Last Night's Parliamentary.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2086, 10 September 1875, Page 2

Last Night's Parliamentary.

WELLINGTON

This day. The House resumed at 7 30 p.m. Mr Sheehan continued for half an hour without introducing anything new. • Mr Fitzherbert followed, speaking so low as to be almost inaudible. He intended to husband his resources and would speak for a considerable length of time—in fact he felt like one going upon a journey that would last four months, and so long as his strength lasted and the forms of the House permitted he intended to move that the Chairman report progress, and otherwise obstruct the passing of the Bill. In reply to a question the Chairman informed the Speaker that he might speak as long and as often as he liked. Mr Fitzherbert then asked how long it would take to decide a question embracing the whole colony. (Mr Fitzherbert began at 8 and finished at 11.20.)

Mr Montgomery suggested that a clause be inserted in the Bill, making it not to come into operation until after the next meeting of Parliament; and that no new contracts should be entered into by Provincial Governments ; and that none of their ordinances should become law without the assent of the Governor ; also that all clauses up to clause four be postponed. Mr Ashley Brown suggested that clause 2, stating the time when the Bill is to come into operation, should be postponed till the Bill had gone through committee, and that the time in clause four (ninety days) be left blank. Sir Donald McLean said if the committee were willing to pass the clauses till they came to those referred to by the last two speakers, Government would be prepared to consider their propositions or any others made in a fair and reasonable spirit. Mr Gibbes wanted the Committee to endeavor to improve the Bill, and if when it came out of" Committee^ it was not in proper shape he would vote with the Opposition in preventing it becoming law. At present they were only wasting the time and resources of the country.

Mr O'Neill referred to the petition presented by Sir George Grey, and pointed out that his constituents were as numerous as those in the town of Auckland, and read letters showing they were in favor of immediate Abolition, and a telegram regarding the large meeting at Coromandel in favor of the Abolition Bill passing as soon as*pessible. Mr Swanson suggested that the Government should consult the leaders of the Opposition as to what course was practicable under the circumstances. If no agreement could be arrived at the contest must be continued to the bitter end.

Mr Wood said the Opposition would come to no compromise; they would keep up the discussion till the Parliament expired by effluxion of time. He was" going to speak till eight a.m., when he would be relieved till 2.30 p.m.; then there would be another relief till 5.30; and so on till the Opposition gained their point. It was painful to do this, but it was their duty, and in accordance with the wishes of the people; while the Government were going against the wishes of the people. # The Bill should not pass this session. It must be referred to the country. He asked the indulgence of the House. It was the first time in his life he had risen to speak with nothing to say. The Opposition were small, but they were determined the Bill should go no further.

Mr Stout followed, and read extracts on federal Government and was left reading them at 3 a.m., when he said he had several points still to touch upon. The House is still sitting. To-day's Sitting. After a short adjournment the House resumed at 10 a.m. —

Mr Sheehah taking up the talking. Mr Bolleston suggested that the reporting should be left to the discretion of the reporters. Mr Atkinsen objected. It was better that the country should know the nature of the Opposition offered to the Bill.

Attention having several times between (?) called to the state of House, and a quorum being formed, Mr Sheehan resuming each timeMr Eeid began, and in the course of his remarks stated that he wished his constituents to know he was determined to waste the time of the House until the Government consented to allowing the country to express its opinion on the Bill. At one o'clock the chairman said he would resume at two.

Mr Andrew raised a point of order, and quoted May to show the chairman was acting improperly. "Mr O'Korke paid if upon inquiry he found it was against Parliamentary usage he would avoid such an infringement in future.

He then left the chair till 2.