PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5795, 25 October 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24. The Speaker took the chair at half-past two o’clock. GENERAL, A considerable number of petitions, papers, ■;a<l rep e-ts of committees were laid ou the ;:b!e. Several notices of motion were given, end some notices of motion for the alteration of committees were passed. ■ FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. The Liverp 01, London, and Globe Insurance Company Bill was read a second time, and the Oamaru Waterworks Amendment Hill (from the Lower House), a first time : a Bill to Provide for Highway Board Elections in the Provincial District of Wellington < Finn. Mr. Waterhouse), was also read a first time, second reading on Thursday next. NATIVE EXPENDITURE COMMITTEE. The Hon. Sir F. HELL moved that his name be removed from the Native Expenditure Committee. In making a short statement of his reasons for wishing to retire from the committee, he said it had been attributed to him by another member of the committee that h- was actuated in his investigations into the native expenditure by party motives against the late Government. He entirely disclaimed any such motives. Ha was impelled solely by a wish to do his duty to the cumtrv in inquiring into the expenditure of the Native ''(lice, and he had determined when he had been placed on the committee to do his utmost '•ntirelv irrespective of persmsor parties. The hnn. gentleman read a list of items of unautho-ri-ed expenditure, such as “ 'Watch for a Maori £35 ; tombstone for a Maori, £lO odd ; saloon passages for Maoris, some hundreds ; marble bust for Maori, gratuities for Maoris, eradicat mg scab, itc , kc., —contending that all such exp“nditure with no control by a Native Mioist<r was most irregular, and should be stopped. He also alluded to the sums paid to Mr. Joshua Jones. He had determined, if he remained on the committee, to endeavor to make a thorough and complete investigation, and to suggest remedies for the most unsatisfactory. not to say unconstitutional, state of affairs that had prevailed in the Native Department. However, as imputations had been cast upon him, be now wished to retire (No, no.) The Hon Colonel WHITMORE explained that his hon. friend (Sir F. Bell) had misunderstood some remarks made by him (the speaker), and hence his umbrage and wish to leave the committee. He, however, hoped the hon. gentleman would reconsider the matter aml remain on the committee, as there was no doubt whatever that from his great experience and peculiar aptitude no more fitting man could be found for the task assigned the com mittee. At the same time he thought Sir F. Bell had acted somewhat unusuallv in animadverting on matters which had come out in investigation before the committee had reported. He defended the ’ate Ministry, of which he had been a member. Though there might be items of expenditure which seemed to thoie unacquainted with the facte unwarranted the late Government bad followed in this matter in the steps of their predecessors. He hoped his hon friend would stay on the committee, for he was perfectly convinced he would act with the greatest fairness uninfluenced by party motives. The Hnn. Dr. POLLEN thought the committee had been most carefully selected, so that it might not be open to the imputation of having party motives. He (the speaker) had, for that sole consideration, asked the proposer of the committee to leave his (Dr. Pollen’s) name out when making up the list. It would he impossible to find any one else as peculiarly fitted as Sir D. Bell for the investigation which the committee were authorised to make. However, as there seemed to he an obstruction he would move as an amendment that the name of the obstructed (Sir F. Bell) be retained, and that of the obstructor (Colonel Whitmore) be taken off. (Oh, oh, and laughter.) Several hon. members spoke urging Sir F. Bell to remain on the committee, and advising tlie withdrawal of both motion and amendment. Ultimately, the Hon. Dr. Pollen withdrew his amendment, and the Council negatived the motion. Sir F. Bell therefore remains on the committee. Colonel Whitmore then gave notice of motion to have his own name removed from the committee. IMPREST SUPPLY BILL. The Hon. Mr. WHITAKER said as there was no other immediate business he would then (4 p.m.) move the adjournment till 7.30, when he hoped an Imprest Bill would bo received from the Lower House. Adjournment agreed to. On resuming at 7.30, The Hon. Mr. WHITAKER said the Bill had not yet passed in the other Chamber, but he believed an agreement had been come to by parties to take it immediately. He would therefore be glad if the Council would again adjourn for an hour.—Carried. On resuming at 8.30, the Imprest Bill (£200,000) was passed through all stages, and the Council at 8.35 adjourned till Tuesday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, October 24. The Speaker took the chair at half-past 2 o’clock. GENERAL. Some petitions were presented, several notices of motion given, and reports and papers laid upon the table. CITY WEST ELECTION. The report on the petition against the return of Mr. Hurst and Dr. Wallis for Auckland City West was brought up and read. It stated that the terms of the Act had not been complied with, and that the petition must be thrown out as informal on account of the two members being petitioned against in one petition. It was moved that the report be considered ou Thursday next. Mr. HISLOP moved as an amendment that the petition be withdrawn, and after a few observations this was put to the House and carried. QUESTIONS. Mr. IRELAND asked the Minister for Public Works, —Tf the Tapanui line of railway is likely to be completed within contract time; and if the contractors are at present pushing on the work at a reasonable rate? The Hon. Mr. OLIVER repli-d that until within three months ago the work had been pushed vigorously forward. Since then it had been at a standstill. Unless a great amount of rigor was shown, it could not be finished within the contract time. Mr. KELLY asked the Premier, —Whether the Government will place a sum on the Estimates for the construction of a light line of railway from or near Normanby to Opnnake, through the Waimate Plains, with the view of settling the native difficulty on the West Coast on a permanent basis, by tbe location of a resident population thereon ? In asking the question, Mr. Kelly said the reason he did so was because he believed it would be the best policy for the country to open up this land, and settle the people upon it. The Hon. J. HALL replied that the hon. gentleman could hardly expect the Government to give an answer to this question at the present time. The whole question of the West Coast was one which the Government intended as early as possible to take into its serious consideration.

