PARLIAMENTARY

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 157, 11 October 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

[per PRESS AGENCY.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, October 7. The House resumed at 7.30 last night. The Counties Bill having gone through Committee, a motion was made that it be read a third time. Mr. Stout moved the adjournment of the debate in order to have the amendments in the Bill printed. This was lost by 2G to 18. He then began a series of formal protests against the third reading. The following members spoke in strong terras of condemnation of the Bill, predicting confusion and widespread dissatisfaction from its operation : —-Messrs, Reid, DeLatotir, Hodgkinson, Henry, Sheehan, Rees, Burns, Sir George Grejq Messrs. Rolleston, W. Wood, and Stout. Mr. R. Wood moved another adjournment, and Mr. W. Wood moved that the Bill be read that day six months, but both were lost. Ultimately at.2.30 o’clock this morning the third reading was carried by 37 against Kb The House adjourned till 2.30 p.m. on Monday for Government business only. The Financial Statement was not delivered. October 9. In the House of Representativs at 7.30. The House went into Committee of Supply ; first item being marine £31,570. Stout moved that expenses of weather reports and storm signals £1517 be struck out altogether asbeing unnecessary expenditure. After considerable debate the item was passed by 45 against 18. Rees and Grey then asked that progress be reported. Grey thought the salary of Governor should be reduced to £3OOO ; that of the Premier to £ISOO, and other Ministers to £IOOO each, while Ministerial residences should be done away with altogether. Total vote of Customs, £31,570, was then passed, and progress reported. The Premier moved the second reading of Provincial Abolition Financial Arrangements Bill. The bill was read a second time. The New Zealand Loan Bill was also read a second time, on explanation that on going into committee, they would only ask for one million, instead of two. The following Bills passed ; —Attorney General’s Act, Repeal Bill ; Public Trust Office Bill. The House adjourned at 1.45, October. 10. The House met 2.30. Upon order for going into supply, Grey moved for a select committee to enquire into the expenses of Vogel’s two missions to Europe. The motion was lost by 30 to 23. Another division being taken, on putting the Premiers amendment, to refer the matter to the Public' Accounts Committee. It was carried by 48 to 16. The House rose at 5.30.