PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 168, 27 July 1901, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

Legislative Council

Tho Council met at 2.80 p.m. The Cemetery Trustees Validation Bill passed tho final stages. The Police Offences Act Amendment Bill was read a second time.

The Council met to-night and passed the Imprest Supply Bill for £470,000 through all its stages.

House of Representatives

The House resumed at 2.80 p.m,

Tho Imprest Supply Bill was brought down by Governor’s message. On the motion to go into Committee of Supply for its consideration, Mr Fisher moved an amendment that a Select Committee be appointed to enquire into the conduct of tho Police Department, as administered by Commissioner Tunbridge He said he had -been prompted to bring forward this motion because of tho widespread complaints throughout tho colony at the administration of the police force by Commissioner Tunbridge. He wished to make it clear that the motion in no way applied to the rank and file of tho force. Its scope was limited to Commissioner Tunbridge and tho higher officers who were directly under his control. He proceeded to make a series of charges against Commissioner Tunbridge, going very fully into details. Mr McGowan defended Commissioner Tunbridge from the attacks that had been levelled against him, and said he had always found him most anxious to do the service of the colony in the best manner possible, to do fairly by all eases that came before him. If it wore otherwise lie (Mr McGowan) would have no hesitation in saying so. Mr Fisher had not quoted one strong instance against Commissioner Tunbridge. If it could be shown that Commissioner Tunbridge or his officers had done anything to complain of he (Mr McGowan would be only too willing to facilitate an enquiry into the matter. But nothing had come under his notice which would warrant such action.

The debate occupied the whole afternoon, and was interrupted by tho 5.80 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.80 p.m. Mr Fisher’s amendment re tho police force, was lost on the voices. In Committee on the Imprest Supply Bill, Mr Seddon said that ho hoped the Financial Statement would be brought down tho week after next. The Bill passed all its stages. The Miners’ Rights Fee Reduction Bill

(Mr R. McKenzie) to reduce foes payable in respect of minors' rights in certain eases, and tho Shops and Shop Assistants Act Amendment Bill (Mr Barclay), to give chemists and domestic servants a weekly half-holiday was read a second time on the voices. Mr Ell moved the second reading of the Totalisator Abolition Bill to abolish the use of the totalisator.

A long debate ensued, and it had noi closed when the House rose at 10.30.