GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1887, 24 August 1874, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FURTHER MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS. [anglo-austkaliajs- press telegraph AGENCY.] .

Wellington, Aug. 22. Upon the House resuming last night, Mr Yogel stated that acting upon the request of the Committee he had brought down a clause to be inserted in the Public Works Advances Bill, {'providing that L 15,000 should be given to Wellington in connection, with the Manawatu land claims, butthat the money was to be devoted to public works, to be submitted to the Minister of Works for approval, and that the interest and sinking fund should be charged against the Provinces. He informed the House that he cousidered the claim unjust, and that the Government would oppose it. Mr Brandon objected to a debate which was closed, being re-opened by the Government opposing the appropriation a< every stage. Mr Macandrew said .if the Colony owed it to Wellington, give them the money unfettered, and let them blowit iuto the B ea if they liked. The House had already

sanctioned the appropriation by a majority of four. Mr Fitzherberfc : The Colony had acknowledged it owed Wellington L 15,000 (cries of "No, no," and "hear, hear," aud considerable noise), and the Premier in a vindictive spirit, and in the plentitude of power, said we will lend you the money, and charge you interest and sinking fund. That was a new way of paying an old debt. Still, although it was hard lines, he would accept the clause, restrictions and ail ; but would tell the hor. the gentleman at the head of the Government if he or auy other man treated the House in that way he would not long have a majority at his back.

The Premier gave a most unqualified denial that the Speaker's report admitted the Colony owed Wellington LI 5,000. It was a gross mis-statement. He denied emphatically being actuated by any feeling of vindictiveness against Wellington or its Superintendent. He had done all a man could do to promote the prosperity of Wellington, and to extricate her from her difficulties. He had experienced more tronble from the Superintendent and Proviuc.ial Secretary of Wellington than from all the other Provinces put together. Had the Government powerto remove the Superintendent, he would have done so over the Audit case, and was confident the House would have vindicated him. Mr Fitzherbert reiterated the charge and accused the Premier of condncb unworthy of a Prime Minister in the Audit case, and of colluding and conspiring with members of the Provincial Council. He threatened the Premier he would not long wield his present power.

Mr Fox defended the Premier. He said that during the four year 3he was at the head of the Ministry, Wellington counld not possibly have a more anxious, indefatigable, and greater friend than Mr Yogel. He went on to detail the shockingly depressed state of Wellington at that period., and enumerated many specific acts of assistance the Province had received from the Government. He strongly protested against this constant whine, like an old blind beggar man, with a dog and a dish, crying out to pity the sorrows of a poor old man, and poor persecuted Wellington. He challenged the hon. member to prove a single instance of persecution or injustice. After more discussion,

Mr Pearce said he regretted that the Premier and the Superintendent could not argue peaceably. A division ■ was called, and the clause was defeated by 31 to 25. The report uf -fclio Ward-Chapman Committee was read. It stated that the " Otago Daily Times" got the telegrams from Mr Macassey, but did not know how he got them. The evidence showed a distinct charge of perjury against some one, and recommends the appointment of a Royal Commission to move and thoroughly investigate the case. , They found there had been irregularities at the telegraph office of Oamaru, but that the. clerks gave evidence so frank and straightforwardly, that the Committee recommended their misconduct be overlooked. ' Bills passed— Gold-fields Act No. !2, Municipal Corporation Act Amendmerit Bill. : ' ■ ■-;;• ;. ■ .;;■,'.{ .... On . the 'motion of Mr I. L. Shepherd the Government promised to give a return as far as possible of the land sold and alienated since the foundation of -the Colony, and the amount received for the same.