HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5152, 22 July 1885, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Yesterday. The House met at 2 30 p.m. Eeplying to questions, it was stated that it was undesirable that persons in the employment of Government should be ap pointed in connection with Property Tax Valuations, and other such assistance re. quired from skilled persons; Government oould not undertake to supply a year book in consequence of the cost entailed. Sir Julius Vogel read a printed statemeat respecting the East and West Coast railway.

The following bills were introilncpd : — A bill to amend "The Life Assurance Policies Act 1884" (§ir J. Vogd) ; a bill to give effect to a resolution of tho House of Representatives agreed to on tho 9th July 1885, impesing certain Customs duties (Sir J. Vogel). Mr Macandrew gave notice to more, on Wednesday, the 12th August, "That, in the opinion of this House the time has come when efforts should be mads to unite the whole English speakiog people throughout the world in one grand political confederation, having for its object defence against foreign aggression, the maintenance of peace, and the promotion of the brotherhood of nations ; that a respectful address be presented to his JKicellency the Governor requesting that he may be pleased to transmit this resolution to the Queen, iv the hope that her'

Majesty may still further distinguish her illustrious reign by endeavoring to bring about a conference that shall represent the whole of the British dominions, and the United States of America, to meet either at London or Washington, to consider the question of political confederation, as herein-before-mentioned."

Mr Sutton gave notico that when the House went into Committee to consider the proposal for the San Francisco mail service, be would move, as an amendment, " That the ' figures and words £30,000 l»e struck out, with the view of inserting the following figures and words, f That the contracting party at the following rates :— Letters, 18s per lb ; packets Is per Ib; newspapers 6d per lb.'" Mr Stout made his Education State-. ment.

Mr Ballanoe moved the second reading of the Whitmore Enabling Bill, and said that the' Government considered the appointment they had made was necessary. —Major Atkinson would cot oppose the Bill, but did not agree to the organisation of the forces as arranged by the Government, He would discuss the latter question when.the time came for voting supply. —Mr Montgomery wished to know if there was any term fixed for the appointment.—Mr Ballance explained that the engagement was terminable any time without compensation.—Mr Hurst thought the appointment was made during special excitement. The engagement should not have been made permanent. The Government had placed a political supporter in possession, and Col. Whitmore should have his choice of resigning hi 3 place in the Legislature.

This day

Major Atkinson would oppose the bill if he thought the appointment was a permanent one ; he did not, however, think it was necessary for a Commander in Chief, and Under Secretary, and Commander of Artillery, and when in Committee of Supply he would oppose appointments of unnecessary officers.—ln replying to Mr Montgommery, Mr Ballance said the agreement could be terminated at any time, without compensation.—Mr Hurst thought that Sir George Whitmore should either have refused the position, or thrown up his seat in the Council,—Mr Seddon defended the appointment, and said it was the duly of the House to confirm the Government action.—Messrs Fulton, Barron, and Russell spoke in support of the bill.—Sir Georgo Grey thought it would be better to pass the second reading, and the Government should defer proceeding any further until it was decided in the estimates what forces they were to have. —Mr Hamlin supported the bill, as it was absolutely necessary to have permanent volunteers.—After Mr Ballance had replied, the second reading was carried on the voices.

The Industrial Schools Amendment, and West Coast Settlement Reserve Bills were read a third time and passed.