OUR SPECIAL.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1049, 20 June 1883, Page 3

OUR SPECIAL.

(by telegraph.) WELLINGTON, This day. Last night the debate on the Address-in-Beply disappointed expectation on both sides of the House. Mr Montgomery’s attack proved to be weak and tedions. Sir George Grey had nothing to say on general policy, as he is evidently reserving! his shots to be fired off when his motion against the Land Tax comes on. Major Atkinfeou replied to the Opposition attack though not with much effect, there being little to answer. The main point in dispute was the familiar question as to whether the Opposition by excessive talk, or the Ministry by unworthy cunning, did cause the estimates last year to be brought down extremely late. The Major’s answer was that Mr Montgomery was wholly blameable last year for that delay, and will be blameable this year if the Estimates are late, because all the Government business is now ready. The unfinished debate is to be resumed this evening. Sir Geo. Grey has another grievance against the Speaker, and will make it a question of privilege. He wjll ask the House to decide how far the Speaker is justified

in preventing any member from introducing a Bill for amending the Constitution, Sir George Grey has two Bills of that nature, and the Spo-k r elected to on<* of them as infringin'.: the Constitution Act. I am? informed that the Speaherjwilj *no.t now press his objection, but Sir George is not satisfied and intends to treat the Speaker’s conduct as an interference with members’ privilege. A lively incident is expected. Chandeliers for the electric light are now being fixed in the iHonser of; Representatives, and a trial illumination is expected a fortnight hence. Each chandelier will have a wheel-like cluster of twenty small 'lamps, and I am told there will he' three chandeliers in the House equal to 60 Jamps. The gas engine for driving the Siemen’s dynamo is sixteen horse-power, and there will be 120 lights in the Building this Session, 60 being in the large new corridor. The Upper House will be lighted with electricity next Session.

Mr W. M, Green’s Moral Training in the Schools Bill, is to compel School to-appoint half an hour each day for’Bible reading and lessons in morality. No child is compelled to attend if parents object to Bible lessons.

Mr , Fcldwick’s Chattels Securities Bill, is to make bills of sale void, if executed within three . 'months of bankruptcy. They shall also take effect only from the date of execution, which requires attestioh on oath before a Justice of Peace.