GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1664, 24 November 1887, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, The Council met at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Attorney-General brought up the report of the Select Gommitte* appointed to consider the question of reform of th* Council, which recommended ;•—{!) That, • in their opinion, the number of members of the Council should be limited so far as t* bear a definite proportion to the number ef the members ef the House of Representatives, and that such definite proportion should b* one-half; (2) that in the event of a reduction being made in the number of members of the House of Representatives a reduction of tbs members of the Council should be provided for by no appointment* being made except as hereinafter prp*v vided, until the number does not the prescribed limits; (3) that whenever ' the Premier dasirss that a member of the Executive Council, being one of the responsible Ministers, should have a seat in the Council, it should be lawful for the Governor to appoint him accordingly, (hough at the time there should be no vacancy.—The report was considered. A number of new Bills wars received from the House, and wire referred to the Local Bills Committee. The Council, at 3.10 p.m, adjourned till next doy, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House mst at 2.30 p.m. on Monday. Th* Wanganui Harbor Bill wsi read a third time. The Ouehnnga Cemetery Reserve Bill, Christchurch Drainage Board Reserves Sale and Exchange Bill, Napier Harbor Board Amendment and Endowment Improvement Bill, New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Reserve Bill, Now Plymouth Borough and Harbor Board Street } and Reserve Exchange Bills, «nd Stunner Public Works Bill were committed, read a third time, and passed through Committee with amendments. The following Bills were read a first lime :—Governor's Salary and Allowance) Civil List Amendment, Parliamentary 1 Honorarium and Privileges. The House rose at 12.30 p.m. The House met at 2,30 p.m. on Tuesday. Sir Julius Vogel said he was prepared to give notice of resolutions respecting revision of the Customs , tariff, aiid he would like to brow what opportunity the Premier would afford him for doing so. Probably the honorable gentleman would consent to his moving them on the motion to go into Committee of Ways and Moans, or would he bo afforded nia opportunity upon the cono usioa of (ho financial debate 1 The Premier asked whether the resolutions would traverse the policy of Govern moot, -w Sir Ju'ius Togol said they would (n in the direction of miking an immediate ' change in the tariff. The Premier eaid he should propose that the House should go into Committee of Ways and Means at once, ao as to give the honorable gentleman the opportunity he desired. Sir Julius Vogel said he would not be J prepared to move his resolutions till next* wsek. The Premier replied that in that case he would ask the House to adjourn for a woi<k, as it was clear that Government could not proceed with the business while a motion of “ No Confidence” wis ponding; Sir Julius Vogel was surprised at tha attitude taken up by the Premier. He had no desire to unseat th* Government, but had thought be might assist them. He saw no reason why Government bust-, ness should be postponed,; and ho was not to be deterred from doing his duty by a charge of obstruction. Mr Fiiher said that Sir Julim Vogel hid done nothing els* for the last week hut waste the time of the House. Si" Julius Vogel mo red that the words be taken down. After deba’e, Sir Julius Vogel sail that ut the wish of a number of his friends b* wished to withdraw th* intimation bo had made. The Premier refused to accept this position* He did not intend to 'et the leader of the Opposition triumph over him by bolding out a threat tod then withdrawing it. H-4 challengid him (o make a direct motion at once “ That n tbs opinion of the Home revisio-i of the tariff is desirable this session.”'lf Sir Jniins Vogel i would not do this he would gat'etie of o^n. friends to move, that it, was ooi desirable, aud so bring the milter issue, *

Sir Julius Vogel said ha wm not pn* partil to accept (be Premier's challenge, as rainy of his supporters desired that the question of retrenchment sboold be cocci lered befoie Protection, sod he wnuiilH' pro er being able to specify the which h« wished tu effect. The Premier wished to amend the motion for the ndjouroraont so that the House should only a j jlsra till 7.30 p.m., but the Speaker ruled that the origins! motion having been for adjournment till next day no anaindnvjnt oomd be made. Too motion for the adjournment' t'H 3-3 Q P*, n (V ue *f day was then put md Carried by 5.Q to 32. The House, rose at 3.30 - m.