THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2967, 19 August 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 1878.

Accobdingf to a telegram received today, at a caucus of members a majority decided upon moving in the House for an adjournment of ten days to allow them to take a holiday trip to the South at the opening of the railway between Christchurch and Dunedin. This strikes us as being rather too much of a good thing, and, if seriously entertained, we hope the good sense of the House will reject the proposition. If members want a holiday, let them obtain leave and go at their own expense. The proposition to adjourn for tea days at this stage of the session is simply putting membern' inclinations against the business of the Colony. It is A most selfish proposal, and if carried out

will involve the country in an additional outlay for members' comforts. Their cost —what with free passages to and from Wellington, free wine on board, expenses at Bellamy's and an honorarium of 200 guineas each per year—is far greater than the Colony is warranted in incurring, and amongst the reforms which the present Government were expected to introduce was one to reduce the cost of Parliaments. No doubt the members who propose this holiday trip will talk largely of the necessity fora little relaxation, and the desirability of members having opportunities afforded them of making themselves acquainted with the different portions of the Colony over which they preside as law-makers. As to the first, if four days' work in the week involves 100 great a mental strain on members, th-.y (had better remain at their ordinary avocations; and members of Parliament who desire to iacrease their knowledge of thqir adopted country ought to be told to do it at their own expense, and at a time when Parliament is not in session.