PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 191, 12 August 1880, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, Thursday. On the House resuming last night, Mr Whitaker introduced the Hamilton and Cambridge, and Hamilton and Ohaupo Railway Bills. On the motion to go into Committee of Supply, Mr Pyke moved " That this House is of opinion that the reporfc of the Royal Commission on Railways, so far as it deals with lines which never have been submitted to or sanctioned by Parliament, is unnecessary and uncalled for ; tbat, in so far as it condemns railway lines, the construction of which) has, after due consideration and care-' ful inquiry, -been sanctioned by the House, the said report has not sufficient foundation, and should be regarded as a mere expression of individual opinion hastily formed without any special knowledge or experience on the subject, and that it would therefore be unwise and highly detrimental to the besfc interests of the colony for the Government to shape its public, works policy upon the opinions and recommendations embodied in the said report.." He strongly condemned the report, especially regarding the Otago Central Line, which, he stated, the Commissioners had condemned without inspection, and contrary to evidence. Messrs Fulton and Stewart supported Mr Pyke. Mr Shrimßki defended the report. Mr Levien strongly condemned the report on the Foxton- Wellington u line, as contrary to evidence. Dr Wallis thought the report an admirable, honest, and straightforward one. Mr Whitaker also supported the report. Mr Oliver stated that, although the Government were hot prepared to accept all the recommendations, they regarded tho report as a most valuable one. Sir W. Fox, while uot agreeing with Mr Pyke's resolution, condemned the report on the'Foxton-Wellington line. Mr Reeves condemned the report generally, and Messrs Hurst and Harris supported it. Mr Wright moved the adjournment of the debate, and the House rose at 1230 a.m.