Mr. HUTCHISON asked the Government, Whether they will be prepared to introduce a measure to define, with some precision, what “ contempt of Court” means ; how far its judicial interpretation shall be permitted to interfere with freedom of public discussion ; whether it shall or shall not be considered a penal ■ {fence ; and, if a penal offence, whether it shall be competent for a Judge to inflict punishment in regard thereof summarily, or only under the usual legal safeguards which protect the liberty of the subject. Mr. Hutchison said the reason he had asked the question was in consequence of what had appeared in the local papers in reference to the case of Richardson v. the Bank, and the remarks of the Judge thereon. The Hon. Mr. HALL replied that the Government intended to consider the whole question.

Mr. SEDDON asked the Government, — Whether it is their intention to ascertain the nature of the epidemic raging amongst the natives at Parihaka ; and, if found contagious, will they take the necessary precautions to prevent its spreading 1 The Hon, Mr. BHYCE replied that the Government bad in its possession a large amount of useful information, and he did not think that further inquiry would elicit anything additional. With regard to the fever, it was a kind of low ' : 'ar to that known as camp fever. ’' ; ’ ' :1 contagious disease, and if it were h-.- i...- 1 ;o see what steps the Government could take in the matter. In answer to a question put by Mr A CTOS Adajis—Whether the Government contemplate reinstating Thomas Butler, the former keeper of the Nelson lunatic asylum, in office ? —the Hon. Johm Hall detailed the ciroom-

stances under which he had left, and replied in the negative. THE GOVERNOR AND THE HOCSB. The Hon. JOHN HALL wished to address a few observations to the House. The hon. the member for the Thames had asked him to lay upon the table of the House certain correspond -nee with his Excellency the Governor. Although he had been desired by the Governor to state that he was himself desirous of seeing it before the House, the Governor had thought it right to endorse his own memorandum on the subject of a conversation, and if the memorandum was produced, the endorsements would have to be produced likewise. Sir GEORGE GREYco sidered they should be laid upon the table, hut at the same time he thought it was desirable that he should have the opportunity of seeing what was in them. The Hon. JOHN HALL said ha would lay them on the table on Tuesday. Sir GEORGE GREY said before proceeding with the next business he was desirous of bringing a personal matter before the House. The Hon. the Premier had just stated that the Governor had made endorsements upon certain correspondence which he wished to have laid upon the table of the House. At the same time he (the speaker) wished to state his belief that any such endorsements to be laid on the table should be shown to him beforehan i, so that he might hare an opportunity of putting his remarks iu writing so as to be read at the same time that the endorsement was read..

The Hon. JOHN HALL replied that he should be very glad to convey to his Excellency the wishes of Sir George Grey on the subj-ct, but he could not sue, at the same time, that the hon. gentleman had any right to have the last word, as it were. He thought, himself, it would have been the fairest thing to lay the correspondence on the table and then to state to that House what had taken place in connection with it. It was not, however, for him to decide in the matter, but he would lay the matter before his Excellency. Sir GEORGE GREY again said ho considered that he had the right to see the endorsement before it was laid upon the table, so that he might make any remarks on it and have it read at the same time. He had no wish whatever to have the last word. Clearly, he was entitled to the concession which he now asked. He was sure that the hon. gentleman at the head of the Government would see fit to advise the Governor that what he (Sir G. Grey) was asking was only right. THE GOVERNMENT AND THE OPPOSITION. The Hon. JOHN HALL would a«k that the Bills in front of the Orders of the Day might ho postponed for the House going into committee of supply. That would afford his hon. friend the member for Port Chalmers an opportunity of bringing forward hi* motion as ape-dilv as possible. For this purpose the Government proposed at once to go into committee of supply, and they therefore now invited the hon. gentleman to bring forward his motion. (Cheers.) Having regard to the great delay that had already taken place, they heartily reciprocated the desire of the other side for an early settlement of the question ; and the Government said now, as he had said before, that they were prepared to take the matter at once, and go to an early division without loss of time. (Loud cheers from the Government side of the House.) Mr. MOSS would like to know, after the Opposition had waited in vain to bring their motion on, what bad produced this sudden change in the Government ? Mr. WAKEFIELD rose to a point of order.

