The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1878.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5453, 18 September 1878, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1878.

As Mr. Wakefield pointed Out v/hen the Electoral Bill was being discussed in committee, Jtbo Attorney-General in introducing the Bill said :—“ We have not tried to introduce reforms in a very violent or radical manner. We are proceeding cautiously, because we buliorc that ail true reform should proceed gradually.” On Monday night, besides lowering tbs .£lO rental qualification to a £5 one, Mr. Stout proposed to allow a six months’ residential clause that was introduced as an amendment by Mr. Gisborne to be substituted for the t re years’ residential qualification contained in the Bill. So that upon introducing the measure Mr. Stout takes credit for his moderation ; and in committee accepts the first suggestion made to introduce a thoroughly radical amendment. Sir. Bryce vainly asked for some sound or strong reasons for an innovation which would compel him to vote against the Bill if it were inserted ; and Mr. Murray pointed out that ho too would not agree to accept so serious a change, as a committee alteration. Mr. Bees tried to make it appear that it was only a matter of degree, not of principle ; hut as Mr. Murray remarked, if a three months’, or one months’, residential qualification were introduced, it would bo no greater change ttian the one proposed, and would nevertheless completely alter the whole character of the Bill. The division list is a curiosity. The Attorney-General, who has charge of a Bill with a two years’ residential danse, divides in favor of an amendment proposing a six months’ qualifiea'ion. As Mr. Bryce conclusively showed when the division was over and the innovation rejected, the members who bad voted against the amendment had been more true and staunch supporters of the Bill than the Attorney-General, who had introduced and had charge of it. Inasmuch as during the first evening’s debate on the Electoral Bill, the ten pounds rental qualification has been reduced to a five pounds one,and thogcntloman inchargoot tho Bill goes so far as to wish to entirely alter the carefal and conservative spirit of the original Bill, —wo may indeed say that if this is tho successful legislation of a strong Government without an Opposition, wo prefer a weaker sort of Government with a stronger sense of consistency. As Mr. Wakefield rightly said there would he groat surprise felt in the country when the action of the Ministry in thus dividing upon an important if not essential principle of this Bill was once published. Mr. McLean showed how he had striven to assist the Government to pass their own Bill, even against those who had deserted the principles qf the measure which they were bound by their position to have maktainod. When Government measures are passed by the help of the Opposition against the wishes of the framer, tho appeal to tho country threatened by Mr. Bees may bo welcomed by those ,whb have endeavored to secure #' (ait ElouUmd Bill 'for tb> good of tbs

country, in spite of the fact that it was introduced by their Parliamentary opponents. The radical tondenci a of its authors, though suppressed in the Cabinet, force their way out in deba'e. Wo append the division list, showing how the Government was divided against itself upon an essential principle of a Ministerial measure, Mr. Stout voting ogainst his collaguea : — Ayes: Messrs. Atkiuson, Ballanco, Beetham, Bowen (teller), Brandon, J. E. Brown, Bryce, Bunny, Fisher, Gibbs, Green, Hislop, Hodgkinson, , Hursthouse, Kenny, Macaudrew, McLean, Moorhouse, Murray (teller), Murray-Aynsley, Nahe, Oliver, Saunders, Seymour, Sutton, Swanson, Teschemaker, Thomson, Tole, Turubull, Wallis, Wason, Wood, and Woolcock. Noes : Messrs. I>e Lautour, Gisborne (teller), Henry, Joyce, Manders, McMinu, Montgomery, Morris, Fees, Reeves (teller), Richardson, Rowe, Stevens, Stout, Wakefield, and Whitaker.

The Native Minister made his expected statement last night. A full report will be found elsewhere. Pressure on our space precludes ns from making any comments to-day.