HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 289, 6 December 1877, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Wednesday.

Replying to Mr. Woolcock, Sir George Grey promised, as soon as the date for the next meetiog of Parliament could be fixed, to let it be publicly known, but it was impossible at present to fix auy date. Some discussion took place over a message from the Legislative Council, stating that tbey had agreed to a standing order not to entertain private members bills not introduced a first time in the first month of the commencement of the session. A further communication was received from the Council, saying that this was not intended to apply to the present session, and agreeing to a suggestion from the House tbat both Chambers should take joint action at the beginning of next session.

The Middle Island Half -caste Crown Grants Bill, and the Rating Act Amendment Bill, were read a third time.

The Counties Act Amendment Bill was further considered in Committee.

A conference was asked concerning the Council's amendments in the Westland and Nelson Coal-fields Administration Bill.

The Public Revenues Bill, aud New Zealand Consolidated Stocks Bill, were read a second time.

Thursday. In moving the second reading of the Loan Bill, Sir G. Grey admitted that though authority to raise four millions was asked, it was not likely to be exercised immediately. It was necessary to clothe the Ministry with the authority to pay everybody in order to enable them to negotiate on fair terms with their creditors. Within eighteen months £1,500,000 would be required for public works; for immigration, £500,000; for provincial liabilities, £300,000 ; to repay advaucesf rom public works account, £1,000,000; and £832,000 iv Treasury bills. Iv all upwards of four million would be required. There were also guaranteed debentures to be redeemed if necessary. It was not absolutely necessary to pay oif either the Bank or the Treasury Bills, but ifc was desirable to have the power to do so if pressed. He pledged himself not to raise a penny more of the loan tban was absolutely necessary. Major Atkiusou declared the conduct of the Government in asking such powers oa such vague statements unprecedented. He denied the existence of half a niiliion of provincial liabilities. Those so called were mere speculative items from Otago, and if they were recognised the rest of the colony would have the right to demand at least half a million more. He criticised the details of Sir George Grey's stteainent, and challenged him to refer to the Public Accounts Committee to report whether he had not in his provided for all proper provincial liabilities aud other charges of the current year, and whether the consolidated fund would not bo able to repay the .£300,000 borrowed from the Public Works Account. He would oppose borrowing more thau two millions.

Sir G. Grey refused lo do auyfching of the kind. He said the Public Accounts Committee had been Jpicked for party purposes when nominated at the commencement ofthe session by the late Government. This was denied by several members, and a long discussion ensued.

Ultimately tj^e B^ll was read the second time.

The Public Revenues Bill passed through Committee.

Iv Committee on tlie Consolidation of Stocks JL3ilI, Sir W. Firzherbert said the process was desirable, but the time was inopportune.

Progress was then reported. The Counties Act Amendment Bill was read the third time, and the House rose at 1-35 a.m. till noon to-day.