HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2192, 27 July 1886, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

MONDAY. Thk House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr Levestam moved "That the committal of the Nelson Foreshore .Reserves Bill be postponed till Thursday." Agreed to after some discussion. Col. Trimble resumed the debate on the committal of the New Plymouth Harbour Loan Bill, and spoke for aeverrl hours during which the bell had to be rung for quorum frequently. He was still speaking when the House rose for dinner at 5 30. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr McKenzie resumed the debate on the Loan Bill, and criticised at length the speeches against the proposals, and contended the reason of such speeches was that the Opposition were sorry they did not occupy the Government benches. Referring to Major Atkinson's objection to borrowing he said that che hon. gentleman had in four years and Jtwo months raised £9,250,000 or at least had had the spending of it. If the colony were to stop borrowing now it would mean, a loss of over £2,500,000, by works in course of construction, and. it would also tend to cause stagnation all over the country. Mr It. F. Richardson thought the new works set forth hi the Financial Statement were not given effect to in the Bill now before the House. He said Government were responsible for Capt. Rnssells amendment last session, as no sooner was it moved than Government accepted it. He suggested that Government should use more energy in acquit ing lands along the North Island Trunk line. The most important line under the consideration of the House was, he thought, the WoodvillePalmer^ton line, which would connect the East and West Coasts of the North Inlands. Taking into consideration the position of the colony, he thought it exceedingly bad policy to proceed with any new line-*. He moved an amendment to the effect that no new lines be commenced until the hues at present under construction are completed to a working point, and that the votes for th i i Blenheim-Tophouse (£(18,000) and W«».tportInaugahua (£153,000) be struck off, and that the vote for permanent- way *.lee|>eis and rolling stock be reduced by £14,000, and that the saving of £175,000 be allotted to the following lines:— Helenswlle, northwards, £35,000; Napier-Palmernton North, £35,000 ; Blenheim t<< Tuphmwe, £25,000 ; Otago Central, £00,000 ; and the Seaward Bush line, £10,000. Mr Dargawlle seconded the amendment pro forma-, and thought the reason of its being moved was to give members an oppor- j tuuity to air their eloquence. He ciiticised the speeches made against the bill, and favourably compared Mr Ballancc's administration as against that of Mr Bryce. Dr. Newman said he would vote for the second reading of the bill and also for the amendment. The Premier said the reason for bringing down the amendment was to give to somo members of the Opposition an opportunity to make two speeches in one debate. He would not accept the amend men t, nor would they allow the Opposition to dictate to them what the schedule of the bill should be. If the House agreed to the amendment others could carry on the bill. Referring to the speech of Mr Ormond, he said he just made an attack on the Public Works policy of the Government, and then wound up by complaining of the amount expended in his district. He asked was that a statesmanlike way to attack the Government. There never could be a successful financial pohcj', if there was continual praying for roads and bridge^ by district-*. Difbnets .should uot rely upon the Government. Referring t<> immigration, the colony should be made so attractive that iiniuigr.mt* would come to it without public .lid. The .sole object of the member for Napier was to remove the burdon oft the land, and place in one personal propi'ity and Customs revenue. He reten ed at so: ne length to the speeches dm ing the dilute. Referring to railway boards, he saw danger in banding over any Government depaituidiit to non-political board* unless such boards were responsible to Parliament. Ho had ativ.tys contended that the colony could not always goon borrowing for all kinds of work. , (Left Sitting).

A MAN told his djiiiffhter th-it if nhe learned to work lie would ghe her a surprise. She leaned the *re, and he surprised her by disch influx tho bervaut girl. MuJf. — Young man : " I am willing to lend you 20 dollars, Gus, but you mustn't say sinything to anybody itb tut. it. If it should become known that I hud lent you money, I would be importuned to d°ath." Gus, pocketing the money: "Tua,nks. I pledge you my word that I will never sppak of it to a living soul." Young nvin : '"AH right. About when will you return me the money, Gus?" Gus: 4 Sh ! Mum's the word, old boy." The Society of Friends. — The statistical statement has just been issued for the Society of Friends, as presented to the yearly meeting. It shows that for the first time for many years there has been a decrease in the membership cf the body in Great Britain. The nmnotr of members reported in Great Britain s 15,380, which is one Ikss than in the preceding year. The deaths in the past year numbered 276, which is about 17 95 per thousand. The decrease had taken place over the larger number of the districts of the country, but it is nearly counterbalanced by the increase in a few of the others. The total membership is divided into 7,332 males and 8,848 females ; and Yorkshire, London and Middlesex, Durham, and Lancashire and Cheshire, are the parts where the largest numbers are located. In addition to the number of members of the body there are 5,712 adherents not yet iv mpmbership in Great Britain, which is an increase of 83 on the number last year — the. increase beiug most apparent in the southern counties and in Scotland. In all 317 regular meetings of the body are held in Great Britain. At the recent yearly meeting the position of the members of the society residing in Ireland attracted much attention, and in both the reply to the usual message from Ireland, and in the circular letter which is now being scut down to the constituent meetings of the body in Great Britain, there is the expression of much sympathy for the position in which the Irish Friends believe they might be placed under possible legislation. A football practice notice Te Rahu v. Kihikihi, will be found in our advertising columns. Mr John Knoxwill submit to the hammer on Saturday next, at 2p.m., the balance of Mr Irssop's stock of stationery, glass cases, fixtures, fee.