LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3375, 16 October 1879, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, Last night.

KEFOBJIS.

lii the Council to-day, after the usual routine business, the Hon. Mr Menziei gave notice lo ask if the Government intends to alter the constitution of the Upper House. On the Public Rovenues Bill coming from the Lower House the Hon. Mr Whitaker said he intended to move the postponement of all other business till Tuesday, when the other House would hare settled the question of confidence or no confidence. The Council, however, would need to meet a few minutes next evening to pass an Imprest .Bill.

OPINIONS ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Col. "YVhitmore expressed his belief that the Treasurer's financial statement bad proved the gross exaggeration? and the falsity of the charges of extravagance which hud been made against himself and his colleagues. It was clear, however, they must abolish the subsidies or increase taxation very largely. His official experience had shown him that it was almost impossible* to reduce the expenditure or the number of the civil «ervantn.

Sir F. D. Bell thought Major Atkinson's statement had a misleading effect, and in that way it would probably be put in a brief telegram to England, which would imply that there was an actual deficit |of over £900,000, and might do the country incalculable damage.

Mr Waterhouse thought that too much reliance had in the past been placed on the Land Fund, and tho question conveyed by its great diminution should be well considered.

After short speeches by Messrs Woods and Miller, the Bill passed through all it* stages. .The Council adjourned at 4 till 7.30 next day.