HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY'S SITTING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1434, 10 September 1881, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THURSDAY'S SITTING.

On the motion far the second reading of Sir George Grey's "Protection to Debtor's Bill" it was thrown out. The second reading of Sir G. Grey's Legal Advocate's Bill was carried by 19 to 18. Society Papers. Mr Driver introduced a bill to prevent the printing and publication of scandalous newspapers.— First reading agreed to. The Chairman of Committees. Mr Gibbs moved "That, in the opinion of the House the action of the Chairman of Committees in refusing to accept from the hon Mr Gisborne, on the evening of Friday, the 2nd September, a motion 'to report progress' for the purpose of obtaining the opinion of Mr Speaker on a previous ruling of Mr Seymour, to the effect that he would receive no further motions to report progress or to leave the chair, or any amendments to the Bill under consideration, but such as he considered bona fide, was contrary to parliamentary practice and the Standing Orders of this House, and will tend seriously to curtail the freedom in debate in Parliament and strike a. blow at the liberties of the people." In doing so he dwelt at some length on the privileges of minorities. Mr {Seymour contradicted the rumour that the Government had anything to do with his action. He cited a precedent for what he had done. Mr Stewart supported the Chairman's ruling and urged that unleia some such power was exercised Parliamentary government would be a perfect farce. Mr Hallwarmly defended tke Chairman of Committees and moved as an amendment " That the action of the Chairman in refusing, on Friday last, when the Representation Bill was under consideration in Committee to report progress, and which appeared to him to be made for the purpose of obstruction was so done by him in the exercise of a proper power." Messrs Moss, Ballance, and Seddon spoke in support of the motion, arguing that the action of the Chairman was an infringement of the Standing Orders, when the debate was interrupted by the 5. 30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30. Miscellaneous. Mr Pyke gave notice to ask if it was the intention of Government to introduce a bill reducing the salaries of future Governors. Mr Shrimski moved, " That the amendments made in the Pensions Bill in the Upper House be disallowed, being an interference with the appropriations made by the House, and consequently beyond the powers of the Council The motion was carried after some discussion. Gisborne Harbor Bill. On the motion for the third reading, Messrs Rolleston and Whitaker opposed the bill, and Sir G. Grey and Mr Hutchison supported it. The bill was then read a third time and passed.