PARLIAMENTARY

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 134, 2 July 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY

(From our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, July 1. The debate on the No-Confidence motion still continues dragging along. Until last night it had become most monotonous, the speech of one man being little better than the reiteration of the other. Acting, evidently, on the impression that it had well nigh run its tether, the Colonial Treasurer last night made a: grand review of the whole proceeding. He slashed the Opposition, i.e. the late Government, most unmercifully. He traced the Public, Works policy since its inauguration in 1870 to the present time reviewing in a most masterly manner, the relations of each successive Government to its administration. The whole burden of his narrative amounted to this : —That when the present Government took office, the financial affairs of the Colony were, in an utter state of confusion ; and that the \yJjole affair was on the verge of ruin. Temporary advances in anticipation of the five million loan, had to be, as it were, implored from the monetary institutions in London, to provide for interents on loans becoming due. In other words, the loan was anticipated before Parliamentary sanction had been obtained for its negotiation. The whole speech was a sad homily on the reckless indifference with which the financial affairs of the country were conducted, and proved the existing depression to have been its inevitable consequence. I need hardly atjd that the Treasurer follpwed up hia ex-

posure with a solemn exhortation upon the impropriety of such men being again entrusted with the administration of affairs. The debate is not yet ended. To-day Mr De Latour follows Mr Atkinson, on the Opposition card, and it is possible the thing will not be ended this week. The talk about Government defectionists and middle party opposition has now completely blown over. Indeed, it is more than ever apparent that the Government benches will not be deserted this session, or indeed until a new Parliament hss been elected, if even then. The new Representation Bill is looked forward to with interest. Although introduced and read a first time on Tuesday, it has not yet been completed. It is down for second reading this day eight days. It is rumored that an attempt will be made to impose an export duty of a halfpenny per lb on wool. A deputation from Blenheim re the Licensing Bill has reached Wellington, but they have not yet had an interview with the Treasurer on the subject of their mission. It is very questionable indeed if the Bill will pass at all this session.

[By Telegraph.] Friday Noon. The House divided last night at ten o’clock, when the numbers were, for the vote 45, against 30, being a majority for Government of 15. The proceedings were very stale. The House then went into Committee of Supply and was engaged up to the adjournment at 12.30 in discussing the principle upon which retrenchment should be carried out.

Mr Reader Wood proposed that 20 per cent, should be deducted from salaries of £6OO and upwards ; 15 per cent, on salaries between £3OO and £6OO ; and 10 per cent, between £IBO and £3OO ; that the AgentGeneral’s department be abolished ; 25 per cent, deducted from the honorariums of the members of House of Representatives, and 50 per cent, off of that of Legislative Councillors ; £50,000 deducted from the vote for Volunteers ; that Hansard should be abolished, and a large reduction in the number of servants made all round.

Much bitterness was expressed against the Civil Service, who were denounced as a class who had corrupted the public mind and otherwise demoralized the relations which should exist between master and servant.

The debate threatens to be very bad for the Service, not one word being said favorable to it.

The Hinemoa is to be laid up in ordinary, and officers and men have got notice of discharge.