Defeat of the Government.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 215, 21 August 1884, Page 2

Defeat of the Government.

[Per Press Association.] Wellington, August 21. Mr. Thomson, of Clutha, who moved the amendment to the Address-in-Reply said the Government were not well assorted. It was a meeting of extremes. The Premier and the Colonial Treasurer, who were the principal members of the Ministry, had both been absent for many years, and he said they differed as light from darkness. The Premier was a Radical of radicals, while the Treasurer was a Conservative. He characterised the speech as one of promises to all and sundry, and he looked on the speech as an insult to the House and the country. He might go on for a long time, but the Treasurer was in delicate health and he (Thomson) might say things which he would be sorry for. He concluded by moving the amendment. Mr. Hatch (Invercargill) seconded, and followed in a similar strain to the last speaker. He said the amendment to the Licensing Act, and no mention of the immoral results of sweeps were serious admissions on the part of the Government. He eulogised the policy of Mr. Bryce with regard to Native questions. If it was the wish of the West Coast members he would vote with them in obtaining the Abolition of the Gold duty. He censured the late Ministry for their action in raising the grain tariff. He believed that an attempt would be made to interfere with the present education sysaem, but he would oppose any such intention. The Premier rose and said he looked upon the mover and seconder of the amendment as tools in the hands of a party. Major Atkinson was the real loader. He believed the member for Clutha was acting conscientiously and that he was doing what he believed to be his duty. Mr. Thompson had said that the Premier and Treasurer held opposite views on certain questions. He referred to the English Cabinet as a proof of the assertion

that there must be a coalition. They were told that the speech was only promises. What speech ever contained more than promises ? The Government had only been sworn in on Saturday, and had come down with a speech, and now, before they were able even to enquire into the late administration, they were confronted by this motion. Was this denial of right because there was something to conceal ? He had found out that one important department of the Government had been carried on by nonofficial correspondence. In connection with the direct steam service, immigration, and the Agent-Generalship certain records were not to be found. Harbor Board and Education funds were exhausted. He then very severely criticised the late financial administration and stated with regard to the public works policy that he had found irregularities. The late Government had failed in everything they undertook. The Colony had spent a million and a half annually instead of a million, which was a breach of the understanding with English creditors. From North to South the Natives were discontented. If the House decided they were not to look into the affairs of the country the responsibility would rest with the House. He contended the Government had been met on personal grounds by this motion, and would not ask for an adjournment. He would not have lobby intrigues, nor would the Government give any written pledges. He would challenge the House to divide at once. It was necessary in the present state of the Colony that a Government be formed at once. He said there were three parties in the House—one led by Sir George Grey, the second by Major Atkinson, and the third was hoisted and turned all ways.

Mr. Grigg opposed the division being taken in the face of the statement made by the Premier. They should not be carried away by such gilded statements as they had just heard. Mr. J. C. Buckland favored the Government being allowed to develop a policy, and bring down a financial statement. Wi Pere and Mr. Samuel were of a similar opinion. Mr. Gillies opposed the Government. A division was taken with the result already telegraphed. The House then adjourned until 2.30 to-day, when the Premier will announce the intention of Government.