THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 865, 23 September 1871, Page 2

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Skptember 14th, Yesterday, Mr Vogel announced that for the next three months Mr Webb's steamers would proceed from Auckland to Sydney, Mr "Webb arranging for the Coastal service and meeting, at the rate of £IO,OOO a year less, and to bo ready at the exDiration of that time to continue the service. The Government had written to all the Australian Governments, offering to meet them in using the service free of cost for four months. Last night was entirely occupied in debate on the motion of Mr O'Neill for tho reduction ot the gold export duty. Yarious amendments were proposed, but all were negatived. Three divisions took place, the closest being 21 to 43. The original motion was rejected by 52 to 14. Mr Macandrew moved his resolutions to-day. He said that at present 138 persons were employed, at the cost of £22,374 annually in Legislative and Executive work in the Middle Island. These he proposed to replace by one Legislative Executive, consisting of forty-six persons, who could do the work at a cost of between £3,000

and £4,000. The saving by this, and by having one bead for all instead of in each Province, would represent the interest upon half a million of money, which he would borrow to make a main line of communication by railroad and water, from Wakatip, Otago, to Cobden, Nelson—in all, 300 miles, of which 55 would be by water. His proposals would enable the Middle Island to have uniform land laws, and would promote the welfare of the colony in various ways. Hereafter, when the population was doubled, County system established, and lands sold, one Government for the. whole colony, at Wellington, would be possible. The first duty of the Middle Island Council would be to initiate a County system. The Council could also administer and construct railways and public works more economically than the colony. His resolutions granted virtual insular separation, without impairing the colony. The first Council should meet at Christchurch, and should afterwards be peripatetic, but settle where the seat of Government should be. H<) would withdraw resolution eleven. In conclusion, he dwelt on the sacrifice of sentiment and ambition which he was making in bringing these proposals forward.

Mr Houghton seconded the resolutions. . .

Mr Fox announced that the Government would oppose the proposals as antagonistic to their policy of the last and present sessions. He denied that the proposals, if carried, would prove satisfactory or effect anj appreciable saving in the expenditure. Mr Shepherd supported the principal resolutions, and said that the seat of Government should be at Christchurch.

Mr Tairoa said that if the resolutions were carried, he would propose a separate form of Government for the Maoris.

Mr M'Gillivray supported the abolition of Provincialism.

Mr Hall opposed the resolutions, which would rather aggravate than remedy the evil of over-Government. The colony required one Government, with local administrative powers. He was glad that the former opponents of his party had come to tbe same conclusion. He was quite satisfied with the progress they were making in that direction, and said that the sweeping away of the Provincial system suddenly was neither wise nor statesmanlike.

Messrs Wakefield and Kelly opposed the resolutions. Mr Rolleston opposed them as most inopportune. He expressed his approval of the proposals of the Financial Statement, so far as he had been able to comprehend them, as being likely to realise the hopes he had entertained for many years. Mr Reeves opposed the resolutions, declining to believe that they had been sincerely proposed. The policy of sessions 1569 and 1870 had rendered separation quite unpolitic and impracticable. The Government seemed determined to carry out their policy honestly and well, and it could not fail to greatly benefit the colony. Mr Bathgate supported the resolutions, and urged the combination between Canterbury and Otago on the ground of community of interest. The debate was interrupted by the adjournment for dinner.

"Wellington Sept. 15. Mr Pox replied on the Education Bill. He would not accept Mr Wakefield's amendment, to make the Minister of Education a non-political officer. He adhered to making the boundaries of districts coterminous with provinces. Would prefer to make Education Boards consist of the Superintendent and Treasurer in each province, and from five to twelve members elected by Local Committees. He would leave it optional with each Board either to impose fees for attendance.jor ajcapitation tax for all children whether attending or not. He adhered to aided schools, reading Bible, and a conscience clause, but Would leave the question of compulsory attendance to Boards to decide in each case. As it was not possible to make a property tax touch real property, he would make the rate a household one, at £1 per house. This would yield £65,129, as against £57,622 now raised by various modes, exclusive of fees, in the various provinces. He did not say he would not accept other amendments in committee, but wished the Bill to be passed in the shape indicated, if possible. It was not a Ministerial measure, but if it emerged from committee in a mutilated form, Q-overnment would consider whether to proceed with it, or abandon it until public opinion was better formed, and a really useful bill would command the support of the majority. The committal of the bill was ordered for Friday.