Mr. MOSS said he was not going to make a speech. He thought the Premier might kindly inform them of a few of the facta which had led to this great change—a change on which he heartily congratulated the Government. (Hear, hear.) Hitherto the Government had been obstructing the business and a little information such as that sought for might have some influence on the Opposition. (Laughter.) Mr. MaCANDREVF said they had no wish to bar supply, but he would prefer that order No. 26 (the no-confideece motion) should be placed on the Order Prper as soon as possible, so that it might be discussed. He would like to have a reply from the Premier whether he would give a promise that his motion should come off immediately after supply had been granted. Mr. MONTGOMERY thought the motion might come on as soon as possible after supply were granted. The Hon. Mr. HALL said the member for Port Chalmers had somewhat disappointed him. They had had had a most positive promise from the hon. gentleman that they intended to bring forward their grievances vhen supply was granted. The Government was therefore disappointed when the Opposition declined to bring on these grievances. (Laughter.) They (the Government) did not stand on forms, ceremonies, or trifles like the hon. member for Port Chalmers. (Loud cheers, and laughter.) He would promise now that as soon as supp'y was granted the Government would take the want of confidence motion. ■(Cheers.) SUPPLY. The Hon. Major ATKINSON then brought down a message from his Excellency, recommending the House to grant certain supplies. Mr. MOSS, before the Speaker left the chair, wished to bring before the House the question of the Financial Statement of the hon. the Colonial Treasurer. In the figures produced there was a difference of £600,000 between himself and the Colonial Treasurer. Mr. Moss proceeded to speak at length of the various figures, with a view to proving that the statements of the Hon. Major Atkinson were fallacious. THE SECESSION. Mr. TURNBULL addressed the House, and asked for information respecting a rumored agreement between certain members and the Government. Mr. BALLAN'CE then asked the Colonial Treasurer whether the revenue assets had been deducted as usual from that sum. Sir G. GREY then moved an amendment to the effect that any correspondence or verbal communications which bad passed between certain Auckland members and the Government should be laid before the House before supply was granted. Sir George Grey, in speaking to the amendment, said a very grave question was before the House. He had been informed that four Auckland members had agreed to vote with the Government L. ' ■ - quence of an arrangement made with ; As some of them were pledged not to form any coalition party it was a matter of great importance. The question was one which concerned the character of the whole country, and an explanation ought to be given to let them know bow they stood. The Hon. Mr. HALL would like to ask the Speaker if the amendment was in order. It did not ask for any special correspondence. He had had a great deal of correspondence with many of the members. The SPEAKER did not see that the amendment was ont of order. The Hon. Mr. HALL said that similar correspondence might be asked for on the other side. He sincerely hoped they would have the support of the Auckland members. If the explanation desired were given on the other side he would be glad to give an explanation from his side of the House. (Hear, hear.) Mr. SHRIMSKI was about to apeak about what offers had been made to Auckland members when he was called to order. Sir GEORGE GRkY rose to a point of order, and contended that Mr. Shrimski was quite in order. The SPEAKER said that Mr. Shrimski had imputed motives. jj; r . PITT said that if such motions as these were to be permitted there was no knowing where they would end. If the House descended to take notice of every rumor that was abroad from disappointed members they would never get on with the business of the country, and he therefore hoped they would at onse proceed with the business before them. Mr. DE LAUTOUR did not believe the members in question were going to act treacherously, and he would not believe they would do so by him and hU partv for the sake of a pot of filthy lucre. They were quite justified in asking for this correspondence, for they knew there had been nothing else but correspondence for the last few weeks in order that they might buy the support of certain members. (The hon. member was here compelled to withdraw the word “buy.”) There were many ways of securing support, and they must give the present Ministry the credit of knowing a larger number of those ways than any other Ministry he had ever known. He had intended that day to ask a question about the Chinese, but he should not at present do so, as “ for ways that were dark and tricks that were vain” the present Ministry were reported to be so peculiar that they would, if the report was true, be rather in favor of the introduction of the Heathen Chinee than otherwise. (Laughter.) , Mr. SEDDON would not believe that tne gentlemen mentioned in the rumor had gone over to the other side.

