PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 199, 29 August 1901, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

House of Representatives

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

Wellington, last- night. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Stud Bill was read a first time. The Auditor-General reported to the House that certain irregularities had taken place in connection with the half-million loan. The matter was referred to the Public Accounts Committee.

The Dunedin Star was declared guilty of a breach of privilege, in publishing certain evidence given before the Goldfields Committee, prior to that Committee having reported to the House. A further motion was passed that 'a committee be set up to inquire into how the information was obtained. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr Jas. Allen resumed the financial

debate, and pointed out that the -Government had power to borrow no lessj.than £0, 100,000 during the current year, which meant that the colony was living entirely on borrowed money.

Mr Witheford said that some practical policy for the proper development of the resources of the colony was badly required. Mr G. W. Bussell complained that the present Government had entirely departed from tiie self-reliant, non-borrowing policy enunciated by Mr Ballance, and contended that there must soon be drastic retrenchment such as had never been known before in this colony.

Mr Ell deprecated the large increase in departmental expenditure revealed by the Estimates.

Mr Lawry having spoken, the debate was adjourned, and the House rose at 11.50.