THE ABOLITION QUESTION.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 391, 13 September 1875, Page 2

THE ABOLITION QUESTION.

■ Wellington, Sept. il, The Post to-night publishes the following : —“After the House adjourned last night, Ministers had a long interview Sir G. Grey, Messrs Fitzherbert, Rolleston, and Macandrew, in the course of which the Opposition chiefs submitted the following proposals as embodying what they were prepared to recommend to the acceptance of their followers : “ PROPOSALS OP OPPOSITION., “The Government not to consent bathe passing of the Bill, except on the following terms :—Admitting that the principle of Abolition has been affirmed by the House of Representatives, the Bill is to be proceeded with in a fair spirit of discussion, so as to render it as perfect a measure as possible, provided that a clause shall be inserted, providing that the Act shall only come into operation on s resolution to that effect being passed by both Houses of the Legislature in the next session of the new Parliam|nti It is also agreed that such arrangements*’shall be made as shall satisfy the Colonial Government that no undue advantage will be taken of the position in the meantime by the provincial legislatures.” • - Ministers replied to these by submitting the following >ssiua«sinaaaMHani» COUNTER PROPOSALS OF GOVERNMENT. That the Abolition Bill be passed this session, with a provision that it should only take effect on a day to be named by proclamation of the Governor, but that no such proclamation shall issue should a resolution of either House of the Legislature to the contrary be introduced within one month after the meeting of tbe next Parliament, and passed before the close of the session; that provincial administration shall continue until the Act is so proclaimed; that appropriation for departmental purposes, shall be continued by the Assembly at present rates; that ’ the public works already authorised by the Provincial Councils shall be-undertaken, but that no Provincial Council shall meet again nnless the Act pass. •REPLY OP OPPOSITION, j “This last sentence we cannot of ourselvea entertain, but will consult those gentlemen we are acting with; at the same time we will submit the other proposals to them which we will undertake to fecommend for their adoption, and we will at once communicate with you,” vv, r ;; CAUCUS MEETINGS TO-DAT. / There was a caucus on each sicle. Fortyseven members attended that of the Government, but very great differences of opinion prevailed. Mr Bryce and one or two others were highly indignant at any compromise being entertained. Others thought the Government had made a mistake in proposing an adjournment until Tuesday, contending that an adjournment of a couple of hours during which a caucus could have been held should have sufficed. In the proposals of the Government, Mr Stafford pointed out that the word “ either" (printed above in italics) was an , insult to the Legislative Council, which would certainly be resented. He moved as an amendment that the word “ both ”be substituted. On this there was a great deal of discussion; but ultimately the matter dropped, and a resolution, to the following effect, was carried almost unanimously—“ That thik party cannot assent to the proposals- of the Opposition, but authorise the Government to consider any other proposals the Opposition may make with a view of arriving at a satisfactory understanding.” At same time a very general feeling was expressed that it was desirable to agree to a compromise on the terms that the Bill should be passed this session, and a clause be inserted fixing the date for its coming in operation some lime after the meeting of the new Parliament, The Opposition Caucus was quite unanimous in leaving tbe negotiations in the hands of the four chiefs above-named,/ At the Opposition Caucus several members said they intended to exercise their individual,right of opposing the Bill through all the stages, but in no ways factionsly.