Hr. J. B. FISHER would like to have the correspondence laid before the House. Mr. HISLOP would also like to see the correspondence laid on the table of the Home. If there were four such members in the House as described he hoped they would go over to the other side as soon as possible, so that they (the Opposition! might know how they stood, Mr. TURNBULL hoped the question would he brought to an issue at cnee. Mr. MONTGOMERY thought the Hon. the Premier might answer the question. If ho did not he should certainly vote for the amendment.

Mr. McLEAN addressed the House, and said it would easily be seen whether the Government had made any unworthy negotiations with the other bide when the lubhc ■ Works Policy came down. With regard to the Opposition, rumors of the most extraordinary character had been round that attempts were being made to bribe members with promises of portfolios, native lands, and other things. (Applause and dissent.! They should at once without any further discussion reject the motion. They had a Government of honorable gentlemen, and he was sure they would do nothing but what was right. (Cheers.) Mr. SPEIGHT thought the Government should produce the correspondence. Mr. MURRAY said the amendment was simply an attempt to introduce the Inquisition. Mr. ANDREWS did not think the Ministry was giving the House fair play. Mr. MAG ANDREW said so far as he knew no offers of portfolios or native lands had been made by his side during the past ' Mr.'IRELAND supported the amendment of the bon. member for the Thames, and hoped the Premier would at once give a denial to the rumors in question. Mr. SHEPHARD thought the names of the Auckland members should be mentioned in the House. Mr. TOLB, as an Auckland member, wished to state that be was not one of those implicated in the rumors in question. Mr. JOHN LONDON wished also to clear himself. He hoped a division would take place. If the rumor was true he should vote against everything for the good of AuckUnd during the rest of the session, and should join the Southern party. ■ , ~ Mr. MOSS again briefly addressed the House on the question of finance. Was the sum ef £354,913 estimated expenditure included in the tables of the Treasurer’s statement ? Major ATKINSON replied that when the proper time came be would dispose of the questionwithout any difficulty. (Applause.) The motion that the Speaker should leave the chair so that the House might go m committee of supply was thou put. A division was called for*, and resulted as follow* Ayes, 26 ; noes, 52. SECESSION. The amendment of Sir George Grey was then about to be pu', wheu Mr. READER WOOD arose, amid loud applause, and said he was one of the AuckUnd members alluded to, and what he had done he was not ashamed of. (Loud cneers.) He had made ho terms or arrangements whatever. YOh.) He would appeal to hon. gentlemen who" knew him whether he had done a dishonorable action or not. (Applause.) He had found his colleagues true to their engagements, and they had found him true to his ; but what were those engagements 1 He had put them in black and his constituents understood what he had said, and what he had meant. (Cheers.) They were that he had accepted the Liberal measures, and that he had accepted Sir George Grey as the leader of that party. He had come down and supported Sir George Grey. In opposition to his advice that he should not resign the leadership of the party, that gentleman had done so. He (Mr. Wood) had said their policy was a waiting policy, and that they ought to force him back on that floor as their leader. (No, no.) He said that he did say so. Sir G. Grey himself admitted that he had said so, as well as other members; and it was so. There was not. a human being in that Assembly who supported their late leader. Another resolution was passed thit there should be no coalition. That he agreed to. He wa? now accused of having broken faith, but he denied it. Under the then existing circumstances he had made a certain statement, but he could not be bound to them for all time under an altered set of 1 circumstances. They had been told that if Sir George Grey left the Cabinet there would be a big accession to their strength, and that the Government would be turned out. But these promises had not been carried out, and a different set of circumstances had arisen. (Applause.) There were members on both sides of the House who sympathised with his views. He would not say what he was going to do, but he had the courage of his opinions. He knew he should be execrated on one side of the House as a traitor, and accepted on the other side as a benefactor. (Cheers.) But praise and blaine were alike to him. He saw in that House what were called two parlies, but they were not so. Both sides agreed that the financial affairs of the country were in a sad condition, and yet through personal feeling adeadlock was the result ; and if could unlock that, he did not care for their noise and abuse as he would have done some good to the countrjr. (Loud cheers.) He wa» not a model party man, who never thought of thinking - for himself. It seemed to be a principle that they were not to act themselves, but he would ask them to do so and let them give the_ other side fourteen or fifteen votes so the business of the country .might be carried on. (Applause.) He was hot one of those to be driven into a lobby, and-ho had two things hecared for—his constituents and his conscience. When they asked for this correspondence he would appeal ’to his hon. friend Sir George Grey. His tongue would have been silent had not these charges.been levelled against him. His hon.' friend Sir George Grey had told him on the eve oMeaving office that he would make a bargain and aepd for him and make him Colonial Treasurer. But he had told the late Premier that he would have no bargain made on his account. Three days ago the hon. member Tor Port Chalmers came to him and told him he (Mr. Wood) was to be Premier of the colony. Mr. Macandrew had said he had told Sir George that it was a mistake for him (Mr.. Macandrew) to lead the party, and that, therefore, he should let him (Mr. Wood) take his place. He thought that if this took place he should be in a false position. He spoke to Mr, Macandrew who told him that he (Mr. Macandrew) was in a false position and did not wish to be Premier. He replied, “You are very kind; yon have got yourself in a false position and want to get out of it by putting tie in ; but it wont do.” (Laughter.) He (the speaker) thought that if the Premiership had been offered to him it might be offered to others. He thought the State was drifting into a state of affairs that would be very unfortunate for the entire colony. There was another rumor. (.Mr. Macandrew : “Chaff.”) Then what was wheat? How could they have confidence in a man who treated everything as “chaff!" (Laughter.) He saw no end to the deadlock, and he could not see if they beat the Government how another Government from the Opposition could be formed to possess the confidence of the House, when they would have the same spectacle going ■ on that had been going on for the last three weeks. Ho had then asked himself who there was in the Auckland party who could think for himself. He first thought of Mr. Swanson, a thoroughly independent man who possessed the full confidence of the Auckland people. (Cheers.) He found that. Mr. Swanson soon agreed with him, and then they l and Mr. Hurst and Mr. Colbeok went to the leader of the Government and said they would join the Government if they were willing to do certain things. Their first proposition was that there should be no change in the, present Education Act; their second, that the measures which they call the Liberal measures should be carried through the House; and their third—“ Now, sir, here is the point," said. Mr. Wood (“ I don’t know whether I am using the exact words)—that an account shall be made np showing the expenditure upon the public works in different parts of the colony in every provincial district of New Zealand, audit the account shows that Auckland has not received her fair share which the other districts have received, that there shall be some way by which the balance shall be made good. There, e ir—mow the murder is out." There was no specific sum. mentioned, and it might happen that when the return was made out it would show there was not a sixpence due to Auckland, It had been stated that Auckland had been very unfairly treated in proportion to the other provincial districts in the South Island. The leader of'the Opposition—from Otago—it, waa; said .-had had a good deal to do with that They did not know if it was so or not. The Government - had agreed to prepare this statement, and i; it was shown to be true that Auckland had not had.its just expenditure which by its population and its revenue was due to it—haring let them, remember, to pay their full share of the interest—then such an arrangement would be made to do it justice, as ) would meet the - views of both sides of the House. (Applause.) Whether it was a fair or an unfair thing would be for the House to

