LATEST PARLIAMENTARY.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 885, 9 November 1871, Page 3

LATEST PARLIAMENTARY.

Wellington, Nov. 1. The Payment to Provinces Bill passed through Committee after upwards of nine hours' fighting, chiefly caused by the factious opposition of Mr Mervyn. The Chairman had to report him to the Speaker, and at last took no notice of his calls for a division, as he stood alone, and could find no seconder. The scene was one without precedent in the House. It continued until 3.30 this morning. On the motion of Mr Harrison, a clause was inserted, authorising the retention of three elevenths of the Nelson Eoad Board grant for the use of the Eoad Boards about to be constituted on the South-west Goldfields, lying to the South of the Northern boundary of the Buller district. What Mr Mervyn wanted was, that a similar provision should be made for his district. Nov. 4. The Upper House has thrown out Mr Harrison's clause in the Payment to Provinces Bill, securing threeelevenths of the Nelson Eoad Board money for Boards to be constituted on the South-West Gold Fields. Mr Harrison will move a disagreement, and endeavour to get the clause re-inserted through a conference of both Houses. The debate last night was on the mail contract. A resolution was finally arrived at to the effect that Government have authority to modify the contract for ten years, the annual amount not to exceed £40,000.