Parliamentary.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1168, 20 December 1879, Page 2

Parliamentary.

Wellington, Last Night. The Legislative (jouncil met at 10 a.m., and adjourned until 11 in order to obtain report re the excised portion of the Public Works Act. The Hon. Mr Whitaker pointed out that the action of the Council embarrassed the Government, and they could not agree to the striking out of works they had under contract. He asked that the bill be recomraited for the purpose of restoring lines, regarding which, contracts entered iuto, the Government undertaking to guarantee that no other works would be carried -out.. The bill was recommitted, and the Waikato-Taranaki line struck out. Nelson to Grey mouth, with harbour works, Greyinouth-Picton to Awatere East, and West Coast line to Greyraouth and Hokitiki were struck out. The Appropriation Bill passed. When the bill came back to the House of representatives the striking out of the Waikato-Taranaki line occasioned a very animated debate. Messrs Moss and Gisborne strongly opposed it, as the work was of & national character, and would pucifieate the King Country and obliterate the native difficulty ; also, that it was unfair to the Honso and Auckland members, and suggested that the Governmet were not sincere in the matter. Mr Oliver said the action of the Council made very little difference. They would prosecute surveys, and explore as rapidly as means permitted. Mr Bi-yco denied that there was the slightest foundation fof tfie statement that Rewi was bQcoming estranged from the Government, Major Atkinson said they had better agree with the amendments. They inl ended to prosecute the lines as soon as funds permitted. After further discussion the House divided on Ijfr Gisboi-ne's amend ment to agree with the amendments made by the Council in the Public Works Bill. An amendment to agree was carried by 22 to 15. Hall and Rolleston voted with the ayes, and Bryce nud Atkinson mfch the noes. Mr Hall explained that Government would have sacrificed the bill if they had insisted on the WaikatoTaranaki line. Immigration Appropriation Acts were senc down from Council. At three o'clock the House prorogued, the Commissioners being Messrs Whitaker, McLean and Johnson.