GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1054, 13 November 1877, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Telegraph.] [peb peess agency.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Monday, Novemreb 12. The Auckland College and Grammar School Bill was read a third time ; the Wyndham Recreation Reserves Bill ordered to bo committed next sitting day; the Onehunga Endowment Aot was read a first time. The Council adjourned until 7.30 p.m. out of respect to the late Mr Ludlam, and to enable members to attend his funeral. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, Novembeb 12. The House met at 2.30 p.m. new bill. The following new Bill was introduced by Mr Labnach—Civil List Act Amendment Bill. THE LATE ME LTTDLASI. Sir G. Grey moved the adjournment of the House till 7.30, to enable members to attend the funeral of the late Mr Alfred Ludlam, a former member of the House, and an old colonist, who had rendered valuable service to the colony. Mr Stafford seconded the motion, and said he would be glad to see the adjournment made until to-morrow, as a mark of respect to the memory of deceased. Sir G. Gkey <;ould not consent to a longer adjournment at the present etago of the session. The Speaker then left the cliair till 7.30. Evening Sitting. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr Sheehan laid on the table a telegram from Major Te Wkero to Sir G, Grey,

stating that Tawhaio was collecting food for an expected visit from Sir Or. Grey. In reply to Major Atkinson, Mr Larnach said he would give notice before bringing down another Imprest Supply Bill. THE PRIVILEGE DEBATE. Major Atkinson moved the adjournment of the privilege debate for a week. The whole argument had been fairly replied to, therefore there was no reason for going on with the debate. The whole question to be referred to the House was one of constitutional law, not one affecting the privileges of the House, and the time of the House would therefore be better occupied in discussing the Land Bill than in discussing this subject. Mr Stout thought Major Atkinson was treating Mr Travers very badly. He was evidently afraid that if the debate went on Mr Travers'e motion would be carried, and he would be sent for to form a. Ministry instead of Major Atkinson. If the debate were adjourned for a week the House could not reply to what was before it on this case, and an ex parte statement woidd go home by the mail next week. Major Atkinson's anxiety to get on with the business now came rather strangely after his recent threat to obstruct all business till his no-confidence motion was discussed. It was very unkind of Major Atkinson to check Mr Traverses ambition to become leader of the Opposition. Mr Gisborne would have supported the adjournment if a mail did not leave for England in the interval, but he objected altogether to the view set forth by the Governor that the House could not determine the extent to which the Ministry were responsible to Parliament. He objected to any such question being referred to the Secretary of State. The House was perfectly competent to decide on such a question. Had Mr Travers moved his motion, he would have moved an amendment respectfully but firmly asserting the right of the House to determine for itself the constitutional relations of Ministers to Parliament, and objecting to refer to the Secretary of State any such question. The views advanced by the Governor were dangerous to the first principles of constitutional Government, and if an adjournment would interfere with the House asserting these principles, he would oppose it. Mr Reynolds opposed the adjournment. The debate was proceeding at 8 p.m.