PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 207, 1 September 1871, Page 2

PAR LI AM E N TARY.

0 The following telegrams are from this morning's Colonist : — Mr. Collins asked whether over £50,000 was obtained from the Controller for the ostensible object of paying off certain debentures due within the year, and whether the money had been applied to the purpose for which it was issued by the Controller, or if it had been applied to other purposes. Mr. Yogel replied to the effect that the Government had found it inconvenient to pay off certain Treasury bills held by the Trust Fund, and had applied the money to other purposes. They had nothing to conceal in the matter. Mr. Collins moved that the answer be entered in the Journals of the House, characterising the transaction as financial thimble-rigging. Mr. Reader Wood said it showed the inefficiency and absurdity of the system of control, and hoped it would lead the House to save the expense of keeping up that system. Mr. Yogel said that the Controller's time was chiefly occupied by disputes with the Government, wbich, though courteously conducted, were very unpleasant. The Controller acted in a most conscientious manner, but in the present instance seemed to have the deliberate intention of injuring the credit of the Colony. All the necessary duties of the office could be better performed by the Auditor-General, and the Government would probably bring the matter under the notice of the House. The Attorney- General's opinion differed from the Controller's in the present case. Mr. Gillies said the present system of control was sufficient with an honest Government, but not with an unscrupulous one. It was unfair to speak, as had been done, of an absent official. Mr. Gisborne said that in the present transaction the Government had followed the example of its predecessors, but did not defend the practice. .* Mr. Stafford denied all knowledge of any similar transaction. Mr. Hall defended the Controller's usefulness, and admitted having once, under special circumstances, acted in regard to a small sum as the Government bad in regard to the sum alluded to. He had, however, at the earliest opportunity, brought the matter before the House. Messrs. Reynolds, M'Gillivray, and Bunny defended the Government. . After some further debate the motion was withdrawn., Mr. Stafford has given notice of motion for the appointment of a Committee to enquire into the management aud administration of the telegraph department.