REPRESENTATION BILL WITHDRAWN.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 385, 17 July 1889, Page 5

REPRESENTATION BILL WITHDRAWN.

After all sorts of opinions as to what tho Government really intended to do with their Representation Bill, they had, as I prophesied over a week ago, to withdraw that measure, and another one was introduced and lead a first time. It became known during the afternoon that it was the intention of the Government to withdraw the Bill, so little interest was taUon in the debate. When it was resumed last evening there was a bare quorum present, and considerable impatience was exhibited to briny the debate to a close. Speaking was resumed by Mr Allen, who supported the measure \ as a means at overcoming all difficulties with respect to quota, and also attaining representation ot individuals instead of localities. Mr Marchanfc considered if the Bill passed it would send men to the House to advocate fads of their own instead of measures for the government of the countiy. Mr Mills thought the Hare system not suited to the requirements of New Zealand so long as its population remained so sparse. Mr Hodgkinson supported, and Messrs T. Thompson and Veriall opposed the Bill. Mr Downie Stewart ?aid he had always opposed single electorates-, and would support the Hare system or any modification t of it. As no other member offered to rise, Mr Fish withdrew his amendment proposed at last debate on the Bill, " That it be read a second time in six months' time." The Colonial Secretary asked leave bo withdraw the motion for the second reading, but Mr Sounders objected, and leave was refused. The Hon. Mr Hislop then replied to the arguments which had been raised against the Bill, and explained that the Government were withdrawing it as members had represented that they had not had sufficient time to master its details and might therefore nob be in a position to give an intelligent vote. At the earnest solicitation of tho Premier (who pointed out that if a division were insisted on the Ministers would have to vote against the second reading of the Bill) Mr vSaunders >vithdrcw his opposition, and the withdrawal of the measure was unanimously agreed Lo. The Colonial Seorebary then introduced hi& new Representation Bill, which was read a iirdt time and the second reading fixed for Tuesday.