GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2558, 3 September 1884, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[united press association.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Wellington, September 2,

Tole, Dargaville, Moss, Grey, Peacok, and Moat presented petitions from women praying that the franchise under the Licensing Act be extended to females of mature age. Sir George Grey gave notice that he would introduce a bill to amend the Property Assessment Act, Gore gave notice that he would introduce a bill entitled the Workman’s Railway Act.

Atkinson intimated that at the request of Stout he had to ask for an adjournment till to-morrow at 2.30. He also intimated that he had tendered the resignation of his Government on Saturday morning.

Stcufc said the Governor had sent for him, and he had undertaken the formation of a Government. He hoped to succeed in doing so by the time they met to-morrow.

Joyce said that the proceedings of the last few weeks had brought representative government into actual contempt. He cited authorities to show that with the exception of this and one of the other colonies, members taking office in the Government had to stand re-election by their constituents. He suggested a motion to the effect that this practice should be brought into operation in this colony. He would on a future day move a resolution to this effect.

Trimble and Brown made suggestions with the view of getting the business proceeded with.

Atkinson did not share the opinion that the last three weeks had been wasted. Their most important function was to secure a satisfactory Government. There was no greet need for legislation, and that only left them the duty of redressing grievances. He objected to the proposal that members accepting office should go back to their

constituents. The proposal would be of use in the present crisis. He also objected to the preliminary business being gone on with until a Government was decided upon. The constitution of the various committees, for example, was a matter in which the Government in office had a right to have a preponderance of supporters. The House rose at 3.5 p.m.