GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1131, 7 August 1883, Page 1

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

In the House on Friday, Mr Peacock and Mr Hurst presented petitions, numerously signed, from Auckland, deprecating recent efforts to make alterations in the Education Act.

Replying to Mr Turnbull, the Hon Mr Johnston said the Fairlie Creek line would he opened for traffic to Gillingham’s within the next ten days. Floods had prevented this being done earliei.

The Timaru Mechanics’ Institute Bill, was read a first lime. A Bill to amend the Volunteer Act 1831, introduced by Major Atkinson was also read a first time.

Major Atkinson moved his resolution for a Committee to enquire into the charge made by Mr Dargaville against the Premier and himself, and the debate on this lasted the whole day, Mr Holmes suggested that the motion be remodelled so as to enquire first if the words in the incorrect report of the speech imputed personal dishonesty to the Premier and Treasurer ; and, second, if the said allegations were true. He moved the following amendmentTo omit sub-sections numbered (1) and (2) and substitute in lieu thereof the following words— ‘ (1) Whether the allegation made against the Premier and Treasurer contained in the uncorrected report of the speech of Mr Dargaville, made in this House on Tuesday, the 31st day of July, 1883, in the discussion on the Property Tax Bill, imputed political corruption, or personal dishonesty, or dishonor to either of these gentleman, {2) Whether these allegations are true. 5 The Hon. Major Atkinson accepted (he amendment.

Mr Dargaville said he would also accept it, but thought the Committee should be chosen by ballot. Mr Montgomery contended that if they appointed a Committee to enquire into this matter, they wen going entirely against the rules of Parliament. He would move an amendment— ‘ That as the words complained of were not taken down at the time they were used, this House considers the course proposed by the motion should not be taaen, as it would materially interfere with the freedom of speech in Parliament.’

The House divided on Mr Holmes’ amendment as against Mr Montgomery’s The former was carried by 43 to 23. On the motion ns amended being put, the Hon. Major Atkinson offered to withdraw the preamble, but Sir George Grey objected. He did not think that the solicitor to the Bank of New Zealand should be Premier of the colony. Mr Smith moved the previous question. Mr Fish urged Mr Dargaville to disavow any intention of impu ting personal dishonor to either the Treasurer or the Premier when, as in a similar case in 1878, the Treasurer would no doubt accept the statement and let the matter drop.

The previous question was negatived on the voices and the amended resolution was agreed to, and the House adjourned.