PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1529, 10 August 1905, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

'AFTERNOON SITTING. THE FISHER BOMBSHELL. THE CHARGE PERSISTED IN. SEALED AFFIDAVITS PUT IN AND INDEMNITY ASKED. THE ENQUIRY REFUSED. '(Per, Press Association.) Wellington, last night. The House met at 2.30. As soon as the formal business wbb disposed of Mr Fisher read a letter which he had sent to the Speaker of the House that morning. In tbe course of the letter Mr Fisher said :—“ In spits of documentary denials from certain public officers with regard to the alleged payment to Captain Seddon, I repeat my contention that such a payment as I have referred to was made. I desire that Parliament should appoint a tribunal that shall command public confidence with a view to decide the question in dispute. As justification for this request I place in your hands a sealed envelope containing a number of sworn affidavits from certain civil servants, who deolare they can prove that a voucher was passed through the Treasury for a payment to Captain Seddon for reorganising defence stores. I intend asking for indemnity to any civil servant who shall give evidenoe on this matter, and in the event of this being done I desire you to hand to the ohairman of any tribunal appointed to deal with the matter the affidavits now handed to you.” He moved that the letter lie on the table and be printed. Messrs Taylor and Bedford, said they had seen the affidavits, and they were perfectly genuine. Mr Seddon asked the House to refuse leave to lay tho letter on tho table. Members should see tbe danger of making such a precedent. Tho oontents of the sealed packet had not beGn disclosed, and there would be an opportunity in the ordinary CQurso of business for Mr Fisher and company to ventilate their charges. As to the proposed enquiry, it was usual for an accuser to state the charges before an enquiry was held. That had not been done in this ease. The course suggested was unfair, unjust, and improper. After a leDgthy discussion Mi: Fisher’s motion was lost by 46 to 21.

YESTERDAY'S SITTING.

'(Per Press Association.) Wellington, yesterday. After the telegraph office closed Mr Herdman moved a reduction of tno first itom of tbe Estimates by £l, as an indication that the present method of making appointments to the Legislative Council is unsatisfactory. Mr Seddon said no good purpose would bo served by carrying the amendment. A Bill (Sir W. J. Steward’s) dealing with the question was on tho Order Paper for the next day, and would afford a hotter opportunity of coming to a conclusion in the matter. Tbo amendment was negatived by 26 to 24. The first itom of the Estimates was then passed, and progress reported. The House rose as 1.55 a.m. Following is tbe division list on Mr Herdman’s amendment:— For tbe amendment, 24 : Messrs Alibod, Arnold, Barber, Bollard, Buchanan Davey, Fowlds. W. Fraser, Guinness Harding, Hawkins, Herdman, Berrios Kirkbride, Lang, Lewis, Mender, Massoy T. Mackenzie, Reid, Rhodes, Sidey, Yiie Witty. Against the amendment, 26: Messrs E. G. Allen, Bennett, Buddo, Catroll, Colvin Dunoon, Ell, Field, Flatmnu, Hall, Hall- i Tones, Heirs, Houston, Lawry, McGowan, R. McKenzie, McLacblun, McNab, Mills, j Pere, Remington, Rutherford, Seddon, Tymes, Tanner, Wilford, Pairs.—For amendment: Messrs James lllon, Lethbridge, Duthie, Moss, Hardy. 1 (gainst amendment: Sir Joseph Ward, f nd Messrs Kidd, Parata, Willis, and t Jojor. S

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed afc 7.30. Four hours were spent discussing Ministerial replies to questions, and then the House went on to the consideration of gfivftts members’ Bills,,