PARLIAMENTARY

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 3, 18 June 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

j — ♦ — HOUSE OF 'REPRESENTATIVES.

[PKB UNITBD PBKBS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, June 16. The House met at 2.30 p.m. After a large number of petitions had been presented and notices oi motion given. 0 w, : . The Hon. Mr Stout motNlM adjournment of the House nntfl f.w p.m. as a mark of respect to ithe memory of the late Mr John Sheehan. Sir George Grey seconded the motion, and spoke of the natural talents of the deceased, and his kindly disposition. The motion was carried, snd th* House adjourned at 3 p.m, / t y >r" The House resinned at 7.80. ADDRESS DT REPLY. Mr Pearson moved the Address-i_4 Reply, and referred first to the death, of Mr Sheehan, which he deplored. He believed that the colony had arriyed at the worst of the depression, ' ai_d> there are now signs of its d^ppeaJrihg. It was a matter for congratulation to this North Island that the Main Trnnk railway had been commenced. He said throughout the greatest portion of the colony satisfaction was expressed at the administration of native' affairs by Mr BaUance, but at the same time he considered that the present satisfactory state was largely due to the firm stand taken by Mr Ballance's predeoessor (Mr Bryce.) He hoped that- political boards would be appointed to manage the railways. Mr T. W. Hislop seconded the address. Major Atkinson asked the Premier if it was true that all Government important measures were ready, for if ae. he woiild accept the address at once and sit down. The Opposition did noi wish to prolong a useless debate. The Premier replied that if the ad* ress was carried to-night he would be ready with the Financial Statement oa Friday. Major Atkinson wished it to be understood that those on his side of the House did not commit themselves, but would reserve the right tocriticiw at a future time every detail of public policy (applause). The Address was then carried, and it was agreed that Messrs Pearson and Hislop, and the members of the Government be a committee to prepare the address to his Excellency; After an adjournment of five minutes the Address was presented to the House and agreed to, and at 9.5 p.m. the Premier moved the adjournment bf the House, which was agreed to. / - Jane 17. The Housi met at 2.30 p.m. V«W MBMBIS. Mr Kerr, member for Waimea. teoi. tht oath and his seat. answeb* to qvwnova. Replying to questions, it wss stated Gevernmrnt could not this session bring in a bill to prevent restrictions on the alienation of land. — That the action ef the Council ef 7th May last in reference to negotiations nnder ** The Sale of Poisons Act, 1871," would, be suspended. —That the departmental report aad statistics en railway working wonld be attached te the Public Woiks Statement. —That the lowering ef ttyo grain ratee would not result in anyi less to the revenue. J thi AusTßALiAir ecrfiinioiirr. Sir George Grefmoved an addi*** to the Ciown for tho purpose sf congratulating lier Majesty on the steps |*e**tly taken by New South Wales* md other colonies te aid, or to tender efficient *id» to the Empire at a time of temporary difficulty, snd ef assuring Her Majesty that it is the desire of her subjects in .New Zealand to render aid to the .Empire to tbe best of their ability at all times when their services may be deemed et value, and may be accepted by Her Maj* •sty. The Hon Mr Stent said that although the mover of the address had nojt eon- ■ suited the Government on the matter, he. hid no feeling against him for not having dene se. He hoped the House 'would pass the address. Major Atkinson expressed his entire concurrence in the address. Ho believed the feeling in iti favour would be unanimous throughout the country. — if ter some further dis* cusvion, it was agreed that the address should be forwarded to the Qnten through the Governor. The House rose at 5.10.