PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 222, 29 August 1884, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Per Press Association.) Legislative Council. THURSDAY, AUGUST 28. The Legislative Council met at 2.30. Sir George Whitmore said he had anticipated that some hon. gentleman would have replaced him by this time as leader of the Council, but he learned that Mr. McLean, who was likely to replace him, had not yet been sworn in. He moved that the Council at its rising, adjourn till the following day at the usual hour. The motion was agreed to. Motion. On the motion of Colonel Brett, seconded by Mr. Barnicoat, the name of the latter hon. gentleman was discharged from the Public Returns Committee, and the name of Mr. Nurse was inserted in its place. The Council adjourned at 2.45 till the next afternoon. House of Representatives. Notices oj Motion. In the House last night Sir George Grey gave notice to introduce the following Bills. A Bill to repeal the Property Tax Assessment Act, and substitute a Land Tax Bill. To rediice the honorarium for the present session. A Bill to substitute an Affirmation in Lieu of Oaths’ Bill. To regulate the admission of persons to practice in Courts of law. A Bill to provide for the construction of harbor works at Gisborne. The New Government. Major Atkinson announced the Government as follows:— Major Atkinson, Premier Mr. Hursthouse, Land, Immigration, and Agriculture Mr. Mitchelson, Public Works Mr. Wakefield, Colonial Secretary Mr. Russell Postmaster-General Mr. McLean, Trades and Customs He proposed on Tuesday to state the policy of the Government, and he hoped on that day to announce the date on which the financial and public works statements would be made. He intended to ask for supplies as follows—£7s,ooo for Consolidation Fund, £70,000 for Public Works Fund. Mr. Stout said it was not the intention of the Opposition to oppose supplies. He gave notice of his intention to move to-day, that the House had no confidence in the present Ministry. Major Atkinson said he would be prepared to come to a division on the motion with the least possible delay.

On the motion for going into Supply, Sir Julius Vogel said he would, with permission, make a short statement, The cash in tho Colony yesterday from all sources, with consolidated and Public Works Fund, was about £26,000, and in London £257,000 of which £86,000 must be applied to meet engagements leaving £171,000 in London and £26,000 here. Ho had considered how much wasnecessary for the Consolidated and Public Works Funds, and having fixed £150,000 he would not oppose that amount being granted. After referring to the Deficiency Bills, he mentioned the delay of payment made to persons, especially contractors, from the Treasury. These delays, he asserted, caused ten per cent, to be placed on the price of contracts, as those interested could not afford to carry on, while being kept so long without their money ; and therefore in their contract schedules anticipated such contingencies. The Treasury got the odium. He believed the department were to blame. He thought Major Atkinson ought to make a statement before asking for supplies. Major Atkinson thought Sir Julius Vogel’s statement irrelevant to tho motion for going into supply, and also that under the circumstances it was not necessary he should make a statement. He admitted a good deal of what the late Colonial Treasurer had said, but not the* conclusions drawn. If the delays mentioned really existed, he would, on enquiry, see that the system was altered. In many cases contractors were to blame themselves. The House then went into Committee of Supply, Mr. J. W. Thomson being voted to the chair for that evening. An Imprest Supply Bill was introduced and passed. The House adjourned at 8.45 until 2.20 to-day.