consider. Let him tell them another thin;? When it became known, as of course it very soon did, that th*v had intended to go aoi-.-ss to the other side of the House, they had lieni told that they would he able to malm ju-r. as good bargains with that ride of the Mmi-e awith the Governm-ot party. And v/n-rr now are your purists?" continued the hon, gentleman. If was wrong he would avow it. (Name, name)

That very day at the Auckland caucus thus p-opositions were made. He woU"l -tJ h th-m wh-ther, under those cirenm tanc-s. thev (the four Auckland members) had acted ri-ditly or not. and whether they were not hone-t and independent men. (Cheers, and cries of No, no.) There was a portfolio vacant on those benches. He had no hesitation in tellinif the House it was offered to him. What, had he-mid to that offer? ‘- Offer it to Mr, Hurst.” That was what he said. (Applause.) And lie had further said to Mr. Hurst, “ Look here, Hurst, there is a portfolio to he had—go ami take it." (Laughter.) That was the position he occupied. If ho was degraded and a traitor, and all those things he was going to he called, ho would just like to know who were their honest and straightforward men. (Applause.) He knew that some of the hon. gentlemen would be very angry with him, and would abuse him roundly, but be would promise them that he would sit quietly and listen to it all, and they might depend upon i; that he would not waste the time of the House by replying to it. for lie would have the satisf iction of "knowing that he had been instrumental in putting an end to the deadlock that was at the present time so seriously interfering with, affairs of the colony, and if he only succeeded in getting the House to procee 1 with the business of ; the country he should be perfectly satisfied. (Loud cheering.) Sir GEORGE GREY was about to address the House, when the Speaker called him to order, he having spoken before. Mr. HUTCHISON moved the adjournment of the House.

