Parliamentary.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 964, 27 July 1881, Page 3

Parliamentary.

[from our own correspondent]. Wellington, July 26. The No-confidence debate will be continued by the Opposition until Finn, Driver, and Pyke, absent members, return. The principal speakers on Friday night were Messrs. Gisborne and Moss, who both defended the Provincial form of Government. Mr. Ormond’s action is strongly condemned by both the Wellington papers. The Post charges Ormond with laying an artful trap for Ministers, and treachery to his party. July 26. A long discussion ensued to-day on the motion of Mr Murray, who introduced a Bill to lengthen the duration of parliaments. The Premier said he w’ould not for the sake of courtesy oppose the introduction of the Bill, but when the second reading came on, Government would not support any Bill that attempted to repeal the Triennial Parliament Act. Mr Barron moved that the second reading be fixed that day six months. Eventually Barron’s motion was negatived by a majority of four, and the second reading is fixed for to-morrow (Wednesday) week. During the discussion, Major Harris remarked if the Triennial Act was repealed, people would see Ministers meeting Members on arrival at the wharf, and assisting in carrying their luggage. Mr. Finn who arrived yesterday, amidst laughter rose to a point of order, and denied that Ministers met Members at the wharf. Mr. Harris said he was sorrv the cap fitted, but he was not alluding to'the Hon. Member. An unexpected discussion arose on the motion of the Hon. Treasurer for a supply of £200,000. Mr. Moss criticised the N a t’ve policy of the Government, and said Hone Piahama, wdiose wife recently gave £3OO to Te Whiti, was a great friend of Parris, who was the real Native Minister, and chief adviser of Commissioner Fox. He commenced reading a letter from a friend, stating that no confidence was felt by the Native^ 1 in Parris. Ministers challenged Moss to give the name of the author of the letter, but he refused. Mr. Bryce rose to a point of order, and asked the Chairman of Committee’s ruling as to whether Mr. Moss was right in reading an anonymous letter. The Chairman ruled in Mr. Moss’s favor. Mr. Rolleston rose angrilv and charged Moss with having slandered Parris and Fox, and said when the proper time arrived, he would be prepared to defend the Native policy of the Government. The Government have a small majority on Ormond’s amendment. The Opposition intend, if defeated, to move that the Crown Land Rating Bill be read that day six months ; by this move they hope to obtain the support of two Ministerial supporters who oppose the Bill, and other Local Government proposals.