PARLIAMENTARY.

Kaikoura Star, 29 July 1898, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY.

WELLINGTON, July 27

On Tuesday, in Council, a motion that in the opinion of the Council the Legislative Council Reform Bill be proceeded with without further delay was lost on the voices. In the House consideration of the Banking Bill was resumed at 7.30. At clause 5, relating to directors to be appointed by shareholders, the Premier moved an amendment that instead of two directors retiring at same time they should retire alternately. He wished to restrict discussion to the question before Committee, and in consequence Russell moved that the Chairman leave the chair. This was debated till midnight, when it was negatived and clause 5 passed. Clause 6, dealing with when directors shall take office and abolishing the office of President, was next considered. Rolleston moved to report progress, with the understanding that if carried the Bill be referred to Public Accounts Committee. He condemned present Bill, and said the proper course was to get rid of the bank. The Premier opposed Rolleston’s motion, which was carried by 31 to 30. House rose at 1.25 a.m.

Thursday. In the House, on Wednesday afternoon, the Premier proposed that private Members’ business be postponed in order to proceed with the Banking Bill. Russell opposed the proposition, and tne Speaker said the House must be unanimous to allow the Premier’s proposal to be adopted. The Premier then moved that the House adjourn till 7.30, and said if carried he would consider it as an indication that Members wished to proceed with the Banking Bill. The motion was talked out till the dinner adjournment, and on resuming Russell consented to postponement of private business on condition that it was not made a precedent. As some Members asserted they voted for Rolleston’s motion of previous not with view of referring the £>lll 10 l/UUIIU AtCUUUIC WUiHiniCoUV, Rolleston again moved to report progress, which was negatived by 39 to 21. Part of the Bill abolishing office of President was carried. A motion by Millar to make offer of two years’ salary as compensation to Watson instead of one as proposed in Bill was carried by 37 to 22. House rose 1.15 a.m. Friday. In Council, Thursday, amendment in Vaccination Act, by Jennings, was negatived by 30 to 6. Shorthand Reporters and Official Documents Bills were passed, also Fisheries Conservation. In House, Hospital Act Amendment, Road Districts Valuation, Fisheries Conservation, Official Documents and, Shorthand Reporters Bills were read first time. On a motion that Imprest Supply Bill be referred to Committee of Supply, Duthie moved that the House is of opinion that the operations of the tariff of 1895 should be enquired into by Public Accounts Committee and a report furnished this session. Seddon took this as a Want of Confidence motion, although the Speaker decided otherwise. After a long debate the motion was negatived by 37 to 20. 'lhe Bill passed all stages.