Second Edition PARLIAMENT

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 November 1913, Page 3

Second Edition PARLIAMENT

TILE SIGNED ALL. [l'Klt I'ItESS ASSOCIATION.] A stonewall continues in Parliament against the Legislature Amendment Bill. In this bill the Government proposes to repeal the Second Ballot without providing immediately for any substitute beyond a first ballot on the old-time lines. The Government's intention is announced to be that they will introduce next session a bill to provide means for properly ascertaining- the will of the majorities of electors. The Opposition, however, contend that next session it will be found opportune to drop this bill, to the end that the Government Party may score a tactical advantage and secure election of its supporters by emergency votes. So there is much talk. "Wellington, This Day. The stonewall on the repeal of the Second Ballot Bill is proceeding. The House, at 2.25, took a division on Mr T. Wilf'oru's amendment, to delay the measure until .1915. This was lost by ;I >2 votes to 13. A motion by Mr Poland, "That the Chairman do leaA'e the Chair," was debated in rotation by eight Oppositionists, nntii 8 a.m., when it was lost on a division. At 8.28 a.m. the House adjourned for breakfast. "Wellington, Later. When the House resumed after breakfast, the "stonewall" was carried on by a fresh shift, including Sir Joseph Ward, for the first half-hour. 'l iie discussion was confined to the legal members of both sides, who wrangled over the question as to whether a certain amendment moved by Mr T. Seddon was admissable. The amendment was ruled out of order by Mr Statham (Deputy Chairman). Mr Thomson (Wallace) immediately proposed an addition of certain other words (which have no material importance) to the word "Act/' around which the debate has so far centred. Mr Russell then moved an addition of other words to Mr Thomson's amendment, on the ground that the former was "too bald," and the debate is now proceeding as to whether these words be added.