LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 249, 11 October 1876, Page 2

LA TEST TELEGRAMS.

[Press Agency.] PARLIAMENTARY. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington*, Tuesday. The Legislative Council to-day agreed to a resolution moved by Mr Waterhouse, that two Ministers should have seats iv the Council. The Eorests Act Repeal Bill was thrown out. In Committee the Council considered postponed clauses in the Municipal Corporations Bill, and reported progress; also, the Public "Works Bill. In reply to the following question by Mr Bonar:— "AVhether, in view ofthe rapidly increasing population at the Kumara, the fact that the supply of water for that goldfield is very limited in extent, and that the principal source of supply has been reserved by the Government for the Waimea Water Pace, Government will take immediate steps for the completion of head works of such race, so as to admit of the full quantity of water the race has been constructed for and is capable of carrying, being brought in for the above purpose," Dr Pollen said careful consideration had been given to the subject, and it MI been determined 1.0 ask for power to complete the head work for the Waimea Water Pace. In reply to Captain Fraser as to alleged remissness on the part of the Customs authorities at Wellington re steamer Mwlau, Dr. Pollen read a statement from the Secretary ot: Customs, showing that the Matau had taken no more passengers than was allowed in the trade between Australia and New Zealand, and that her deck cargo consisted only of 20 cases kerosene and three iron tanks. HOUSE OF liKPUEBENTATIVJCS. Wellington**, Tuesday. The House met at 2..'i0 p.m. to-day. Mr Thomson gave notice of motion that tho next session of the General Assembly be held at Dunedin, A month's leave of absence was granted lo Mi- Macandrew. In reply to Mr Harp:r, Mr Bowen said the 'Government did not intend takiug any steps "this year towards increasing the salaries of Judges of ihe Supreme Court. Ju reply to Mr Button, Mr Richardson said ttlnat although the government did not intend at the begining of the !>cssion to complete the Waimea Water Kace immediately, yet, consequence of the expansion of tlie Kumara tush, they reconsidered their decision, aud

would be prepared to lay certain proposals before the House with a view to the immediate completion of the Waimea Race. Upon the order for going into Committee ot Supply Sir George Grey moved for a Select Oommittee to inquire into the expenses of r r , ?? Vo ° el ' s two missions to Europe. Ibe Premier had no objection to the inquiry, but asked that it be placed in the hands of the Public Accouuts Committee, that being the proper body to undertake such a task. This led toa sharp and tolerably long discussion, Sir George Grey pressing bis motion, strongly supported by Mr Rees. who called the Accounts Committee a packed one, aud said the Government were afraid of the inquiry. Mr Stafford on behalf of the Public Accounts Committee, threw the insinuation back in his teeth, saying that whatever the Accounts Committee might be, tbere was no doubt tbat the Committee Sir George Grey wished to appoint was composed of threefourths of persons hostile to Sir Julius Yogel, but the case for inquiry was of that kind that he thought it mattered little which of them inquired into it. All that was to be done was to make up certain details in the accounts, aud see what they came to. Sir George Grey's motion was lost by 39 to 23. J Another division being taken on putting the Premier's amendment, it was carried by 48 to 16. J On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mr Montgomery spoke at some length on the financial position of the colony, the basis of his deduction being the supplementary financial statement of the Treasurer. The hou. gentleman endeavored to make out that the Treasurer was wrong in his estimates and calculations; tbat tbe colony was standing on dangerous ground; that, instead of there being a balance of £50,000 to tbe good, we had gone to the bad £300,000 last year; that it was time to put our bouse in order, aud fairly face our difficulties by making considerable reductions in every department and placing a tax upon property. Sir George Grey wanted the debate adjourned till the Treasurer answered Mr Montgomery's statements. Major Atkinson said he would not answer every speech made, but let the debate go on, and at tbe proper time be would undertake to show that the member for Akaroa had not spoken to one of tbe facts and figures in bis statement. Mr Stout tben continued the debate until half -past 5. T „ TT , Wednesday. In the House the greater portion of last night was taken up with a discussion on the finance of the colony. Mr Stout argued that tlie Ministry were utterly unable to cope witb the finance of the colony and generally criticised their administration. Mr G. M'Lean replied to him from a compilation of figures based on the Otago Provincial estimates to show that the province would not loseby the impending change in administration where it took place Mr Rees treated the matter iua jocular speech. J *" Mr Brown said that Mr Montgomery took too gloomy a view of the position of the colony, and pointed out that the hon member had uot distinguished between tlie issue of Treasury Bills for the purpose of balancing' and as a permanent arrangement. °' Mr Stevens reviewed the finance at some length He dealt with the bauking account and alluded to the promise given to the Bank last year as to tbe legislation during the present session, He hoped Lhe present Government would not again put themselves in such a position There was no doubt there was a financial difficulty which had arisen throuirh tbe expenditure of public money with too great baste. The proposals of Government as to the land fuud would not bear criticism and the Treasurer candidly admitted it In bis opinion, however, no other course was open, and as a first step towards retrenchment they should all go borne as soon as possible and leave the Government to make the necessary arrangements. If they were to carry on the business of the country they must recast the present system. After some further discussion Sir G Grey wanted progress reported as he wished to move a resolution. He and many others thought that the estimates could be reduc-ivl by £100,000. c-aun.i.l Major Atkinson said tbey were not prepared to make such a reduction at one sweep as it would not be prudent. He would give way to no man in bis desire to make reductions. The House then went into committee aud passed a number of items. Several proposed increases under tbe head "Legislative "were struck out, but two large reductions attempted .o be made by Mr Burnes and Sir G Grey were lost. ' J Progress was reported at 2.30 when the Hoase adjourned.