PARLIAMENTARY.

Auckland Star, Volume VII, Issue 2029, 10 August 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON.

This day.

The Separation Debate.

Mr Fvea&er Wood

Yesterday afternoon's debate began with a speech from Mr Reader Wood, which had been greatly looked forward to as a reply to Mr Bowen's speech of the night before. The House was unusually crowded, and even the galleries were full, which is a very unusual thing in case of the afternoon sitting. Mr Wood's speech was mainly a very caustic criticism of the arguments used by Messrs Bowen and Bryce and Sir Julius Vogel, with a few remarks for the benefit of tbe Central and Canterbury membeis on the probable effect of denying to Auckland and Otago what the . people of those provinces, fully half the population of the colony demanded, and forcing upon them instead what would suit Wellington, but practically no one else. His declaration that Auckland people were united in the demand for Separation, was boldly questioned by Sir Robert Douglas and Mr Rowe. He then stated that the rejection of the land fund resolutions had united public opinion in the North on this question. His speech was loudly applauded at its conclusion.

Mr. StaffordMr Stafford next rose to reply. His speech, which lasted about an hour and a half, was in some parts eloquent, but was long-drawn and tiresome on the whole. He, however, aroused the Canterbury people effectually when he declared that although he had this session voted against the land fund resolutions of Mr Whitaker, he would next year support them. The announcement was the signal for much dismay in the Canterbury camp. No one bat Mr Wakefield applauded while all the others looked uneasy. The meaning clearly was to make a bid for office next year, when abolition is carrigd, but the Canterbury men generally regard this declaration as the sure precursor of Separation feeling in Canterbury province. There was very little applause upon Mr Stafford sitting down. Indeed he was felt to have taken up a position which could lead to nothing useful, and not even to have made a telling speech. Mr- Stout-

Mr Stout, who next spoke, was exceeding effective. His main efforts were directed against Mr Stafford and in his various attacks on that gentleman's career of the last two or three years, he was strongly assisted by the feeling of the House. He accused him of narrow Jocal sympathies, and of thinking more of Timaru breakwater than of the future of the colony.' Again and again Mr Stafford, evidently feeling sore, rose to explain or throw in an interruption, but in each case hewas taken up and shaken again. Mr Stout then discussed the course of politics that had driven Otago to become Separationist, and charged every member from|Mr G. McLean, on the Treasury Bench, down to Mr Pike, of Dunstan, as the lowest example, with having been elected solely on the ground of opposition to the Government on this great question. This was very disagreeable for Messrs McLean,?Pike, and Manders, the Otago men, who have said they would break this solemn pledge on which they were elected. The speech was really an able one, and lasted about an hour and a half, the interest being admirably sustained throughout, and the speaker very warmly applauded by the House on conclusion. Mr Rolleston. Mr Rolleston then, in a few sentences, stated that, as matters still stood, he could not vote for the resolutions. He considered that, as soon as Abolition actually took place, it must lead to Separation. But, till it was actually forced upon him, he would fight the battle of a modified Provincialism. This is understood to mean the postponement of Separation for one year, so far as the Su. perintendent of Canterbury is concerned. His reference to the influence Mr Stafford's conduct would have in the promotion of Separation in Canterbury was loudly applauded by the Otago men. Mr Joyce, from one of the Southland districts, followed, professing to have arrived at the conclusion of supporting resolutions after some hesitation.

Mr Ballance (Rangitikei) will begin the debate to-day, and be followed by Mr Reid, and, probably, Messrs Swanson and Macandrew for resolution. THE KAIPARA RAILWAY.

Mr Sheehan has the following notice on the paper for to-day.-^" That this House regrets the delay which has taken place in the construction of the Railway from Riverheadto Auckland, and does not consider that the reasons set forth in the Public Works Statement are sufficient to justify such delay ; and farther, it is of opinion that the work should be undertaken at once." STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH FIJI. Sir George Grey has moved for the production of all correspondence relative to the opening up of steam communication between this colony and Brisbane, or between New Zealand and Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, or Tonga. The motion relates to the proposal of Mr Coleman Phillips. ' -' ! ROADS NORTH OF AUCKLAND.

« _fu' Slleehan haa given notice to move: lhat this House considers that the provision proposed to be made for roads and works in the .districts North of Auckland is entirely inadequate to meet the requirements and necessities of those distriats, and very

touch smaller than the share to which those districts are fairly entitled, regard being had to area, population, and contributions to revenue."

MINISTERIAL TRAVELLING EXPENSES.

Mr Sheehan will also move for a return showing the total amounts paid or allowed to members of the Executive during the past financial year,—

(1.) For travelling expenses, inclusive of amounts paid for expenses of secretaries, clerks, orderlies, or other officers travelling with them.

(2.) For repairs, rents, taxes, or other charges for Ministerial residences. (3.) For or in respect of any other account or matter not coming within subsections one and two of this Resolution.