PARLIAMENTARY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2926, 11 August 1882, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, Aug, 10. The Council met this afternoon, and immediately adjourned till Monday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30 p.m, SMALL BIRDS NUISANCE BILL. The Small Birds Nuisance Bill was reported from the Legislative Council with amendments, which, on the motion of Mr Steward, were agreed to. explanation. Mr Bathgate made a persona} explanation relative to certain allegations said to have been made by the member for Picton that he (Mr Bathgate) had lived in England at the expense of the colony. The fact of the matter was that he got leave of absence on half-pay, the whole of which was absorbed in paying passages to and from England. Mr Conolly said that he never used any such expression as that imputed to him. thb no confidence debate. The debate on the no-confidence motion was resumed by Mr Levin, who announced his intention of supporting the motion for the second reading of the Bill. Mr Tawhai announced his intention of supporting the amendment of Mr Montgomery. His opinion was that they should not borrow any more money at present, and thereby increase the burden of taxation. Mr Hobbs supported the motion. Major Harris announced that he would Vote for tho amendment. In common

with many other districts, the one he represented would get no benefit from the borrowed money, but, on the other hand, they would be saddled with its burdens. Mr Munro announced that be would support the motion for the second reading of the Bill. Mr Joyce characterised the loan proposals as an act of indecent haste, and announced his intention to vote against the Government.

Mr Moss asked Mr Montgomery to state plainly if the amendment was meant that borrowing should cease for a year at leust. If so he would support it. In contradiction to the opinions expressed by the Treasurer, he contended that Customs duties were not lighter now than they were ten years ago. The apparent decrease he attributed to a lack of purchasing power on the part of the population. The debate was interrupted by the 6,30 p.m adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m.

The debate was resumed by Mr Moss. Referring to the Grey Government, he said it Wes the misfortune of that Government to have had unfavorable times to contend against, while on the other band it had been the luck of the present Government to have fallen upon exceptionally good times. He scouted the idea of calling a sinking fund-an investment in their own debentures. Unlike other colonies, their loan expenditure was not confined strictly to reproductive works. In New Zealand they were spent in all manner of things —prizes for Volunteer firing, furniture, for that House, &c. Mr Hurst said he pitied the Opposition, and he was ashamed of it when he thought of tho origin of this amendment. it was the result of a paper signed by 40 members of the Opposition asking Mr Montgomery to take this stop, and pledging themselves to support him. It was not a spontaneous support, it was simply the result of that written bond.

Mr Pish in a speech of three hours duration, denounced the Government end its proposals, He referred to their written Auckland compact of 1879, and characterised it as most discreditable. He should oppose the Government on their loan proposals, and whatever might be the result of Mr Montgomery’s amendment, the Opposition oonld say they had done their duty. Mr Petrie spoke strongly in favor of the Bill.

Mr Pyke supported the amendment, and was speaking at 1.45 n.m.

THIS DAT. [By Telegraph.] The debate was continued after 2.30 a.m. Mr Pyke did not at all agree with Mr Montgomery’s reasons for' bringing in the amendment, as to stop borrowing now would be ruinous, but he did object to the proposed allocation of the borrowed money. Otago would have to pay one third of the interest and nothing would satisfy him but that Otago should have one third of the money spent within its borders. Captain McKenzie said after the speech of Mr Fish, he felt compelled to vote for the Government > proposals, Mr J. Green also announced that he would support the Bill. After further discussion the debate was adjourned and the House rose at 2.50 a.m.

Patrick Smith Brady, a constable stationed at Timaru, was charged this afternoon at the R.M. Court with being of unsound mind. The charge being borne out by Drs Hassal and Hogg, the Bench ordered the removal of the accused to the Lunatic Asylum, Sunnyside.