GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 334, 30 August 1898, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SATURDAY.

CLOSE OF THE BCDGET DEBATE. Mli SEDDON said the debate hud been fearful, wonderful, and notorious, and the speeches delivered, if they did not edify, he hoped would be a warning. It was a sacrifice to clo?e the debate at that hour, but he felt if it was not brought to a close then, probably events would follow which for all time would be a standing blot on the Parliament of the colony. .Finance hid scarcely been touched, but personalities and abuse had been freely indulged in. For the first time in the history of the Parliament of the colony the privacy of Government House had been invaded, aud statements made which were absolutely untrue and incorrect. Only two members of the Opposition, Messrs Duthie and Fraser, had really criticised the finance of the colony, and their remarks bad been extremely favourable. The speeches of the Ministerialists had been creditable, and they by their replies to the Opposition arguments had reduced his task in replying. Referring to Captain Russell's complaint that the Government gave no information as to increased revenue from Customs, he said the facts had been given over and over again, and they showed the increased revenue was from luxuries, and was paid by the wealthy. Respecting the charges of alleged corruption in the Civil Service, one charge mentioned by Mr Pirani was the case of a messenger, and he also explained the circumstances in other cases he had been able to identify. He gave those who brought the charges credit for having done their duty, but the charges were based ou slender foundations. He dealt at some length witn personal charges brought against him by Mr Hutchison. The House went into Committee of Supply, and a discussion, which lasted some time, ensued between Mr Seddon and Mr G-. Hutchisou, respecting the latter's personal attacks on the former. Progress was reported, and the House adjourned at 5.40 a.m.