HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 980, 3 October 1878, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT WELLINGTON, last night. In the Council to-day, the Hon. Mr Robinson was fined £50 for his contempt m not obeying- the call of the Council. He made a long expiauation, but it was not accepted as satisfactory. It is stated that a motion will shortly be introduced m the Council affirming that it is inconsistent with the position and dignity of the Legis!ative Council for any of its members to receive any payment for their Serviced from the public funds. A. majority of the members will, it is asserted, support the motion. Mr Macandrew, m answer to a deputation, asking that the reconstruction of the bridgos over the Clutha river should be undertaken by the Colony, admitted that the deputation had a strong case, under the peculiar circumstance, and promiaed to consnlt the Cabinet, and communicate the result to the members. To-day, Mr Fox moved for a committee to enquire into the removal of Major Mair and Mr Searancke from the Government service. Mr Sheehan resisted the motion as virtually a vote of censure on his conduct, and said if ifc was carried the Government would have to send for Mr tfox to form a Ministry. He claimed to exercise uncontrolled discretion m dealing with officers of his department. If this was refused, he could not administer it. He admitted the past good services of the officers m question, but the public interest rendered it desirable to dispense with their services m future. Mr Gisborne askeJ if their services had been dispensed with simply under the provisions of the Civil Service Act, compensation according to the length of servioe being Mr Sheehan replied m the affirmative. Mr Gisborne then said there was nothing to enquire into, and that no slur was cast on the officers. Mr Kelly quoted froai * Hansard ' to show that Mr Fox, when Minister, had claimed and extuised the powers now claimed by Mr Sheelißu. The motion was lost by 47 to 22.