PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 199, 15 November 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

DISCUSSION EB THE DIVISION OF THE COUNTY OF TIMABU. The following is a report of the discussion which took place in the Hoise of Representatives re the division of the Timaru County:— Mi' Wakefield moved that the proposed new County of Timaru should not be constituted. Mr Gisborne pointed out that the petition for the new county was not legally before them, as the petition should be considered the pession after the one in which it is presented. Mr Wakefield said he had taken the opinion of the Law Officer on that point, and was told it would have to be tried before a court of law. Under u.ll circumstances, he thought the motion he Lad to propose would prove the best way of dealing with lh.-» petition. Mr Gisborne urged that the petition was not before them legally, and they should not deal with it. Mr Turnbull said the hon member for Goraldine was himself to blame if any irregularity had arisen, because it was upon his own resolution that the county was iisked. He held the resolution in Mr Wakefield's own writing-, asking for this new county. The Premier said lie would move that the words, " The petition should not have been laid before this session of Parliament" be inserted before the resolution. He contended that it was not wise to give effect to the petition. The facts appeared to be that this portion of the county was not satisfied with the expenditure. He moved this addiuion to the resolution with a view of allowing the matter to be held over till next session, which would afford time for more mature deliberation. If they still desired to he separated from the other county they could then apply on the same memoria . The discussion was adjourned for one week.