GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1004, 13 September 1877, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Telegraph.] [per press agency.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, September 13. The Colonial Secretary replied to the Hon. Mr Hall that 300 additional trucks for all of the Canterbury railways had been ordered early last July from England ; that some may be expected early in January ; and that there would be 480 more trucks this grain season than last. On the motion of Mr Hall it was resolved to ascertain by telegraph when the ironwork for the additional trucks is likely to arrive, Mr Hall obtained leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Canterbury Domains Act. The second reading was ordered for next Tuesday. On the motion of the Hon Mr Acland it was ordered that copies of reports as to drainage to the protective works on Ashburton railway bridge, together with the cost of repairing same, be laid on the table. The Destitute Persons Bill passed through committee. The third reading ordered for (he next sitting. The Timaru Mechanics' Institute Bill passed. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, Sept. 11.—Evening Sitting. Wednesday, September 12. The House met at 2.30, leave op absence. Fourteen days’ leave of absence was granted to Mr Button. In reply to Mr Dignan, Major Atkinson said there was no intention to introduce a Bill to amend the Savings Bank Act. Mr McLean, in reply to Mr Travers, said he would inquire regarding the expense and necessity of connecting the Brothers Lighthouse with flip main land by telegraph. new bills introduced. Dunedin Reserves Bill (Larnach), Dunedin Gas and Waterworks Bill (Larnach), Lawrence Municipal Reserves Leasing Bill (J. C. Brown). colonial manufactures. Mr Burns moved—“ That Government be | nested to ouil tor tenders within the colony

for any further rolling stock and other plant required for railway purposes; also for any timber and iron piles and other iron and wood work required for bridges, wharves, and all other public works in course of construction by the Government, or by contractors under Government; also for any iron or wooden ships of any class, dredges, lighters, &c., required for the public service of the colony ; and that a clause be inserted in every specification giving sufficient time for the execution anti delivery of first articles required.” He referred to his exertions in this direction last year, and to the Dunedin meeting and petitions presented on the subject. He denied that the question was one between free trade and protection, as they simply asked the Government, in spending public money, to encourage and support local manufactures. He contended that the request was fair and reasonable. He believed that rolling stock of all kinds could be manufactured here which would be a credit to the colony. Greater things had been accomplished in other countries as w.-ll as here. He believed the Hinemoa and 8 Leila could have been built more cheaply either in Auckland or Otago than they had cost at home, and he read letters to prove this. Equally good and cheap railway plant had been manufactured in the colony as any imported. He only asked for a fair trial, even if it was made in the Government workshops alone in the first instance. Mr Sheehan moved an amendment in the shape of an addition calling on the Government to use New Zealand coal instead of Newcastle on railways and in all Government offices. He pointed out the advantage of such a course. Mr Ormond admitted the importance of the question and Mr Burns’s exertions. Engineers had already been instructed to prepare estimates of all rolling stock required for the next three years, so as to enable the Government to call for tenders within the colony, giving ample time for making it. The engineers were also instructed to report what portions of stock would be best manufactured in the colony. The Government would carefully consider this report, using discretion with the full intention to get everything made in the colony which could be. He believed New Zealand timber to be equally good with much that was im ported. Experiments had shown that totara was superior to jarrah as piles in resisting the teredo navalis. Steps were being taken to prove this. The Port Chalmers workshop should be utilised as far as possible in making rolling stock for the Railways Department, but would not be used unduly. It was necessary to provide constant work for the staff required to be kept up for the graving dock. But, apart from this, the tender system would be adopted as far as possible. The cost of colonially manufactured goods was rapidly approaching that of imported goods. The Government desired to use New Zealand coals wherever suitable, and it could be used. The Government would therefore accept both the motion [and amendment, and give effect to them as far as is practicable, Mr Macandrew thought if the matter were left to the engineers to report, nothing would be done. The Government should take the bidl by the horns, and order in the colony every article which could be produced here, even if it cost a little more. He would further move as an addition “ That all orders recently sent home for rolling stock be countermanded by telegraph, and tenders ordered in the colony for what was wanted.” Mr Ormond objected to Mr Macandrew’s amendment. If the orders already sent were countermanded, the traffic on the busiest lines would be seriously interfered with, as the rolling stock for them was urgently required. Mr Macandrew said he only intended to refer to orders on the way home. Mr Ormond thought the Government had gone far enough in agreeing to the proposal of Mr Burns and Mr Sheehan. There were no orders sent home, except for a few locomotives which coidd not be manufactured here, and were urgently required. Except orders actually in course of manufacture at home, he had within the last month refused to authorise sending home an order for £9OOO worth of stores, because they could be supplied in the colony, Mr Reid objected to Mr Macandrew’a amendment, but supported the motion. Mr Macfarlane said wheels, axles, and springs for the locomotives required might be imported, but beyond this locally manufactured engines were, he found by experience, superior to those imported. Mr Seaton quoted his instructions as emigration agent, to show that inducements were held out to skilled mechanics to come here, and urged it was the duty of the colony to provide them with employment now that they were here. Mr Montgomery thought local manufactures should be preferred if they did not cost I above 10 per [cent, above the imported articles. Mr Travers quoted the report of the Engineer-in-Chief in Sydney to show that locomotives could not be profitably made there. He advised caution in the matter. Mr Richardson concurred with Mr Travers. After further remarks from Mr Gisborne, Mr Pyke, Mr Gibbs, Mr Murray-Aynsley, and Mr Bastings, the House divided on Mr Macandrew’s addition. Ayes, 20 ; Noes, 33. Mr Stout moved another addition, providing that specifications for works should require all articles which could be manufactured in the colony to be so. After discussion this was rejected on a division of 28 to 27. The debate on the original motion was interrupted