GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 345, 21 July 1875, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Electkic Telegraph.] «. {From a correspondent of the Press.) Wellington, Jnly 20. Precisely at two the Governor opened Parliament. The attendance of members of both Houses was large, and of the public unusually so, the ladies mustering in great force. The weather was very fine. After the delivery of the speech the Lower House proceeded to business. Sir George Grey, who was loudly cheered Jrom all oides on taking his seat, was introduced by Mr Stafford and Mr Katene ; Mr McLean (Waikouaite) by Sir Donald McLean and Mr G. B. Parker ; Mr Von der Hyde by Mr Creighton aid Mr O'Neill ; Mr Ward (Wairau) by Mr Parker and Mr Stafford ; Mr Dignan by Sir George Grey and Mr O'Rorke.

Sir Donald McLean having introduced the Protection of Animals Amendment Bill, which was read a first time, Ministers presented batches of papers, and notices of ses

sional committees followed. Mr Ingles gave notice of his intention to move the address in reply, and Sir Donald McLean of the intention of the Government to nominate Mr O'Rorke to the chairmanship of committees. Sevural petitions were presented, including one by Mr O'Neill from the Thames, praying for increased representation.

The Speaker read a letter from Mr Seymour, thanking the House for the uniform kindness and forbearance with which he had been treated while chairman of committees. Sir Donald McLean having moved the issue of a new writ for Wallace, which had become vacant by the death of Mr Webster, Mr Stafford made a few observations warning the House against placing too much reliance on telegraphic intelligence, and saying the telegraph was now used for the express purposes of creating embarrassment. Major Atkinson having assured the House that Government had official intimation of Mr Webster's death, the motion was agreed to, the Speaker undertaking to make the writ returnable with reasonable promptitude. Sir Donald McLean having shortly explained the reasons which took Sir Julius Vogel home, and the changes consequent on his resignation of the Premiership, the House adjourned till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow, which will be the future meeting hour. The new arrangements of the house are a decided advantage to members. Sir George Grey occupies a seat on the second bench on the Opposition gangway, between Mr O'Rorke and Mr Parker (Nelson). Mr Stafford occupies a seat on the left of the Speaker's chair, immediately behind Mr Rollestbn.

Mr McLean (Otago) was to have moved the address in reply, but he leaves to-morrow, Mr Ballance seconds the reply. The Opposition regard Ingles's moving the reply as an indication that Mr Stafford's supporters will give the Government every support. The present indications point to an eight weeks' session at least. Sir Julius Vogel sent out his resignation on May 13th, on which date he writes that his medical advisers, Drs Gull and Garrod, whose certificates he encloses, say he is so much prostrated by Government and overwork, that it would be dangerous for him to leave in June as he proposed. He strongly urged his anxiety to get out to the colony, but the doctors declined to allow him to leave earlier than August or September, and only in August if his colleagues telegraph imperatively. The immigration correspondence between Dr Featherston and Sir Julius Vogel is decidedly strong. On April 9th, Sir Julius VogeJ wrote, that the Government admitted Dr Featherston's right to select his own private secretary, but considered Mr Hoey had no claims to office, and his want of knowledge in New Zealand affairs disqualified him. On April 15th Sir Julius Vogel intimated that the Government considered Dr Featherston's despatch of January 10th re the Scimitar as "intolerably disrespectful," and, therefore, declined to record it. Dr Featherston replies that he is surprised and grieved at the decision; denies that he was actuated by any feeling of disrespect, and hopes that the Government will reconsider their decision. Tho correspondence grows warmer until, on May 12th, Dr Featherston repeats his disclaimer,-and adds, "I do not purpose to characterise your conduct in referring in an official despatch to private memoranda on an official document presented to myself, except by saying I believe it would be difficult to find a precedent for such a proceeding." He denies Sir Julius Vogel's assertion that he ever harbored, much more exhibited, feelings of disrespect or habitually regarded with suspicion, and something allied to contempt, instructions or recommendations from the coiouy, or showed a tendency to object to anything proposed by the Government. He complains that much of his time has been engaged in defending his honor as a public officer from the imputations contained in Sir Julius Vogel's despatches, and concedes that he has the satisfaction of knowing that the colony will, despite a temporary misconception, fully appreciate his labors in organising and conducting the department. Sir Julius Vogel charges him with throwing ridicule on the proposals of the Government, 'and showing no disposition to remedy the entirely unsatisfactory medical examinations, and gives an intimation of his intention to forward the correspondence to Ministers. Sir Julius Vogel adds—" I cannot say what course my colleagues will adopt concerning it."