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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5438, 31 August 1878, Page 2

Major Atkinson, wo aro sorry to hear, was seriously unwell yesterday, and was unable to bo in his place in the House of Representatives last night. There had been, we learn, an understanding or arrangement between himself and the Colonial Treasurer that the financial proposals of the Government should bo discussed on the motion for the second reading of the Land Tax Bill, and it was the intention of the late Colonial Treasurer to follow Mr, Bai/lanoe in the debate. When it became certain yesterday that he could not be in his plaoolast evening,some of Major Atkinson’s friends suggested to the Government the advisability of postponing the debate until Monday. This the Government objected to do, unless Major Atkinson made a request to that effect in writing; Major Atkinson naturally and properly declined to assume any right to speak on behalf of the House or any section of it, and did not think it necessary to make a special petition in writing for a favor on his own behalf. This exhibition of discourtesy towards an opponent occupying the position in the House which Major Atkinson does, and who, desiring to take part in a debate upon the financial proposals of the Government, was debarred by temporary but serious indisposition from being in his place, needs no comment. It is enough, wo think, to state the fact. __________