THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Evening Star, Issue 3246, 16 July 1873, Page 3

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[By Telegraph.] Wellington, July 15. Mr Vogel is ill, and not able to attend the House, After the Speech, the House of Representatives met, when Mr Wakefield drew attention to an article in the Evenhnj Post of Friday last, charging him with being a hired advocate and pamphleteer of Messrs Brogdens, and stating that such a position was inconsistent with his position as an independent member of that House. The article insinuates that Mr Wakefield’s connection with Messrs Brogdens did not cease with writing the pamphlet. The article proceeds to refer to the position of Messrs Harrison and Tribe in connection with the Messrs Brogdens inquiry last session. "he Speaker asked whether Mr Wakefield intended to conclude his remarks with a motion. Mr Wakefield replied in the affirmative. After the. article was read, he said he did not suppose the writer of the article would he summoned to the bar of the House. The article insinuated that he had placed himself in a false position, by having accepted literary employment; but he argued that such acceptance was not inconsistent with his position as member of the House. The vote was not affected by the proposal contained in Messrs Brogdens’ pamphlet, which was quite distinct from the contracts. The House would see it was a totally nevyproposal. He had no ill-will against the writer of the article in the Post; however, being bound to conclude his remarks with a motion, he would move that the article be considered on a future day. The motion was not seconded, and lapsed. Correspondence of the Agent-General relative to immigration and public works was laid on the table. Other correspondence was produced relative to a cable between New Zealand and Australia. Mr Fox gave notice of a motion that Mr Seymour be appointed Chairman of Committees { and Mr M urray for Select Committees to inquire re mail services and telegraphs. Mr O'C nnor gave notice of motion for returns of the coal production of the Colony. Mr Webb gave notice that he would move the Address in Reply to the Governor’s Address. Mr Bathgate gave notice of motion for the introduction of a new Insolvency Bill, Prisons Bill, Gold Mining Bill, Assaults Prosecution Bill, District Courts Act Amendment Bill, Municipal Corporations Waterworks A ct.. Mr M‘Lean made a Ministerial statement regarding the changes in the Ministry since the prorogation. The reply to the Address was fixed for the next sitting day Mr Stewart has given notice of motion asking Government whether they were aware that serious blunders are being made in the construction o| the Mceraki'liiio. ■ ‘Mr Gillies give notice of motion for a return of the quantity of gunpowder authorised to bo sold or issued to Natives.

Mr Rolleston gave notice of motion, re the Canterbury Water Supply Bill. 'i heproposed alteration in tbs Constitution of the Legislative Council, referred to in the Speech yesterday, will probably be to make it elective. The modification will be based on recent Australian plans : each member of the Council to represent a district, which shall include a group of districts returning members to the General Assembly. There is to be no special qualification beyond those required by members of the Lower House. The term of election is to be seven years instead of five, and the adoption of the system to date from the next dissolution. July iff. When the House met to-day, in reply to Mr Williamson, the Premier said that as several applications were' expected on the subject of railways, be would make a state, meut on the subject simultaneously with the Financial Statement, which he hoped to make in fortnight.