Sir GEORGE GREY spoke te this motion. He felt, he said, no anger towards the gentleman who had just sunken, but he felt sorry, and should cast no reflections upon the course which he had taken. Eorty-two hon. gentlemen had entered into an agreement that they would form no coalition ; he himself could not honorably depart from that view. He had a right to ilia opinion, but he considered no man had a right to break off from hia party. His duty was to think what was the best for New Zealand and for the party to which he belonged. (Applause.) Ho had believed that Mr. Reader Wood was adapted for the portion of Colonial Treasurer, and he asked him if he would take that office. But that was not asking him to leave his party. There was no analogy between the two cases. Before he attempted to enter into a negotiation on the other side of, the House he ought to have communicated with his own party. He had acted throughout in a very illogical manner. What he had asked for Auckland he had a right to ask for from either side, and in all fairness he should have told his own party. They did not look upon them offer to him as trying to make terras. He was therefore sorry tor whathad taken place. After they had defeated the Government a much larger majority would have been gained. (Loud cries of Hear, hear.) But he believed that members would now leave the other side. What had happened would give the country a great shock, but still he thought good would come out of it. He was sorry that the hon. member had made the aspersions he had done. Mr. READER WOOD would remind the House that the aspersions had come from the other side. He had not intended to speak but for such aspersions, and what he had told the House was the truth from both parties. And he must also contradict the statement of Sir George that the Opposition had tried to make no bargain. What he had stated distinctly was that they would make a bargain. Sir GEORGE GREY said he had done more harm by the step he had taken than could be balanced hy the good which would take place from the end of the deadlock. He himself felt perfectly shaken, as he did not know what would happen to the parties in the House. The debate was interrupted by the hour for adjournment. On resuming at 7.30, The Hon. Major ATKINSON asked if the gentleman in possession of the House would_ allow supply to be brought forward ? Other wise, it would have to stand over until Tuesday. Tbe question was a matter of considerable importance to a’number of persons in the Government service. Sir GEORGE GREY said, if he understood the hon. gentleman's question aright, he moved an amendment that the papers should lay on the table. The Hon. Major ATKINSON said, on the Chairman leaving the chair hon. members could address themselves to any subject, and he would say,- on behalf of the Government, that they were prepared for either the no-con-fidence or any other subject. Mr. Gisborne and Mr. Db Ladtohr having spoken on the subject, Sir G. GREY said he had no desire to stop supply, as it was one of the most important questions of the day. The motion that the House do now adjourn was then negatived. The SPEAKER then put the question that any correspondence between Auckland members and the Government should be laid upon the table, which was put and carried. IMPREST SUPPLY, The House then went into Committee of Supply, £300,000 being the sum asked for as an Imprest Supply. The Hon. Major ATKINSON informed the House, in answer to an hon. member’s question, that the Imprest Bill did not contain the subsidies to local bodies. The Imprest Supply Bill was then passed through the various stages. The question that the Speaker should again leave the chair having been put, Sir GEORGE GREY moved as an amendment that the House should then adjourn. He would have to review one of the saddest events of colonial political life. A large body of gentlemen, who had pledged themselves to have nothing to do with coalition, had broken those pledges ; he, together with about forty persons, had also pledged themselves, and no one but those three bad broken their pledges. An hon. member had stated that he (Sir G. Grey) had made certain conditions to him ; he acknowledged it, because he thought the hon, gentleman had the necessary ability. He could not conceive such a conversation as that could have authorised the hon. member to take the steps he had taken. The hon. member further said that he had made certain coudiditibns to the Government, and they were that the Government should bring in Liberal measures. Was not the Opposition pledged to those also I He (Sir George Grey) thought the hon. member for Waitemata had hardly acted fairly ; he had stated that one of his terms were, that any deficiency in the Auckland public works supply should be made good. He had heard on good authority that £500,000 was to be given to Auckland to conciliate the electors, whose representatives had forsaken their pledges. The hon. member should hare told the Opposition of the change in circumstances which ha alleged as an excuse for changing his side. The one thing which filled him with comfort was this : Truth was mighty, and would prevail. Truth had given him, when he thought himself deserted, a vote of 52. He never had such a blow in the whole course of his public life. Ha felt certain the coalition would not last, and that the Government, instead of achieving a triumph, would bring certain defeat upon their party, which in ten days would not hold its present position. Mr. REID hal never heard such expressions in the West Coast assemblies as he had heard in this House. He remembered well the conduct of an hon. member when the Opposition were in power. He led them to think that he was a warm supporter of the hon. member for the Thames, but he had it appears been conspiring against Sir G. Grey. The hon. member for Waitemata had spoken most strongly against coalition at the late Government - caucus. He remembered the very last caucus—lt w3°, he might say, an accidental one. When the hon. member for Port Chalmers brought forward a mild motion of noconfidence, the hon. member for Waitemata had then advised the stopping of supplies. They h id taken his advice, and it was that gentleman who now came forward and denounced them for so doing. Was the money to be given to Auckland acting justly to the rest of the colony ? No. By all means, let hon. members in looking after their districts, start fair. The hon. member had said he was not ashamed of himself, but he (Mr. Reid) was ashamed of him, and he felt sure that several other members in the House would be so also. He could not find Parliamentary language strong enough to express his opinion of that hon. member’s conduct. Mr. MAC AND HEW said he rose more ia sorrow than in - anger. The hon. member had spoken the truth, but not .the whole truth. What took place was this:-—He had said that, supposing the Ministry resigned, what then ? The hon. member had said tbe Governor would

