Parliamentary Gossip.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3406, 21 November 1879, Page 3

Parliamentary Gossip.

IBX TELEGRAPH.] (I'UOAI A OOIIttESrOKDKNT). Wellington, This day. Tho silting of the House lasted till liyc this morning. Tho Wanganui J'-'ndowcd School Bill taking a valuable endowment from tho Church, in order to create a public High School, because the present Church School did not fulfil the original trii3t of Bishop Selwyn. The opposition was from about twenty member, and every form of the House was exhausted. The bill was denounced as a confiscation of Church property, &c, but the discussion only showed all that the House is not afraid to deal with the question if trusts be neglected. Tho debate lasted till two, and then it was Hurst's torn with the Auckland Improvement Commisssioners Bill. He came up all smiling and radiant to the table. Mr Moss asked Ministers to state formally whether they were prepared to see this valuable reserve go to the City Council instead of to Educational purposes. The Premier replied they did not see their way, and Mr Moss withdrew his opposition to the bill. But tho House apparently was bent ou not letting it pass. Some wanted to know if this was part of the -Auckland compact, others if they were prepared to pass so solemn an act as to dissolve the whole corporation at that hour in the morning. A perfect storm of chaff and mockery fell on poor Hurst, oue after other of the Auckland members got up to help tho Bill but it was useless. The only reply was, why did not Speight, or one of them, take it in hand if they did not think it part of the compact. Ministers intervened, and asked a hearing, but with no effect. The rat hunt, as it was termed, lasted till broad daylight. At five Ministers gave in, and the Premier asked to report progress. Hurst retired amidst loud laughter, and the House adjourned. The whole fight was extraordinary, showing that the House was not afraid to deal with any question. Mr Comford, lawyer, Napier, is now being examined by Mr Rees, before the Native Committee. Very warm speeches made.