PARLIAMENTARY.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 8, 23 September 1895, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ! i SATURDAY NIGHTS SITTING. ;: * . Association.) j \. ..•■ ... , ton, Sepiembor 21. i ' : .ouse met ;i,t '2 HO. j ; Customs ami Excise Duties Bill ; was . .>. -ther eonsiden d in Committee. j On the items, hoots, shoes, slippers, ; goloshes, ite, Mr Massey proposed that the duty ho -20 per cent ad valorem, in- ' stead of 25 per cent. Mr Ward said he could not accept the amendment, but he should postpone ' this item for the present so as to pro- ; ceed with the other items. j Captain Russell had no doubt the Colonial Treasurer had not made up his , mind what ho intended doing in this matter, and they v. ould piohahly havo j another tariff on Mouday night dealing; with hoot duties. After a short discussion Mr Ward said it was evident a fierce attack was to be made ou this item as members had come back tonight fresh for work. He therefore hoped the item would be postponed. Several members urged the work should he proceeded with, and the hoot items lixctl now. Mr Ward pointed out many members were absent who would lhtc to consider this item. Mr Earushaw thought the reason why the Government wished to postpone this item was because they were not sure how their party were going to vote on it. Mr Seddon said it was ijuite clear to him that several members who were adverse to sitting on Saturday nights vow wanted to retaliate ou the Government for bringing them here. He saw nothing else but mischief in the House, and it was evident it was uo uso going on with the work whilst members were iv tliat mood. He moved to report progress. Mr Graham resented the remarks that members wauted to retaliate on the Government. Captain Russell protested against tho farce being continued any longer. The fact was tiie Premier had the last few weeks lost all coutrol of the House, and the present proceedings showed that he was absolutely unlit for the position. He hoped the Ilouse would uot agree; to report progress. Mr Seddon defended his motion, and said that neither he nor tlie Leader of the Opposition could in any way prevent what had oocuncd iv the House that night. He saw that members were not inclined to go on with the business, aud that was why he moved to report progress. As for Captain Russell's remarks about his not being fit to lead the House he invited the Leader of the Opposition to take the first opportunity of testing that question. Eventually, aftor a long discussion Mr Seddon's motion to report progress was earned by 30 to 21. The House rose at 10 p.m. until 7.30 on Monday evening.