«end for him (Mr. Macandrew). Ho felt then that the hon. member would be better qualified for the of Premier than he. (No, no.; He had also Paid that his proudest object w<mld be to have formed a Ministry of which he him-elf would n>t be a member. He had no doubt but tS.t when the Government went o it tb-v would instantly bo able to form a very strmii Minfstw.

The Hon. M-. H.-UX fi.iid the hon. member Ind asked whv the convers'dioa had been brought on in the Homso. Hon. members want -d to brioconvr.-r<ati *u on one aide but not on the ovmr. Sir C-. Grey had said, “ I wa* followed ; I shall he followed.” It was ch-ar from this who would be leader. He was glad that the substance of the conversation was ’brought before them. It could not be >aid that the hon. member for Waitemata had b'-e»i induced by them. That gentleman had allow?;'! his party feeling to sink before hi-* country’s «jood. He had said truly what abuse he expectn-1 ; but ho had, in oHer to unlock tliis deadlock, sacrificed all for the interests of his country. It was not true, as had been Htat-d, that he wanted to disturb the Education Act ; but there were hundreds who could not avail themselves of it, and he had promised to give his vote according to his conscience on the hon. member’s Bill. With re* gard' to what was due to Auckland, it was only right that, if injustice bad been done to Auckland, it should be rectified. What he said for Auckland he also said for the rest of the constituencies. He would, in conclusion, say that the House had no right to ask for private correspondence any more than for private conversation.

Mr. MOSS, as an Auckland member, approach ed with shame the subject before the House. He would not, however, be doing his duty if he did not repudiate for himself and his other colleagues, who had not lent themselves to these base proceedings, their disgust at this ‘action of those members. There was absolute truth in the fact that the member for VVaitemata said he was to receive £5 0,000. Mr. WAKEFIELD rose to a point to order. Mr. Wood had denied acknowledging that Auckland was to receive £500,000. Mr. WOOD reiterated his denial regarding the £500,000.

Mr. MOSS accepter! the hon. gentleman’s explanation. He had taken very little part in politics during the last fortnight, until roused by the action of certain members. He for one had firmly believed in the hon. member for Waitemata, and his sorrow was indeed great to find that one of their Executive Committee had negotiated with the Government. It was reserved for the member for Waitemata, out of the 12 Auckland members, to go to their opponents on the plea of finding justice. What had the Government told them about the Liberal measures? and what about the telegrami that every one knew had been flying from Auckland ? The hon. member for Waitemata had told them that he knew he was to receive abuse. Was it not his conscience which told him so ? The hon. gentleman might smile, but he would guarantee that under that smile there was a sore heart. (Laughter.) He would not trust himself to say what he felt, but he would say this, that in losing the hon. member for Newton, Auckland was losing a representative man. He though he was being misled. Auckland had been two years ago stigmatised as a province that would sell its very members themselves to gain some pecuniary ad vantage, audit wastoSir G Grey that they owed the raising of their honor, and thus their allegiance to him. He thought that in what he had said he would be followed hy the other Auckland members.

