PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4818, 31 August 1876, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, August 30. The Hon. the Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’clock. PAPERS, ETC. Some papers were laid on the table by the Hon. Dr. Pollen. The Hon. Mr. HALL gave notice of his intention to move the insertion of a new clause in the Public Health Bill. BILLS KECEIVED PROM THE LOWER CHAMBER. The Bating Bill. Bead a first time, and second reading fixed for Tuesday next. The Regulation of Local Elections Bill. Made an order of the day for next sitting day. The Building Societies Bill, which was also made an order of the day for the same day. ANIMALS IMPORTATION PROHIBITION BILL, The Hon. the SPEAKER stated that his opinion had been asked by the Hon. Mr. Eobinson as to whether the Bill had been introduced in a proper way. He (the Speaker), thought that the Bill should have been introduced in committee in the other Chamber, and would rule accordingly. The measure was withdrawn. THE MINISTRY. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN said: Sir, —It is my duty to inform the Council that yesterday Sir Julius Vogel tendered the resignation of his office to his Excellency. His Excellency has been pleased to send for Major Atkinsen, and to entrust him with the duty of forming a Ministry. Ministers now hold their offices only until their successors are appointed. Under these circumstances, I now move that this Council adjourn until 7.30 p.m. to-morrow. The Hon. Colonel WHITMOBE thought some further explanation was due from the Colonial Secretary. It would be only courteous to the Council to do so. The Hon. Mr. HALL concurred in the view that they should be afforded some more information.

The Hon. Dr. POLLEN had no objection to afford the Legislative Council any information in his power. The reasons which had induced Sir Julius Vogel to tender his resignation were, in the first place, that the state of his health was such as to make the labors of his office, necessarily arduous, more than his strength was equal to ; and in the next place, it was to enable him to accept the office of Agent-General, which Ministers thought desirable, that he had resigned the Premiership. The Hon. Mr. ROBINSON moved the adjournment of the Council till Friday.—Some discussion ensued.—The Hon. Dr. Pollen said that he invited the Council to meet the following day so that a statement might be made simultaneously with that to be delivered in the other chamber. —The Hon. Mr. Phaser thought the Council this session had exhibited similar qualities to those of Uriah Heep’s mother— it was so humble. He suggested an adjournment for ten days.—The Hon. Mr. Aceand moved an adjournment to Priday.— The Hon. Colonel Kenny thought the Council should meet next day so as to be ready after the statement was made to go on with any business that that might be before them.—The Hon. Mr. Hall thought the adjournment ought to be taken in accordance with the wishes of the Colonial Secretary. The Hon. Dr. POLLEN said that his desire had been as much as possible to consult the convenience of hon. members. A pressure of business was inevitable shortly, and it was therefore desirable to take advantage of every opportunity to forward the business. He trusted to be able next day to inform the Council that a Ministry had been constituted. And if then the gentleman who would represent the Government were present there was no reason why a day should be lost. : The amendment was withdrawn, and the Council then adjourned till the following day at 7.30 p.m. '