WELLINGTON.

Evening Star, Issue 3874, 24 July 1875, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

[By Telegraph.] (From our own Correspondent. ) ■Wellington, July 24. Last night’s debate was a war of giants. Sir George Grey commenced at 7.30, and was fol- , lowed by Messrs M'Lean,Stafford, Fitzherhert, and Bnwen. For good telling speeches they Lave not been equalled since ISfiC. Sir D. M'Lean spoke very shortly but most effectively, and when he announced the fixed determination of the Government to abolish the Provinces this session, cheers and counter cheers arose from both sides, Mr Bowen made a capital speech, and promises to be one of the best debaters on the Treasury Benches. The ‘Times’ in referring to the debate sap It is only doing scant justice to Sir G. Grey to say his speech was far above the average tf parliamentary utterances, and, what is of far more consequence, it had the effect of giving warmth and tone to the debate, which was wanting before. Mr Stafford spoke with greater force and vigor than he has done f-r several sessions prst, and well sustained his reputation in the House for debating power. Mr Fitzherbcrfc likewise spoke with much power. As a criticism, keen, incisive, and logical, Mr Fitzherbert’.s speech was the better of the two; but neither can be compare! to Sir Geo. Grey's, which war rather the enunciation of a policy than a telling speech. In the routine of the debate there were other speeches of ability and forcq but the gentlemen named occupied the foremost places. The administration of the Government was specifically challenged, and their constitutional position made the ground of attack ; but ns ail this was merely preliminary to the general engagement that is to come, Ministers reserved their defence. Mr Stafford, who stood forward as the Government champion, was subjected to a very pointed attack by Mr Fiizherbert, who said, in effect, that as he controlled Government he should accept the responsibility, I and take bis seat on the Treasury B nebes. Mr Bowen repelled the insinuation, and said Ministers w.-rc responsible to Parliament, and under xu kind of influence whatever. The loan c urespondchc..* wa- commented on, and an < pinion expressed that it should not ha'-e been jointed ; to wVch it wea >gplied, that it it had net betu Ministers would have been accused of concealing h.h madon,

Apropos of the loan correspondence, the ‘ Times ’ urged Parliament to probe the matter to the bottom, as there was much to explain beyond what appears on the papers, and a thorough investigation will prove that all the fault does not rest with Sir J. Vogel, as Messrs Fitzherbort, Rolleston, and most of the Opposition speakers insinuated, Mr Montgomery excepted, who paid Sir J. Vogel a high compliment.

It is understood.that Major Atkinson, in tlx statement which is to bo made rarly next week, will definitely state the Government’s views rc the Crown agents action.

The Constitutional Bill is expected to bo put in circulation early next week. Sk'.co the Government declare they will press the abolition question to an issue, this session has every likelihood of being a long one, Bir G. Grey was very severe on Sir J. Vogel and the Bank of New Zealand, He said toe latter had such influence that it could secure the_ appointment of a Governor to support their interests, and insinuated that the abolition question was prompted by them because it came on the Middle Bland land fund for additional security. The debate concluded shortly after eleven o’clock. The Opposition will decline to di cuss the Constitutional Bill, but will propose as an amendment that it should be relegated fo constituencies, and, if beaten in that, they will probably try to talk it oat, and in the end will have been contented with protesting.