’ Mr. WAKEFIELD could not help feeling gratified that he had not had much insight into political intrigue, or he imagined he would have lost, the look of innocence which he hoped he still possessed. There had been a great deal of “ sorrow, grief, and shame” knocking about, but he thought that members had not approached the subject in any such a spirit. The hon. members had acted as they had done puiely on national grounds, and not so much on local grounds, and he was of opinion that no blame could possibly be attached to them except by a disappointed faction. What had the hon. member for the Thames desired his followers to do ? Had he wished them to throw tbe country into a lengthy state of disorder ? He expected he had, but he (Mr. Wakefield) was glad to see members would not be dragged so willingly at Sir G. Grey’s chariot wheels. Had the members waited till after the vote of confidence, as Sir George Grey proposed, would it not have caused another deadlock ? By taking this step before the vote these members bad saved the country considerable trouble. The conversation between the hon. member for Waitemata and the hon. member for the Thames let in a fLod of light upon the subject. He was of opinion that had Mr. Macandrew’s motion been carried Sir George Grey would doubtless have come forward as a leader. It was nonsense to say “ No.” The hon. member for the Thames was their natural leader. It appeared that an intrigue was going on in the Opposition camp. He could make out five Premiers, and three Colonial Treasurers, whilst the number of AttorneyGenerals was simply enormous. In the old times a man had to know something of law before he could become Attorney. General Of course if the hon. member tor the Thames had been at the head of the Government they might have witnessed the same scenes as they had done before. It was evident from what they had heard in the House that night that the leaders of the Opposition had not consulted together in a general way. It was indeed remarkable that they had held together so long. Those gentlemen who were about to leave that party could fully realise the fact that they were leaving the Opposition for the good of the country. (Applause.) They had not sneaked across the floor of the House, but had gone over boldly and fairly. The hon. the speaker would remind the House that this was not the only coca-ion on which it had been necessary for members of the House to cross the floor on the occasion of a deadlock. Instead of being worthy of reprehension their conduct was worthy of all praise. (Cheers.) He had observed with great regret the block vote from Auckland, and had fully expected that it would break up as it did, and they must all be very glad of it. With regard to the production of the correspondence, he had voted for its being produced so that they might see how much truth there was in the rumors going about. So far from having done good for Auckland, Sir George Grey had done it a great deal of harm. A mere block vote of a party of men blindly following a leader was sufficient, without anything else, to do a great deal of harm to the provincial district of Auckland. He hoped to see the Auckland members generally joining with the other members from all parts of the colony for the good of the whole of New Zealand. And when this party strife was over he was quite sure that the four gentlemen in question would receive tbe very best thanks of the colony. Loud applause.) Mr.DB LAUTOUR deprecated the remarks of .the last speaker, whom he accused of having crossed the House three times within a short period, under the eloquence of certain leaders. The hon. member, in the course of a long speech, gave it as his opinion that the Auckland members in question had committed a great political wrong. It was a sad thing,: and a pitiable thing—a thing which blood itself would not wipe out. Henceforth ho would have nothing to Jo outside with any of those who had left th»ir party in tbe way the four hon. members from Auckland had done.

Mr. VINCENT PYKE made an attack upon the Government, in the course of which he charged them with a scandal in having tried to buy the votes of certain Auckland members, which observation he was compelled to withdraw. He spoke very strongly, and was especially severe upon Mr. Reader Wood.

Air. TAINUI addressed the House, and deprecated such an act as that performed by the four Auckland members, who were charged with having left Sir George Grey to go over to the Opposition side. In the course of his remarks the speaker said he regretted that the Hon. Mr. Rolleston had not been made Premier—if he bad, he would have received his support, but if tbe present Ministry acted fairly to the Maoris they would get their support ; if not, they would hot be six months in office. Mr. SPEIGHT in the course of a speech speaking against the action of the “Auckland Four,” said it was understood when Mr. Macandrew was nominated the leader of the party that he should remain such until - the end of the session. Mr. Speight said that possibly, if Mr. Wood had consulted the other Auckland members, they might all have gone over with him to the other side of the House for the good of the colony at large. Mr. TAWHAI, in a most demonstiativa speech denounced the action of the four Auckland members, and said he should stand by Sir George Grey, who had always been attentive and careful to the natives. He was so disgusted with what had taken place that wheu Auckland things came forward ha should go right away and vote for Otago.

Mr. HISLOP addressed the House on behalf of the Opposition, stating that, in hia opinion, the member* who had acceded from

their party had sold their personal and political reputation. Mr. PYKE made an explanation with regard to the information tliai Mr. C. O. Montrose had received from Mr. Wood, and which Mr. Montrose had telegraphed to the Auckland Evening titan. Mr. WOOD explained the circumstance, and said that iu the course of hia conversation

with Mr. Montrose he had never mentioned the name of Mr. Hall, but he might have mentioned the words “ five hundred thousand pounds." Major TE WHEORO said he had been induced to go over to the Auckland side by Mr. .Swanson, whom he looked upon as being the only true man amongst the Auckland party. At the name rate that these four Auckland members were bought it would cost £2,009,000 to buy the whole of the Auckland members. He did not think they set a good example to the Maori members. He had heard before of th ■ hon. member for Auckland, that the prow of his canoe swayed from side to side. It was the hon, member for Waitemata who had himself appointed Mr. Macandrew as leader of the Opposition. The House was afterwards addressed by Messrs. Hutchison, Shrimski, and Turnbull, after which the House adjourned at five minutes past one o’clock until Tuesday.