Scene in the House.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 275, 1 November 1884, Page 2

Scene in the House.

SIB JULIUS AND MR. BOLLESTON. [Own Correspondent,] Wellington, November 1. After questions had been replied to yesterday, Mr. Rolleston moved the adjournment of the House to enable him to make a personal explanation respecting charges levelled against him in reference to 150 acres of land sold to the Westport Colliery Company. He entered at some length into the circumstances, and contended that his action as Minister of Lands was perfectly justifiable, and within the law. A long and acrimonious debate followed, in the course of which Mr. Rolleston charged Sir Julius Vogel with browbeating the House, and with having returned to New Zealand for the purpose of taking office. Sir Julius Vogel retorted, characterising Mr. Rolleston as one of the barnacle family, and denying that he had come back to New Zealand merely to take office. The idea was absurd in his present state of health, as he did not know whether he would live another year. He had taken office simply owing to the condition of the country, which had been brought about by Mr. Rolleston and his friends. Already public confidence was being restored through his taking office. Major Atkinson warmly defended Mr. Rolleston and denied that public confidence had been restored through Sir Julius Vogel taking office. On the contrary, the action of the Treasurer was taking at present would sink the country into difficulty and disaster. Mr. Bryce also defended and eulogised Mr. Rolleston, remarking that he would always remember with pleasure having been associated in the late Government with Mr. Rolleston. After further discussion Mr. Rolleston withdrew the motion for adjournment of the House.