PARLIAMENTARY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2635, 31 August 1881, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, August 30. The House met at 3 30 p.m. LIFE ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT. Major Atkinson laid on the table the English Actuaries’ report on the Life Assurance Department, together with the Commissioners’ report, and said that he would give notice of a motion to morrow embodying the scheme of the division of profits proposed by Government. QUESTION. Mr Beeves asked if it was the intention of Government to have a light erected at French Pass. He declared the work now in course of erection there to bo a monument of Government folly. Major Atkinson objected to the introduction of debatable matter, and the Speaker ruled Mr Peeves out of order, whereupon Mr Peeves abandoned the question, and professing to regret having to waste time, said that as the forms of the House were used to prevent his speaking freely, ho must reluctantly use them also to enable him to say what he desired. Ho then moved the adjournment of the House, and spoke up till nine o’clock. Sir George Grey said they stood at a very great crisis in the affairs of tlic colony. lie referred at some length to the Legislative Council and its action in various matters, lie argued (bat in refusing the Abolition of Oaths Bill the Upper Chamber bad committed a further outrage on humanity. No tyrant in olden times bad ever acted in a more outrageous manner. He also blamed them for having rejected the Law Practitioners Bill. He contended that those opposing the Bill were making a noble stand against the predisposing cause to the wrong he had alluded to, and posterity would bless them for their endeavors. Mr Hall protested against the arrogance of the previous speaker. Government would not assent to any compromise.

They would go on with no other busi news until (lie Bill was earned. Mr Scddon spoke for half an iionr, and at 11.30 p.tn. members began to drop out, when a countout took place and bis remarks wore cut short. The llo’uso rose at 12.35 a.m.