GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2069, 8 July 1890, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOU3E OF EEPRE3ENTATIVES. On Friday, ITBST READINGS. Several new Bills were introduced and read a first time. SUPBEME COUBT ACT AMENDMENT BILL The Supreme Conrt Act Amendment Bill which provides for the appointment of an additional Judge was introduced by message from the Governor. Mr Seddon moved that a respectful reply be forwarded to His Excellency, informing him that the circumstances ; of the colony and the administration of justice did not warrant the colony going to the expense of appointing a sixth Judge. He spoke strongly against Mr Edwards' appointment. Captain Eussell suggested that the amendment should be withdrawn, and that the full discussion could be taken ' on the second reading in the usual way. Mr Ballance thought that the Government should agree to have this question adjourned as even at this stage it would take up considerable time. She (Government had taken a most extraordinary and unprecedented step in appointing this Judge to preside over the Native Land Court, and the Opposition, could not agree to it. The appointment of an extra judge was wholly unnecessary in the present condition of the colony, and he warned the Government that if the discussioß was not adjourned, the Opposition would be compelled to oppose it at •very stageMr Hislop asserted that Mr - Edwards' appointment, was perfectly legal, and he challenged any member to prove to the contrary. Mr Ballance said that the Bill made provision for Mr Edwards' salary, and Bow, therefore, could it be legal. He urged the Government to agree to report progress at the present stage. Dr Eitchett and Mr Eish supported the motion for the motion for postponement, and the latter moved that progress be reported. Mr Mitchelson agreed to report progress^and hoped that when the Bill came before them again it would be discussed in a reasonable manner, and not in a party spirit. Sir George Grey said that this was the first effort which had been provided. There should be no adjournment. The matter should be decided at once. A crime had been committed against the whole British race, and he for one would resent that crime being committed without the consent of the House. The debate lasted from 230 p.m. until between 9 and 10 o'clock at night, and not a single member outside Ministers defended the appointment of Judge Edwards, Eventually .progress was reported and further discussion was postponed to a future ►-date. DUMMTISM. Mr Hislop moved:—«' That allegations haviDg been that dummyism has taken place in regard to the selection ,/fof land in the Canterbury district, that it be an instruction to the Waste Lands Committee to inquire into and report whether such dummyism exists, and what remedy should be taken to prevent it." Mr McKenzie (Waihemo) moved that other places be inserted in the motion as well as Canterbury. The motion, with this addition, was agreed to. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The debate on the Financial Statement was resumed by Mr Verrall, who with Messrs Beetham and Hodgkinson carried it on to 12.15 a.m. when the House adjourned.