GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 1006, 20 December 1879, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Friday, December 19. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Legislative Connell met at ted o’clock. Tile Hon-. Mr Whitaker pointed out how the action of the Council embarrassed the Government) and could not agree to striking out works they had under contract. He asked that the Bill be recommitted, for the pdrpose of restoring lines regarding which contracts had been entered into. The Government undertaking tb guarantee that no other works would be carried out, the Bill was recommitted. The item Waikato to Taranaki railWay line was struck out. Nelson and Greybiouth Railway,— The line from Nelson to Roundel!, and from Qreymoiith to Nelson Creek, with the Harbor works at Greymouth) to be carried out. The line from Pictoil to Hunlnui tb be made ; also the road from BictoU tb the Awatere, The Bast and West Coast lines tb Greymouth or Hokitika Were struck OUti The Appropriation Bill Was theil passed. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; When the bill came back to the HoUse of Representatives the striking out of the Waikato iind Taranaki line occasioned a Very strong debate, in which Messrs Moss and Gisborne strongly opposed the striking out, oil the ground that the work was national in character, as it Would pacificate the King country and obliterate the Native difficulty. It was unfair tb the House and the Auckland members ; and Aey suggested that Government was not sincere in the matter. The Hon. Mr Oliver said the action of the Council Would make but little difference* they would prosecute the surveys and explorations as rapidly as tneans permitted. The Hon; Mr Bryce denied there Was the slightest foundation for the statement that Rewi Was becoming estranged from the colony; The Hon. Mayor Atkinson said it was better to agree with the amendments) as they intended to prosecute the line, as soon as ever funds permitted. At three o’clock tlie members of the House were summoned to attend the Commissioners in the Legislative Council. The Commissioners appointed were Sir W. Fitzherbert, Hon. F. Whitaker, aiid Hon. John Johnson, but Mr Whitaker was not present, The commission being rCadj Sir W. Fitzherbert declared Parliament prorogued to Thursday, sth February;