GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1941, 10 September 1889, Page 1

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. On Friday, The Chattels Transfer Bill passed. The following Bills were read a second time: Waimate Public Library Bill, Geraldine Public School Site Bill, Borough of Brunner Enabling Bill, Timaru High School Act, 1878, Amendment Bill, Eiverton Corporation Empowering Bill, Geraldine Eacecourse Eeserve Act, 1881, Amendment Bill, Waimate Public Eeserves Sale Bill, • Wellington City Empowering BiU, Masterton Trust and Land Bill, New Plymorfeh High School Bill. The Local Bodies Loans Act Amendment Bill was thrown out by 16 to 11.

Ibe Eating Act Amendment Bill was committed, and reported with amendments.

The Public Health Act, 1876, Amendment Bill was read a second time. *

HOUdE OP SBPBE3ENTATIVE9.

On Friday, Th® Premier said that with respect to the amendment moved by the member for Hokitika on the motion for going into Committee of Supply the Government did not intend to make the amendmentoneof “noconfidence,” nor did they intend to debate it, seeing that it was moved by an honorable gentleman who did not sit on the front benches of the Opposition. Neither he (the Premier) nor the Minister of Justice would make any explanation of the Ward-Christie affair until the amendment was disposed of. After that he would be happy to give any explanation asked for by a member from his own side of the House.—Mr Ballance said that in the House of Commons the policy of the Government was daily assailed by the rank and file of the OppositionIf the Government intended to observe a policy of silence on the amendment, they were welcome to do so: The Opposition, however, claimed the right to express their opinion of the Government, and to criticise their administration without fear or favor. — After a debate, in which the action of the Minister for Justice was freely condemned, the motion was lost on the voices. The House went into Committee of Supply tor further consideration of the Estimates. Working Eailways Department — £660,000. —A lengthy discussion ensued on the appointment of the Railway Commissioners. —Mr Mitchel son explained that after a great deal of enquiry Government had given up all hopes of obtaining a suitable man from England or America, and was convinced that in a short time the House would admit the appointments were wise.—The appointments were freely condemned by members, and Mr McKenzie (Waihemo) moved that the vote be reduced by £IOO as a protest against Mr Maxwell’s appointment as a railway commissioner. Ultimately the amendment was lost by 40-to 10, and the vote passed. Public Works Estimates, Class 4 Eoails, bridges, and wharves North of Auckland, £46B,—Carried. Main roads, £14,000, —Carried. Miscellaneous road and bridges, £27,ll2,—Carried,