GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 266, 11 August 1877, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[PRESS AGENCY;] HOUSE OF REPRESEHTA'PIVES, August ,IQj. The whole afternoon was occupied in discussing a question of adjournment. The Native Lands Court Bill cqmijng on, the Premier asked that it wpcjat* poned till Tuesday, when the Gov|rm, ment would state what they .prodpjMl to do with Mr Ballance’p amendments After some opposition to this, it was agreed to, when cries of- “adjourn-’ arose. Finally Mr Brown moved the adjournment. The Premier then explained the Bill was only a social one, and there was no reason why they’ should not. proceed, with other business. If a section ofthe House wished to treat the matter as a vital party question, it would be better to move a want of confidence voteatonce, when the Government would readily take up the challenged ‘ . A general discussion then ensued, which embraced many matters foreign to the point in dispute. Grey and Bees made charges of financial falsification, and were answered by the Premier. The gist ofthe arguments in favor of adjournment was, that the Govemmerit were in a precarious position j that

membere’s minds were disquieted regarding the Native Lands BUI, and other matters affecting their opinion as to the fitness of Ministers to administer, and while in that state they were not fit to approach the consideration of the Education Bill. The Government and its supporters urged that the Opposition desired to force them into a false position, by which it would appear they had adjourned to consider their position. It would be time enough to do that when the amendment was carried; it came from their own side and affected previous legislation so seriously that consideration was necessary. The debate was Interrupted by 5.30. After resuming at 7.30, Mr Sheehan said they were prepared to give up the question of adjournment, and listen to the Public Works statement, which Mr Ormond proceeded to deliver.