PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 473, 3 November 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, November 2

• Sir- Robert Douglas, without not'co, asked if the telegram was true whicij stated that the Governor had refused the use of the Government house and grounds in Auckland for the Indian Famine /J/c. Mr. Lirnach said the telegram was not accurate, and that papers in connection therewith would be placed on the table. The privilege debate was resumed by Mr. 'J ravers, who said that to enable the House to consider the matter impartially, it had been suggested that a Committee of Privilege, presided over by the Speaker, should be appointed to search for precedents and report to the Uouse. He moved the appointment of a Committee consisting of Sir W. Fibiherbert, and Messrs. Stauord, Stout, Travel'.-*, Roliestoii, Gisborne, Moorhoiise, W akelield, Reader Wood, Harper, Ballauce, Johnston, Roes, U'JloUfke, and Montgomery, to report on Monday. In this way the subject need not be discussed, and could be considered by the Committee in a judicious manner without any party feeling.

Mr. Stout, while agreeing to the appointment of a Committee, thought the resolution should ailirm that tuo privileges of the House had been invaded, otncnvise it looked as it there was some doubt on the subject. T.iey had nothing to search for precedents about, unless their privileges had been invaded.

The motion was agreed to. Sir Georgo Grey moved, " That the House do now adjourn." Major Atkinson thought that, although a very important question, this matter of privilege was one which at the present pe-riod of the session should not interrupt the other important questions before tue House. Hj won lei not, however, press his objection if the House really desired to adjourn. He felt it Ids duty, however, to find out the opinion of the House. Mr. Travel's pointed out that the question was one aUeeting the whole relations between itye 1 f and the Governor, and tiseiviore ordinary business should not be proceeded with till it was settled. Tue time between this anil Monday was not too long to allow t.ie Committee to fairly consider the question and agree to a report winch would form a im st important precedent. He believed lime would be saved by at once agreeing to adjourn. Mr. Sutton opposed t-ae adjournment. Sir. Fox supported the adjournment, hoping a distinct would be come to t.iat tiie Committee should go to work at once, so t,,at business miglit be proceeded with on Monday. Messrs. Fyke, JSurif, and Reader Wood supported ti.e adjournment, which was agreed to, and the House rose a 3. lo p.m.