PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1010, 22 February 1912, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

THE ADDRESS IN REPLY,

AND NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Sunday Labour Bill, legislative Amendment Bill and Proportional Representation Bill (Mr Fisher) were read the first time. The Legislative Amendment Bill and Local Government Bill (the Premier) were brought down by Governor’s message, and read a first time. Sir Joseph Ward gave a general outline of the provisions of the Local Gevernmeut Bill, which contains over 400 clauses. Mr V. Reed moved the adoption of the Address-in-Repfy, and Mr J, C. Richardson seconded it. The latter, who carried the debate into the evening sitting, was followed by the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Massey moved to add to the motion: “In conclusion, we deem it our duty to represent to your Excellency that your Excellency’s advisors do not possess the confidence of the House.” With regard to borrowing, the Reform Party knew perfectly well there would have to be borrowing, but not more than was necessary must be spent and then in a proper manner. He sincerely hoped the change in government had not been too long delayed. He hoped the country would not suffer by the delay. He did not want to force such a thing, but he was quite willing to face a general election. The principal objection was to the Government’s administration, not their legislation.

Mr H. R. Rhodes seconded Mr Massey’s amendment. Then came the Premier. Sir Joseph Ward said the votes polled by the Opposition—not Labour or Independents—were 172,478, and for the Liberals 235,918. Did that look as if the country had lost confidence in the Liberals ? The Premier denied that he had ever introduced religious questions into anything. He quoted figures to show that in the Post and Telegraph Department there were 4800 servants, of which 742 were Roman Catholics. Of 331 telegraph boys 20 were Catholics. In the Railway Department there were 12,500 in the service, 15 per cent being Catholics. He had no financial interest in any business outside hi? own and one or two newspapers. He had been accused of receiving ,£125,000 out of a loan which cost only ,£lll,OOO to raise. He had not got as many properties now as he had ten years ago. It his Government went out of office he was willing to serve in the ranks of the Liberals. The debate was carried on by Mr J. Allen, and the adjournment of the debate was agreed to at 11.55 P- m> ou l-^ l2 motion of Mr Payne. Tire Address-iu-Reply debate and Mr Massey’s no-confidence amendment was continued yesterday afternoon and evening. The Hon. J. A. Millar opened and scathingly criticised the Opposition campaign, which he characterised as the dirtiest on record. “ Now I have only to add this,” the Minister concluded “Like my chief, if my resignation will be of service to the party it will be given in at any lime. I have no desire to retain office unless I can do some good to the party and retain their support. I have had a good spell in office, and if my clearing out can do any good, in the interests of the party, I will, like my chief, go out.” (Applause.)

Mr A. L. D. Herdmau followed with charges against the Government, and after Mr G. W. Russell bad replied on behalf of the Government, the debate was adjourned until this afternoon.