Afternoon Sitting.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3913, 14 July 1881, Page 2

Afternoon Sitting.

BAILWAYS.

Mr Oliver moved that a committee be appointed to inquire into the management aud working of New Zealand railways, and to rep.ort their opinion on any changes which may appear desirable to introduce, the committee to consist of Messrs Ormond, Jtteilly, Shephard, Saunders, Bunny, Kichardson, Wright, Macandrew, and the mover.

Mr Hall supported the motion, stating Government felt sure valuable information would be elicited which could not be got through the ordinary official channel. Mr Macandrew characterised the question as too comprehensive an one to be dealt with officially in the short time that would be at the disposal of the Committee.

Mr J. B. Fisher supported the motion, suggesting that it be an instruction to the Committee to enquire into and report as to the completion of railway lines and railway works

Mr Richardson thought the Committee would be useless, if not dangerous.

Mr Wood agreed that the committee would be able to do real good in the time which would be at its disposal. Mr Bastings argued that if the lines were to be made a success they would hare to be placed under control of a board separate altogether from the Goverment, and he hoped that action would be taken in that direction before the session closed. The motion was withdrawn. POLICE FORCE.

Mr Stewart moved that a Committee be appointed to inquire into and report on the reductions and removals in the police force of the colony during the last twelve months, with power to call for persons and papers, and report within one month, the Committee to consist of Messrs Colbeck, Harris, Pitt, Hirst, Shrimski, and the mover.

Mr Eolleston opposed the motion. If the House interfered in these matters it would tend to disorganise the whole force A sum of £50,000 had been saved by these reductions, and he thought the House might well leave the whole matter in the hand 9of Gevernment.

Mr Reeves in supporting the motion, charged Government with, favouritism in making reductions, and promised if afforded an opportunity, to make good his imputations.

Mr Hall said that after the imputation made of favouritism, were the House to agree to this motion it would be equivalent to a censure upon Government. Mr Stewart said that what he complained of was that Government, by its action had defeated the real purposes of retrenchment.

The House divided—Ayes, 30; Noes, 31. The motion was lost.

THE QOVEENOfi's BALL

Mr Hall said that at 8.30 he should move the adjournment of the House, as he understood it would be consulting the convenience of members.

Mr Pyke said he would oppose it, as they came to work, and not to attend Governor's balls.