PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 368, 26 October 1878, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Per Press Agency.) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON. October 25. Last night the House resolved to sit on Saturday from 2.30 till not later than 10 p.m. The remainder of the sitting was occupied over the adjourned debate on the Railway Construction Bill, Major Atkinson, in along speech, blamed Government for bringing up so important a Bill two or three days before the close of the session, and objected to any Government being entrusted with uncontrolled power to spend such an enormous sura as that down in the Schedule. The present debt of the colony was 22 millions, which would be increased by six and a half millions, and Government ought tc have brought down a Loan Bill with their proposals. He complained of the treatment to the North Island, as compared with the South, and hoped the Bill would be withdrawn. He said that the Minister of Public Works could enler into contracts for making these lines, without coming to the House. After considerable discussion pro and con, Mr Curtis’ amendment for the rending of the Bill that day six months, was negatived by 45 to 11, The Bill was read a second time on the voices, and ordered to be committed tomorrow.

The House adjourned at 2,15. In reply to Mr Fyke, Mr Ballance said the Government would increase the Police pay by sixpence in the lower ranks, and one shilling in the higher ranks, and would next session, introduce a Bill to provide for the ordinary pay,'long service pay, and travelling allowance.