PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2677, 7 September 1889, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. FRIDAY. Thk Council met at 2.30. The Chattels Transfer Bill passed,_ and the following Bills were read a second time : —Waimate Public Library Bill, Geraldine Public School Site Hill, Borough of Branner Enabling Bill, Timaru High School Act, 1878 Amendment' Bill, lliverton Corporation Empowering Bill, Geraldine Racecourse Reserve Act ISBI Amendment Bill, Waimate Public Reserves Sale Bill, Wellington City Empowering Bill, Masterton Trust Lands Bill, New Plymouth High School Bill. The Local Bodies iioan Act Amendment Bill was thrown out by 16 to 11, and at 5 the Council rose till 7.30. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FRIDAY. The House met at 2.30. The Mining Company's Act Amendment Bill was introduced and read a first time. Sir H. Atkinson said that with respect to the amendment moved bv the member for Hokitika, on the motion for going into Committee of Supply, the Government did not intend to make the amendment one of No-confidence, nor did they intend to debate it seeing it was moved by an hon. gentleman who did not sit on front benches of the Opposition. Neither he nor the Minister of Justice would make any explanation on the WardChristie'affair until this amendment was disposed of, after that he would be happy to give any explanation asked for by any member from the Opposition side of the House. Mr Ballance said in the House of Commons the policy of the Government was daily assailed by the rauk and file »f the Opposition. If the Government intended to observe the policy of silence on the amendment, they were welcome to do so. The Opposition, however, claimed the right to express their opinion of the policy of tho Government, and criticise the administration without fear or favour.

Messrs Seddon and Reeves spoke at length on the circumstances connected with the resignation of the Colonial Secretary.

Mr Fitchett said tho Minister of Justice was far more to blamo in the matfcor than bis late colleague. The whole thing was the most shameful episode that had ever occurred in the colony.

Mr Turnbull regretted the Minister of Justice had not made an explanation of his action to the House.

Mr Fisher characterised tho whole proceeding in connection with Judge Ward as most discreditable to the Government.

Mr Hutchinson said the House respected the late Colonial Secretary for his action in resigning, but how could they respect the Minister for Justice who remained on the Treasury benches, after causing tha resignation of his late colleague.

The amendment was lost on the voices, and the House went into Committee of Supply for- further consideration of the Estimates. , ;. , ,

Working Railways Department: £660,000.

A lengthy discussion ensued on tha appointment of the Railway Commissioners. Mr Walker invited Ministers to give some explanation as to these appointments. If the House had anticipated that three Civil servants would be appointed to railway (Joinmis.sionfirships, they would never have agreed to hand over the railways to these gentlemen for five years. Mr Mitchelsou said all the papers referring to the appointment had been laid on the table, and, it would seem from them, that after making every possible enquiry the Government had abandoned all hope of getting a suitable man either in England or America. He was convinced that in a short time the House would admit that the Government;'was justified in making the appointments they had made. Messrs Thompson (Auckland) and Taylor condemned the appointment. Mr Valentine felt sure a suitable man could have been obtained from England.

Mr McKenzie said the management of the railways was a public scandal, and that the subject would occupy a prominent place at the next election. The House would be compelled to get rid of the Commissioners if they did not display better management. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7 30.

Mr McKenzie (Waihemo) moved that the vote be reduced, by £100 as a proteßt against Mr Maxwells appointment as Railway Commissioner. Mr McKenzie (Clutha) said the Railway Commissioners were giving satisfaction, and were earnestly enquiring into general grievances and under the present management, the railways were likely to give good results and it was unfair to condemn the management at that time. ... .

Mr Fisher said that he knew the Minister for Public Wurks had done his best to obtain the services of a railway expert from England, but other members of the Cabinet had not the same desire.

A lengthy discussion ensued, (Left sitting).