, 21 October 1872, Page 3

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[By Electric Telegraph.]

{From the New Zealand Press Association.) October 19, The clause giving the Government power to purchase the Port Chalmers Kail way excited considerable discussion, .wr Gillies and others urging that the purchase should be subject to ratification by Parliament. The clause passed as printed. Mr Bell declared that the general proposals of the hill were highly unsatisfactory, and the time had arrived when it was necessary Parliament should each year be asked to make special appropriation for works intended to be carried out during the year. On the third reading, Mr Murray strongly protested against the whole Government scheme, asserting that the railway calculations were unreliable, and that the works authorised would cost not less than six millions. Mr Stafford declared that owing to the action of the Government and the policy of the House, he, with great regret, hail made up his mind to wind up his private affairs and leave the Colony. Mr Gillies also spoke strongly against the Bill, which, however, passed without a division. After a brief discussion, the Immigration and Public Works Bill was committed, and the greater part passed before the House rose. Mr Rollestou protested against it and the Railway Bill, which was au imposition on the Colony. The prorogation is expected on Wednesday, Several members leave to-morrow.

(From a Corresponded.)

In Committee of Supply, on Friday night, on the Railway Bill, Air Stafford, in course of his criticism on the measure, spoke to the following effect:—“ The money to be expended would, he hoped, last for two or three years more. Ho had been for the past year making arrangements to dispose of his property. Those arrangements would take two or three years still to complete, and then it would be a matter of indifference to him what became of the Colony, as he should have ceased to have auy connection with or interest in it.” The session is likely to close on Tuesday or Wednesday.