TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 115, 22 September 1876, Page 3

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12.

In the House of Representatives, The debate on the Civil List Act J Xmehtlment Bill was resumed.

Mr Montgomery spoke against the ■Bill. 'He [thought the only course 'open to the Ministry would be for two *6f them 'to 'resign and withdraw the •present Tfeill, Which allowed an unnumber of Ministers.

„ -Mr Andrew protested against the Ministry dbing as they had done, and 'then coming to the House to pass a Bill of Indemnity. There was no 'doubt ! that the Ministry violated the 'spirit as well as the letter of the law.

Mr Ballance agreed with Mr Montgomery. There was no course left now 'to 'remedy* the oversight but for two of the Ministry to resign, so as to bring their number down to the number re--qiiire'd by the Civil List Act. Sir G. Grey said it was ndt compe'teiit for two of the Ministry tb offer 'themselves up as a sacrifice for the mis'iieecl of the whole. In his own opinion 'there wlas nothing to be gained by that 'course. He objected "to the Act altogether, and to Ministers coining down 'and "asking for an Indemnity Act, 'without confessing their guilt, and expressing their regret for having violated the law. It was due the House : anti "colihtry that they should make j reparation for their misdeeds; let r tbepa gt> again before their constituents. After a debate, .Sir 6. Grey moved that the House •adjourb, on the ground that the members of the Ministry were not qualified ! to transact the business of the country, : ahd ought not to be allowed to do so 'until their ~sta tvs was ascertained. The Hbu'se adjourned.