GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1449, 8 October 1878, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

* [per press agency ] HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, October 7. The House met at 7.30, drainage bill. In reply to Mr Kenny, The Premier said the Government did not propose to introduce a Drainage Bill this session. They were collecting information on the subject in Europe. If that arrived in time they would prepare a Bill during the recess. EDUCATION BOARDS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES. In reply to Mr Hobbs, Mr Ballance said the Boards of Education had a right to distribute money amongst public libraries, and if they did not pay it in cash they could hand it over in books. BEER DUTY BILL. Mr Wason hoped the whole of the Bills would be withdrawn, and the session brought to a close as soon as possible, Mr Pyke condemned the Government for their ignominious retreat at the first reverse, especially after their supporters had been told that the Government would stand or fall by their Bills. lie was prepared to follow his leaders to any length, if they were only bold enough to have the courage of their convictions, and were prepared to act boldly. He blamed the Government for not treating their followers in a frank and straightforward manner, because it was rumored in the lobbies that the Government had told some of their own supporters that it was a matter of indifference as to whether they voted for the Beer Bill. He, at the same time, denied that there had been any triumph for the Opposition, because nine Government supporters voted with them. Mr Barfp condemned the Government for not having been aware weeks ago that it was impossible to carry the Bill, and he objected to be cajoled or intimidated as to how he should vote. Mr Ballance said the withdrawal of the Bill was the result of an accident. Had it not been for the difficulty over pairs the Bill would have been carried. As to the statement which had been reiterated and reiterated that ho stated that the Governmen t would stand or fall by these two Bills, he could only say that the statement was not founded on fact, though it was quite true that he asked the House to take the Government proposals as a fiscal whole. The member for Egmont, the leader of the Opposition, took credit for the rejection of the Beer Bill, but he would afford the hon. gentleman and his party an opportunity of testing that on the amendment of the hon. member for the Manawatu. In the course Government had adopted he claimed that they had taken the constitutional and usual course by withdrawing the Bill, when it was found that a majority of the House were against it. It was not the people, nor the publicans, who agitated against the Bill, but the influence which was so industrious in lobbying for some time. As to the reinstatement of the amount lost by these Bills, the Government did not think fresh taxation proposals should be submitted this session. It was impossible for them to do justice to themselves to prepare any fresh scheme of finance at present.

Sir R. Douglas said if the Opposition had been factious they would have objected to a breach of Standing Orders, which was committed by the House sitting after 5.30 on Friday. Dr. Wallis considered the conduct of the Opposition regarding this Bill as petty, unreasonable, and altogether discreditable. He was not sorry that Ministers had received a check over the Beer Bill, because it was as well they should be reminded that they were only mortal. He was prepared to sacrifice a good deal for the Ministry; but there was a limit beyond which it was not possible for their supporters to follow them. He ridiculed the idea of the Opposition claiming a victory. Instead of being conquerors, they were tools who had been used by the G-overn-ment supporters, who were anxious to oppose the Bill.

Mr Russell said while it was always a pleasure to listen to the Treasurer when he made a set speech, but that night he had made the weakest speech he ever listened to from him.

Mr Johnston proceeded to reply to the principal arguments used in support of the Bill, and afterwards attacked the Premier for his action re the Land Bill last session, and the Ministry for the alleged “roll-stuffing ” at the Bay of Islands. He then announced that he would ask permission to withdraw his amendment.

Mr Sheehan objected to the withdrawal. Mr Johnston’s amendment was then negatived on the voices.

The second reading of the Bill was fixed for to-morrow.

Mr Whitakeb asked the ruling of the Speaker regarding the House at last sitting continuing after 5.30, because if what Sir R. Douglas said wore upheld all the proceedings which occurred then—all their business—:would bo rendered invalid. The Speakeb said he would look carefully into the question, and give his ruling to-mor-row. COMPANIES DUTY BILL. The Companies Income Duty Bill is withdrawn. SUPPLY. The House is now in Committee of Supply.