PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2504, 28 July 1888, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

(BY TELK3KAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) legislativeTcounoil. FRIDAY. The Naval and Military Claims Committee reported that they saw no reason for the appointment of a commission to inquire into the claims. Hon. Dr. Menzie's moved that Bible reading in schools should be no longer prohibited. After a debate the motion was lost on a division. Ayes, 15; noes. IG. Tho Mining Act Amendment Bill was committed, and progress reported with leave to sit again. The Council rose at 5 o'clock. HOUSE OF EEPRBSENTATIVESFRIDAY. The House continued sitting all night, and at 9 a.m. Hun Mr Fergus moved that the galleries bo opetrsd, which was carried by 25 to 10. At 1 p.m. the House adjolirned till 2.30 for lunch. On resuming Mr S iddi'ii suggested progress be reported for a short time in order to see if a compromise ooiilil be alfoetod, but after adjourning for three-quarters of an hour, he said that owing to the absence of Mr Fish and other members interested, no arrangement had been emu to, he asked therefore for another adjournment till 7.30. The Premier said it was simply asked for to get a reprieve, and ho should oppose the adjournment. Sir (J. Grey said they felt the Bill was injudicious to the country, and he could not withdraw his opposition. Mr Reeves (St. Albans) said the adjournment was simply to enable the obstructionists to recruit their energies This Bill was allowed to occupy so much time to enable the Premier to pass his estimates at the last momemt when members were tired and anxious to get home. Hon. Mr HUlnp said Mr Reeves should not give his opinion on the motives which actuated the Government. He altogether deprecated the obstructive tactics which had been need.

Mr Fish, who had meanwhile entered the chamber, supported the adjournment, as he thought a compromise might be arrived at.

Mr Pyke replied that ho was willing to take the line to any point that might be decided on.'

The Premier said ho could not for a moment agree to take up Government business till this question was disposed of, and thought the best plan was to adjourn till 7.30, in hope of arriving at a compromise. Adjournment agreed to, and the House rose at 4.20.

The House resumed at 7.30. Mr Samuel asked if any compromise had been arrived at.

Mr Scobie McKenzie said a joint meeting of opponents and supporters of the Bill had been held, the result of which was that a resolution had been carried and commnnicitod to the Government to the following elfect " that the railway be extended to a point some 8 or 10 miles beyond Taieri lake, that the Government should construct the line and set aside sufficient land for the purpose, such land to be dealt with under the ordinary land laws of the colony, and lastly that the line should be pushed on with the least possible delay. Mr Pyke said this was no compromise, but he was ready to take the opinion of the House on clause 3.

The Premier said there had not been time to consider this question yet, and ho asked Mr Pyke to agree to adjourn till 2.30 on Monday, when the Government would state what they we.ro prepared to do. Mr Pyke consented, and thanked those members who had stood by him for the last 24 hours. Progress was reported, and the Bill ordered to b , ) recommitted on Monday afternoon, till which time the House adjourned at 8,35.