PARLIAMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 775, 5 October 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Wellinc'tox. Oct. 4. jr. pne House qf Representatives to-day, I Mr, Carrington, in reference to last uight'a misunderstanding, explained that there had been a clear misunderstanding; that Major Atkinson jiaired with him on the Land Tax Bill, and that only. Mr Brown (Tuapeka) said he was unaware of any such arrangement i+a tuap the pair was for one Bill only. On the first Order of the Day (the Beer Duty Bill) being called on, the Premier made a formal statement to the effect that in consequence of what occurred at last sitting he was satisfied himself, after enquiry, that a feeling prevailed, among lion, members who had' in the most t'penciiy and considerate manner supported the' Government during the session, adverse to two qf their Bills which stood first on the Order Paper. There was a feeling in tlje minds of himself and colleagues that had led then, to doubt whether it would be practicable to pass those Bills in such a form as to render them useful measures. Therefore the Government had determined to withdraw those two Bills, and proceed with other measures. The result would certainly be some embarrassment to the Colonial Treasurer, and the Government, in view of all this, would make a statement to the House as to the mode in which they proposed to meet the'embarrassment,

After some remarks from Mr. Murray, Mr. Johnston interjected that his motion was before the House, and distinctly refused to withdraw it.

Mr. Sheehan assured the hon. gentleman that he would achieve no good result by pressing his motion, and those Government supporters who had voted with the Opposition in the last division would now vote against the member for Manawatu, Mr. Ormond said it was only by the skin of their teeth the Government had escaped defeat yesterday on the Land Tax Bill, and after the last division lie considered the cup of humiliation of the Government was now full. However, as the Opposition had achieved their object in getting these unjust measures withdrawn, he hoped the member for Manawatu would withdraw his motion.

Mr. Bryce said he was glad he had not spoken when lie first rose, as he might have said something he would have been sorry for. The Premier's statement caused him the most utter astonishment, and he did not think the Premier would have taken such a course. Had they not been assured again and again that the Government would stand by those measures? Had there been the slightest regard for truth and honor it would have prevented the Government from abandoning these measures if "nothing else did. He did not believe the Premier's statement that these measures bad been withdrawn in deference to their party, What were they to depend upon if they Gould not depend upon the assurances of Ministers ? Had the Premier withdrawn the Bills with a big majority at his back he would have been surprised, but he was still more surprised now. Mr. Barton said he had voted for the Government because he knew the Opposition were fayiue to snatch a victory, and he voted against his coaviripp. in order to prevent the late Government gettmg ftn £h..e Ministerial benches again. Mr. Shrimski regretted the withdrawal of the jfeer Bill. It had been said he would have been Jjar'ni j$ effigy if he voted for the Bill, but he would hebuxxi ?S effigy 50 times before he could be induced to forego Ids private opinions. Mr. Rees congratulated the Government on the withdrawal of these Bills, as he had no sympathy whatever with them, and believed they would have caused great dissatisfaction throughout the Colony. Mr. Wakefield said the position occupied by Government was neither dignified nor proper. A large section of the House had used every means to induce the Government to withdraw these measures, but their efforts and overtures have been met most defiantly. Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Stout called attention to the fact that the hon. member was referring to matters that were private. Mr. Wakefield continued by saying had the Treasurer weeks ago withdrawn these measures the Government would have occupied a more dignified and unassailable posir, tion, but over and over again, up till last

night, the Treasurer said that both these ! Bills must not be opposed, and that the Stock Bill was the natural balance of the Land Tax Bill ; that one was a tax on land, md the other on income. While he agreed t would not be right for the Government to ;o to the country on the Beer Tax Bill, they vould have consulted their own interests setter if they had resigned on sustaining the lefeat of last night, in accordance with the statement of the Treasurer that they would stand or fall by these measures. Mr. De Lautour did not grudge the Opposition their triumph, for it was an accident. Their real fight was on the Land Tax Bill. deferring to the member for Geraldine, he aid he thought the House should adopt the same course adopted by the House of Comnons towards one who referred to private sonversations, and not hear him again for a ong time. Dr. Hodgkinson and Mr. Manders were dad the Bills were withdrawn. Mr. Green here explained that he had laired for the Land Tax Bill only. Mr. Hislop hoped they would settle the natter quietly, and get on with the other important business on the Order Paper. Major Atkinson said the chief fault of the Ministry was their inordinate self-conceit, nvt that was a quality their chief had always seen noted for. He hoped Ministers would lot think of resigning and putting the colony ;o inconvenience. If a vote of no confidence n Ministers were moved he could not supjort it, although he had not the slightest conidence in them. He hoped the member for Vfanawatu would withdraw his motion. The Government made a great mistake in lot consulting their followers' wishes before ittempting to drive them to vote against ,heir convictions, a. direction in. whrch they vent too far, Mr, Saunders said Mr. Wakefield \va.a jus;ified'in referring, to what had been said in 31-ivate, because half an hour after the neeting he was to,ld ail that took place by a lerson who was not there, Mr, 'Kelly expvessM] his regret that the Jovernment withdrew the Bills, and if he ;new what was going to be done he would lot have voted for the Land Tax Bill. Mr. Bowen advised the Gevernment that is two of their measures had Vecu withIrawn in that Hr.u: : e they should get the '3-.xitta.iy to. withdraw the two measures h^.w'in the Legislative Council, and ;hen pass the Estimates, and mature during lie recess ;i policy that would not break

Mr M'Loan hoped the member for Manawatu would withdraw his amendment and allow the Government to conclude their business and have an opportunity of det'-r----mining a new financial policy, Mr."H'amlin conyp.laineu of- the conduct of the Opposition m not coining, forward boldly and opposing the Government and their policy instead of professing friendship for the Government, and scheming by aide winds to betray them into a f*Uu p,ositio,ii. Why did they nf.t take s,n issue, and boldly confront the Gov eniment on the. Electoral and ! Land Tax Bills.

Mr. Wason spoke at some length, expressing his regret that the Opposition had not taken a stand earlier in the session and have compelled the Government to go to the country and so have prevented this nefarious Land Tax Bill from passing. Mr. Stout complained of the Opposition talking against time.

T'hi.'Tc.uiJir-d considerable clamor, and Mr. Wason and Major Atkinson protested against such an imputation. The Speaker pointed out that if ~>.30 p.m. was reached and the House adjo.uined without acl]puf.miig the 'debate, the Bill would be called irregularly. The debate was adjourned, and the House rose at 5.40 p.m.