HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 104, 29 October 1897, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

A TRIAL OF STRENGTH. VICTORY FOR THE GOVERNMENT (Per Press Association.) Wellington, Oct. 28. The Ilonse met at 2 30 d m. BILLS READ FIRST TIMK. The Second Ballot Bill, Law True titioners Act Amendment Bill, and the Technical Education Bill were introduced by the Hon Mr Seddon and read a firtt time. Financial Debatis. The financial debate was resumed by Mr R. Thompson He advised the aboli tion of the Assets Realisation Board and handing over its estates to the Land Department. The Hon Mr Rolleston did not wish to prolong the debate, but there was a question on which many members had already formed an opinion which he wished the House to decide, irrespective) of party feelings. He moved ■' That, in the opinion of the Honse, it is inconsis t^nt with principles which should guide the administration of public affairs that Ministers of tbe Crown should hold posi tions as directors or advisors of syndi catcs or companies wbojp business is liable to bring them into relation with business of the State." The Hon the Premier said it would be discourteous on bis pnrt not to ac cept Mr Rolieston's amend iu«nt as a direct vote of waDt of confidence. Mr Fisher said it had beeu assumed that his relations with the Government bad been disturbed in some decree, but he would assert to the country and his constituency that so long as his seat was endured he would support the present Government. Mr Pirani intended supporting the amendment as he held the position. The Premier bad no right to uso his public position to bold a position in a foreign syndicate. Mr Carson resumed tbe financial dc bat«. Referring to Mr Rolleston'g amendment, he Baid Mr Soddon's position ou the Anglo Continental Syndicate was entirely incompatible with bis position as Premier of the colony. Sir R- Stout saw nothing wrong in a member of the House or a Minister being a director of a public company. DIVISION. At 1 a.m. a division was taken, wheß tbe voting was as follows : — Ayes (against the amendment), 38 — E. G. Allen, Cadman, Carncross, Carroll, Duncan, Field, Fisher, Flatman, Gilfedder, Graham, Guinness, Hall Jones, Hogg, Holland, Houston, Hutcbisou, Joyce, Kaihau, Larnach, Lawry, J. Me Keuaie, McGowan, R. McKeneie, Mills, Meredith, Miller, Morrison, O'Meara, O'Regan, Parata, Pere, Seddon, Stevens, Symes, Tanner, T. Thompson, Wilson, R. Thompson. Noes (for the amendment), 32 — J. Allen, Bollard, Brown, Buchanan, Carson, Crowtber, Fraser, Herries, Hnnter, Hutchison, Kelly, Lang, Letbbridge, Lewis, McGuiro, M. J. S. Mackenzie, McLean, Massey, Monk, Montgomery, Moore, Pirani, Richardson, Rolleston, Russell, Smith, Sligo, Stout, Taylor, J. W. Thomson, W&son, Wright. Pairs— Aye — Stewart. No— Heke.