LAST NIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1751, 24 September 1875, Page 2

LAST NIGHT.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.)

House resumed at 7.30. Clause 23 as amended passed. , On Clause 24, that the appropriation of land, revenue shall not affect the public securities nor permanent charges on such revenue, Mr. J. E. Brown moved the following proviso :-j\ "Provided always that on and after the Ace coming into operation, the endowment of one quarter land revenue to the Timaru and Gladstone Board of Works shall cease." He saw no reason why one district should be excepted from the rapacity of tne Colonial Treasurer. This led to a lively discussion as to whether; Timaru and Gladstone would not be better oil than the rest of the Colony. , Mr. Reeves, in answer to the allusion made to him by the member for Timaru, said fie believed this clause or two last lines was tne result of a compact between the General U>* vernment and the hon. member, and it was a. disgraceful compact. ... Sir George Grey said a most unjust, a most unbecoming, a most improper attempt waS| being made to keep for 8000 people in Timaru 500,000 acres of land. If the colony, were to be united there should be one common revenue. He should do all that lay in his pow* to obtain equal rights for the wnoic of New Zealand, and to combine any such attempt as was made in the 24th clause. . Mr. Stafford said no compact had beennia^ between him and the Government with regaw to the 24th clause. He had never, asked tnew for anything, nor had they ever as^^ • The Government were unaware before he caiu to tne House what were his intentions wim t ■ spect to the abolitton question. The cia was carried as amended. On Major Atkinso^ suggestion siight verbal amendments w made in clause 24. r</«r«mMr. Reid wanted to know if the Govern ment intended to abandon the Local Gover ment Bill? !\w^Ke Major Atkinson : No ; it rests' **< f e House. To a further question of tue^r kind, he said the Government "^f^L pass the bill, but so much time had v° . wasted on the Abolition Bill they thougW

might not be possible. Clause 25 passed. , . rpb* Clauses 26 and 27 were struck out. >r * "' ■ .1

p I b clause proposed to repeal section 17 ' institution Act. \ '"acandrew said he was utterly aghast 'at ih proposal. He looked upon it as an act of tyranny. , -~, Mr ftolleston supported that idea. Sir George Grey thought if Provincial Conncils were to be dispersed like a mob, the Hiot .Act sheuld be read in their presence, "What harm had Provincial Councils done that they should not be allowed to meet duiing the recess? He hoped the clause would be withdrawn, and with it the insult that was offered to every Provincial Council in the colony. Messrs Biandon and Carrington opposed the clause. Sir Diilon Bell supported, the clause. He would deprecate Provincial Councils entering into strong political discussions. Mr Fitzherbert said, why gag Provincial Councils. Persons condemned to death were allowed a few moments for prayer, yet that scant privilege was denied by that House. Uotbicg but great fear could actuate those who made the proposal. What would the pain and penalties be supposing Provincial Councils meet, despite the passing of the clause. Ghe Government did not go far enough. They might have a lot of irregular meetings throughout the country, backed up by precedent, and perhaps with the sanction of the people ; and the Government would be placed in a very ridiculous position. He would suggest a way out of the difficulty, namely, by substituting for the present wordiDg this—"That notwithstanding the provisions of section 17 of the Constitution Act, it shall not bo incumbent on Superintendents to convene Provincial Councils unless they see a necessity to do co." Mr. Bowen replied the Government were perfectly well satisfied tbeywore doing the right thing and were treating Provincial Councils with far more respect than if they told Councils they might meet as usual but that their deliberations would be of no effect because, for all practical purposes, they would be abolished. He thought, moreover, that it would be impolitic to permit them to meet and appear in the eyes of the people to have power, which Jn ieality they did not pessess.

After further discussion a division was taken, and the new clause carried by 34 against 16. The remaining clauses passed, and the Bill "was reported with amendment, the third reading to be taken on Tuesday. To-day is to be given up to private business. The House then adjourned.