PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3531, 2 July 1890, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

Souse of Ropreso&tatlvsa-

TUESDAY, July 1,

Tho Government Challenged.

Before the House met yesterday afternoon, it was pretty well known that a direct'attack was to be made on the financial policy of the Government by Mr Ballanoe, ilie leader of the Opposition,- a decision to that effect having been arrived lit by, tho party during the morning. \Vhen the House bad met, and the usual preliminary business bad been transacted, Mrßallance, who was warmly cheered by his party, gave notice of the following amendment on . the motion'for going into Committee of Supply:-

That, in the opinion of this House, the continuance of the primage duty is unnecessary, and is a distinct breach of tho understanding arrived at when it was first imposed.

That fuither retrenchment, is imperatively demanded, and oan be effected without impairing the efficiency of the public service. That the retention of tho property tax in its present form, aud the land policy pursued by the Government, alike impede the progress of tho Colony,

Ministers did. not make any sign until when the business on the Order Paper was reached, the Native Minister (Mr Mitchelßon) rose and said that after the motion of which Mr Bullance had given notice, which was a direct challenge to the Government, awl would be treated as such, Ministers would not answer questions but would proceed at once to tho order for Committee of. Supply. Objection to this course was at once taken by Mr Feldwick and others, who reminded the Minister that the Premier had promised that the financial debate should be begun at 7-80. Mr Mitohelson said he would adjourn till 7.80 if Mr Ballauce! wished it, and the latter gentleman said he was entirely in the hands of the House, Eventually it was agreed to adjourn the debate till 7,30, so that Mr Balance's amendment might be printed and circulated, and the House adjourned at 2.55. When the House resumed at 7,80 all the galleries were packed, and the House,"was also' well filled. The order for Committee of Supply was called on at once,

Mr Ballance, in moving his amendment, referred at 'great length- to the financial position of the colon; and the need lor retrenchment, He stated that if his amendment was carried no one need have the sligh--teat apprehension that the present Government would allow the Opposition to take their places—they would appeal to the country and fight it out. The Minister of Lands, who was woll received, replied at length, and challenged Mriiallance to show how retrenchment could be effected, or how the land administration could be improved, . The debate wasadjourned at 11.64,