AFTERNOON SITTING.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9887, 18 November 1897, Page 3

AFTERNOON SITTING.

The House resumed at 2.30. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY. A lengthy discussion arose on the item, in the course of which a great many members requested Mr Thompson Ito give some explanation of the vote and the reason why the Premier had moved to strike out a vote put on the Estimates by the Minister of Defence. Mr SMITH eventually moved that progress be reported, in order that Mr Thompson might be able to give a full explanation. Several members urged the Premier to report progress, with the object of coming to some arrangement. Mr SEDDON said that he could not agree to report progress, as no progress had been made, and he wished to go on with the Estimates. He had moved to strike out the vote because he thought the money would not be required, and the responsibility would rest with the Government. He asserted, unhesitatingly, that he should not go on with any other business till the Estimates were finished. If there was a majority against the Government they must be prepared to come on the Benches to carry on the business of the House. There could not bo two Governments. He was, in fact, seriously considering whether he should not proceed with the business of the country and bring members back for four or six weeks after Christmas.

Captain RUSSELL said that lie was only too happy to meet the Premier if he would now report progress and come to some arrangement. He did not want to block the business of the House if the Premier was only reasonable.

Mr SEDDON said that there should be some progress with the Estimates. He could sit for another week, but he did not wish to take advantage of members who were not so strong physically as he was. Mr SMITH eventually withdrew his amendment, and the vote for long service medals was struck out.

Mr WASON moved—" That the total vote for miscellaneous should be reduced by £1 with a view to offering rewards for convictions in sly-grog cases." A further lengthy debate took place, after which the vote passed, and at 5.15 p.m. it was agreed to adjourn till 7.30 p.m.