LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1918, 21 October 1884, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

MONDAY. Thk Legislative Council met at half-past 2. On the motion of the Colonial Secretnrv, the Animals Protection Amendment Bill and the Eradication of Lico in Sheep Bill were introduced and read a first time. It was resolved that the evidence taken before the Sheep and Rabbits Act committee be printed. The Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the District Railways Bill. Sir George Whitmore spoke in opposition to the bill. Mr Waterhouse moved that the bill be read a second time that day sit months. One of his objections to the measure was that it proposed to treat the various railways in question on the same principle, iriespective of whether they were being worked at a profit or loss The Hon. Mr Oliver also opposed the bill, urging that the pioper way wns to deal with each railway company separately, and to deal with each case on its merits, not take powers to deal with all the district railways alike, and on the same footing. He also objected to the proposed mode of purchase. He said threats had been made that if this bill were not passed by the council certain other measurs in which they were interested would be abandoned by the Government. Capt. Fraser thought Mr Oliver should \ciify such a statement as that, by giving the names of those who had used the threat. Mr Miller supported the amendment. The Hon. Mr Reynolds moved the adjournment of the debate in consequence of the statement by Mr Oliver. Neither himself or his colleague in that Council knew anything of any threat having been made. Capt. Fraser seconded the motion for the adjournment of the debate. Mr Waterhouse hoped the bill would be allowed to proceed without interruption. Mr Oliver, in explaining, said no words which fell from him implied any charge against the Government. Mr Robinson pointed out the uselessnese of adjourning the debate. Mr Reynolds thought tho Government were justified in asking for an explanation of what had been stated before proceeding further with the measure. Mr McLean considered the affair was a storm in a tea-pot. Mr Campbell supported the motion for adjournment to clear up the statement made by Mr Oliver, and also to enable him to reply to ceitain remarks by Mr Waterhouse. The Colonial Secretary thought the Government were entitled to the adjournment, of the debate. The Speaker, in reply to a question raised dining the debate, paid he had no hesitation in saying that this bill was a money bill throughout. The Council divided on the question that the debate be adjoin ned. Ayes, 13 ; noes, IS. The motion was lost. Mr McLean expressed his intention of voting for, and Mr Chamberlain of voting against the bill. Dr Pollen supported the bill. Mr Ackland spoke in opposition to the second reading. Mr Campbell spoke up to the hour of adjournment, at f) o'clock. The Colonial Secretary then moved the adjournment of iSie Council. Sir G. Whitmore moved, as an amendment, " That the Council sit till 5.30 p.m." The Speaker said he would resume the chair at 7.30. The Legislative Council resumed at 7,30 p.m. The East and West Coast Railway Bill was received from the Lower House, and read a fiist tine. The debate on the District Railways Bill was then resumed. The Colonial Secretary said he had consulted with the Premier, who had consulted with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who had given it as his opinion that this was not a money bill. Mr Campbell resumed the debate on the second reading, and after considerable discussion the amendment was carried, and the Council adjourned at five minutes to 10 p.m.