PARLIAMENTARY.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 470, 25 October 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, October 24. During the adjourned debate on the Eletoral Bill, the Premier moved the postponement of Government Bills, in order that the House might go into Committee of Supply. He expressed a hope that Mr Macandrew would bring on bis motion, as the Government were prepared to go to a division immediately. Mr Macandrew said he would grant Supply, and hoped the No Confidence motion would be taken after, or at least on Tuesday. The Premier promised to accommodate the hon gentleman. - Considerable speaking ensued on the parfc of the Opposition members, it being re-*

Vnarked that written promises had been made to Auckland members, and they demanded that this correspondence be laid on the table. Sir George Grey moved for the production of correspondence, if any, or any terms of agreement tliat might have been come to. Sir G, Grey’s amendment was lost on division by 52 against 31. In reply to references made to Auckland members who joined the Government, Mr Wood said he was not ashamed of his action. There was no correspondence, and no terms made. He stated in his address that ho accepted Liberal principles and Grey as leader, but when Grey retired from the leadership of the party, it left him free to vote as he liked. Although execrated on one hand, ho would be welcomed on the other. He had courage with his opinions, and was not afraid to declare them. Personal feeling had brought the business of the country to a dead-lock, and if he could unlock it by the course ho had taken, he was content. Ho said Sir George Grey wanted to make arrangements with him, and make him Colonial Treasurer in any Ministry ; Macandrew had also offered 'ti> makediim Premier, saying he (Macandrcwj had been placed in a false position. The whole thing had been drifting, and there seemed no end to the dead-lock, and he did not see how a Government commanding confidence could be formed from his side. Swanson, Colbee, and Hurst took the same view of the matter as himself, and the only arrangement they had with Ministers was that an account should bo made showing the expenditure on public works in the various parts of the colony, and if it was found that Auckland had not received a failshare in proportion to population and revenue, the amount should be made up. Sir George expressed his sorrow that Wood had deserted his party, and taken a srep unfortunate to the country. The House rose at 5.80.