PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1761, 11 October 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

fßr Telegbaph.]

rPBOM OtTB COBBESPONDBNTS.] WELLINGTON, October 10. The members of the new Government took their seats this afternoon, and the new Premier made a good statement of the intentions of the Government, and related some damaging facts that had already forced themselves on his attention. Major Atkinson followed, and gave the House a little warning of the unpleasant revelations that may be expected from him next Tuesday. The Triennial Parliament Bill, which stood on the paper for first reading, was proceeded with after Sir G. Grey had etood up to claim it as his, the Speaker ruling that it had now become a legacy to his successors. Oddly enough after Mr Hall had pointed out that, although to prevent loss of time the Government had taken the Bill that had reached the stage of a second reading, they would not adopt the Bill in its present form, which would be a mere sham and delusion, as it was to allow this present Parliament to exist five years, and only to limit the duration of future Parliaments, consequently it would have no effect for eight years. Mr Gisborne immediately stood up and declared that it was not the late Government's Bill at all, but the Bill introduced in 1878. Unfortunately for thiß assertion the Bill of 1878 was introduced by Dr. Wallis, and this one was moßt legibly branded " Sir G. Grey." As soon as the discussion on the Bill began, Mr Sheehan proposed the adjournment of the House, and his party commenced Btonewalling, determined that nothing should be be done. This waß firmly met by the Government, who assured the Opposition that, having seen so much that was lamentable in the state of the Government offices and Government practice, nothing should induce them to leave their present position until they had done their duty to the House and the country by going to the bottom of transactions that looked so exceedingly auspicious. The wasteful expenditure and the reckless disregard of all legitimate means to meet it is something that either will or ought to startle the country. Soon after eight o'clock, the House divided on the adjournment of the debate on the Triennial Parliaments Bill, when thirty-eight voted for it and thirty-six against it. Messrs Russell and Ormond had left Wellington without leaving pairs. Messrs Pyke and Stewart deserted the Government party, as it was known they would do.