PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 263, 6 November 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, Monday. The no confidence debate was resumed by Mr Hamlin, who warmly defended the conduct of the present Ministry and condemned that of the Opposition. The country had been saved from war by the Native Lands Bill not being passed. He contended that the present Ministry was at least entitled to a fair trial. If the preaent Government were turned out he believed a native war would shortly ensue. Keeping the present Ministry in office would open up the country aud conciliate the natives. Mr Tole warmly supported the present Ministry, and condemned Major Atkinson's conduct, which was actuated simply by a desire to get back to office, Even if defeated on the present motion he maintained that the present Ministry was fully justified in refusing to resign till the course of legislation was interrupted. Mr W. Wood thought it improper to proceed with this no confidence motion till the Governor's answer to the resolution of the House on the Privilege question was received. He would accordingly move the adjournment of the debate. Mr Rees strongly supported this, contending that if the Governor continued to defy the House on the question of privilege Ministers would have to consider their position as to whether they would remain the Governor's advisers. He thought it open to question whether there was constitutionally any Governor or auy Executive in the colony. If the Governor continued to defy the House it would have to consider whether it would proceed to any more business under him. After some further discussion the Speaker by consent of the House left the chair till 7*30 p.m. The Governors' reply to the address concerning tbe report of the Committee of Privileges after acknowledging the receipt says he has referred the question to his responsible advisers. When he had received their advice he would communicate further with tbe House. The following is the Committee's report: — The Select Committee appointed to search for precedents and report to the House in relation to the question of privilege raised by Mr Stout report as follows :— Your Committee in obedience to the urgency imposed on them by the House met immediately after the adjournment of the Hou3e on Friday last aud have since then given undivided attention to the subject remitted to them. Ample discussions have taken place and a careful search after precedent has been instituted. Your Committte find that the precedents examined and the records of Parliament, aud writers on constitutional history passim established or recognise the principal that any notice by the Crown o any matter in agitation or debate iv Parlia-f ment except by information or agreement of Parliament is au infringement of the privileges of Parliament. They apply this principle to the memorandum of the Governor of 27th October as laid on the table of the House of Representatives by command of his Excellency upon the advice of his Ministers, upon a question, to which he otherwise raises no objection, on the distinct ground thata vote of want of confidence in his Ministers is pending (the exact words of memo iv which tho Governor declines to appoint Mr Wilson are quoted.) Uuder thi3 view your committee have been unable to come to any other conclusion thau the following : — That the action of his Excellency the Governor is noticing the matter ia agitation or debate in the House, as a reason for refusing to accede to the advice tendered by his Ministers, was as infringement of the privileges of the House. Tuesday. The House met at 7*30 last night. After the Governor's iressage was read, Sir G. Grey asked that the House should adjourn to allow Ministers time for consideration. Mr M'Lean said he had called for a division on the privilege question because he thought it a paltry one. The Speaker ruled that 3uch a reference was out of order. Mr M'Lean thought the question would never have been heard of had not Ministers wanted to gain time. The Speaker again ruled such a remark out of order. Mr M'Lean held that the adjournment was only asked for to enable Ministers to escape a division on the no confidence motion, and to resign on the question of privilege. They should face it like men and not run away. The House should not adjourn till tbe want of confidence division had tikcn place. Mr Moorhouse opposed the adjournment. Mr Fox thought it necessary to oppose the adjournment to show that the Opposition weie not responsible for the great loss of time now going on, but this being understood, the position of difficulty in which Ministers were placed should be recognised, and the adjournment they asked for be given. Mr Wakefield considered tliat Major Atkinson was the person responsible for the waste of time by having brought down a most unconstitutional and improper motion. He characterised Mr Fox's conduct as a dodge to throw on the Government the odium of delay. The motion for the adjournment of the debate was agreed to and the House rose at 8 o'clock.