HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1112, 9 August 1879, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THURSDAY. THAMES-WAIKATO RAILWAY. Mr Macandrew, who has been somewhat irritated at having had .to to bear a great deal of the blame m this matter, said that by far the most important; part of the evidence had been suppressed, or at- all events, did not appear m the paper printed.. He proposed that the report be sent back, with instructions to produce the whole of the evidence. He could produce proof that the Minister of Public Works promised fco construct the line.

Mr Rolleston, on behalf of the committee said these documents might have been brought up by the Under Secretary, but they were nofc tendered to the committee, and if they had beeu they had nothing to do Avith the case. No production of- these papers could m the least shake the report. This was one of tho most scandalous exercises of poAver outside this House, Avifch the view of obtaining political support, ivhich had ever taken place m this country.

Messrs Ri-jhardson,- Adams, and Moss spoke, tho latter saying that the committee was appointed to inquire about a map, aud they travelled into whether tho railway should be constructed or nofc.

Mr McLean said the line, as commenced, would cost £300,00n, Avhich there Avas nothing about m the Public Works {Statement.

"Sia William Eox said the House authorised a railway from Waikato to Te Aroha, and the Government turned round aud commencad a railway from Grahamstown to To Aroha. The Premier did this fco please his constituents, and as a political job fche Premier could bo made to pay the ivhoie amount oufc of his own pocket. Major .Atkinson said he had made inquiry, and believed that ifc ivould havo beeu a mistake to stop at Te a rolia, bufc the question Avas whether the Government had any right to spend money not voted by that. House.

I Mr Rowe Avas sure there had boen no intentional deception. Mr Macfarlane said he Avould willingly vote that the matter be referred back to the committee, but he thought Mr Macandrew should apologise to the members of the committee for having accused them of having suppressed evidence. Tho report was ultimately referred to the committee, to Avhich four new members were added, the neiv report to be brought up within 48 hours. [The report appears m our tolegrams of last night;.] .THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Fir George Grey then proceeded to deliver the Einancial Statement. He made a very brief statement, anrl simply recapitulated the figures already published, and concluded by moving that the sum of £540,127 be appropriated for services to the 30fch September, 1879. The Publio Works Statement, whioh we purpose to publish afc length m our next Avas then delivered by Mr Macandrew, and tlie House adjourned.