Last Night's Sitting.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3626, 10 August 1880, Page 2

Last Night's Sitting.

IOCAt (JOVBENMENT CONFERENCE.

On the House resuming, Mr Moss moved the following amendment on the motion to go into Supply:—" That in order to enable the Legislature to make provision for the re-establishment of a system of local government suited to the circumstances of the colony, and founded upon the well ascertained wishes and opinions of the people, it is expedient that a conference of delegates to be chosen by the registered electors of the several provincial districts, should be held prior to next session of Parliament,, such conference to consist of thirteen members, two to be chosen by each of the provincial districts of Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago, and one for each of the other provincial districts ; that a respectful address be presented to the Governor asking that he may be pleased to take the necessary steps to give effect to the foregoing resolution." Sir Gr. Giey and Mr Macandrew briefly supported. . • Dr Wallis opposed the motion. This day. After Dr Wallis spoke, Mr Moss' amendment dropped out of sight, Mr .Richardson proceeding to criticise the Public Works Statement. He strongly condemned the portion referring to the railway management of the Middle Island, and thought Ministers should state what reforms they intended to make.

Mr Stewart defended Conyers and Blair from the charges made by the Civil Service Commission.

Mr Saunders replied, reiterating all his f>rmer statements, and defending the Commission. He alleged that £107,500 could be saved in railway management, Mr Shriinski characterised the Civil Service Commissioners as private detectives. .

Mr George, criticising the report of the Railway Commissioners, said they bad not gone over the north of Auckland railway, or taken evidenca in the district, and yet had reported directly contrary to the evidence of the Engineer. Mr.Colbeck characterised their report as devoid of common sense, and said if it was a sample of Royal Commissioners' work, Heaven save the country from any more of «uch.

At 1 o'clock the debate was adjourned, •nd the House rose.