HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 253, 25 October 1877, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Wednesday. 1 he House met at 2*30 this afternoon. Major Atkinson gave notice that he would move to-morrow, " That the House has no confidence in the Government." Messrs Bunny and Bastings hoped the motion would be postponed till Friday, so as to allow private members' business to go on. Replying to questions Ministers said—(l.) The Government would consider the question of increasing the pension of ex-Chief Justice Martin. (2.) They would refer the report of the Royal Commission on the Nelson Luuatic Asylum to the Law Officers with the view of ascertaining if there were sufficient grouuds to criminally prosecute Thomas Butler and John William Tatton. (3.) Would endeavor to amend the Jury Act so as to enable special Jurors to be paid by the day not by the case. (4.) The railway bridge to Balclutha would be completed by the 'Ist of December. (5.) It the people of Canterbury wished the Government would bring the Regulation of Mines Act into force in that district. (6 ) Ten tons of coal had been sent from Canterbury to Auckland to be tried on suitable locomotives. (7.) Would allow William Moody, of Kakanui, to land sheep, subject to a guarantee, as recommended by the Public Petitions Committee. The Milford Harbor Bill was introduced bv Mr Wakefield. J Sir R. Douglas wished to obtain leave to introduce a Bill appropriating all the waste lands north or Auckland to the jmnrovement of harbors, construction of public works, and establishment and maintenance of public institutions in the district; but Ministers refused to recommend that leave be ■ granted. Sir George Grey complained of the conduct of Major Atkinson in bring down a motion of want of confidence without allowing the Government time to look into financial affairs and make out the Financial Statement. They had not had one clear day since they took office, and were not in possession of all the necessary information. He would therefore move that the House adjourn till Friday at 7*30. Major Atkinson agreed to this, aud although several members wished to fo on with private business, the House adjourned.