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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5523, 9 December 1878, Page 2

The publication of the./Zansai 'd reports of the last session is still incomplete. Since we last called attention to this subject, on the 3rd instant, the report of proceedings on the 24th and a portion of that for the 25tb October have been given in No. 27; but at that point another block appears to have occurred. It may be hoped that by patience and perseverance the difficulty will bo surmounted, and that before the holidays at least the report of the “ fast ” days of the session—when honorable gentlemen did not abstain from the use of strong language, and when our “real Governor,” the Premier, so often mislaid his temper and made a “ real ” exhibition of himself—will bo accessible to the people. On a memorable night in the House of Representatives there was what a Southern contemporary calls “ a spectacle for gods and men,” and when, in the usual exchange of compliments at the close of the session, our Premier distinguished himself greatly. The pain of that most pitiable exhibition has fixed the points in the memory of all who heard and witnessed it, but the remaining portions of the human race have not yet had the opportunity of knowing how far the rage of disappointment and defeat may carry a man who, as chief of the Ministry and leader of the House, should set the high example of propriety and of observance of the laws of debate which custom and standing orders proscribe for the guidance of a deliberate Assembly. It has been said, upon the authority no doubt of the “man in the, street," that Sir George Grey’s speech of that evening is being ‘'prepared” for publication The people, wo think, would like to see along with the “prepared” edition the literal and correct report which the Hansard is expected to produce of that very remarkable delivery ; the dramatic incidents cannot bo reproduced in words, but of the scene itself one may almost bo tempted to repeat what was said of another great occasion, that

•Twill no’ot bo forgot By those who wore there or by those who wore not. Again we venture to askjof our rulers, Why is this thus ? Five thousand five hundred pounds of the money of the people, taken from the taxes levied “upon the men and. the women and the little children of this young nation,” go to pay for the three volumes which make the Parliamentary windbags of tho yC.w ; that is oighteod hundred and thirty-threo pouuu" • BJJ shillings and eight pence per bag or yolume. '

Why are tho people not allowed to enjoy that right of access to these costly books which the use of their money gives them. Who new stands in the way of onr political education ?