The No-Confidence Debate.

Hastings Standard, Issue 83, 1 August 1896, Page 3

The No-Confidence Debate.

♦ STILL CONTINUES. [By Telegraph.] (From our Social Correspondent.) Wkllingtox, this day. It was thought by many that the No-confidence debate would fizzle out during yesterday, but it continued on its course until past midnight, when it was adjourned until Tuesday. In the afternoon Mr McNab took up the cudgels on behalf of the Government, and in defending their actions stated that the Opposition had supported the banking legislation and the Advances to Settlers Act, an*l the leader had not called for a division on the proposal to raise a million and a half under that scheme. Mr Dnthie followed in his well-known style, first of all denying thai the Financial debate had collapsed because the members of the Opposition had gone to the races, as only their leader and another member were at the Mutton that day. He urged that money should be raised in the colony instead of going Home for it. He could not favor the loan conversions of the Government," and thought the figures showing a profit on these transactions were either the result of stupidity or gross dishonesty. The alteration in the tariff last year weighed heavily on the workers. He criticised the land policy and the administration of the Government, and also the co-operative system. The bank blunders were serious enough to oust the Liberal Government from office. Mr W. Hutchison occupied the time up to the 5.80 adjournment, and found fault with both sides of the House respecting the loan to the Bank of New Zealand. He favored a substantial redaction in the Estimates, commencing with the salary of the Governor, which was far too large. On resuming at 7.80, the Hon 3. McKenzie took the floor, and congratulated the members on the good temper which had pervaded the debate. He thought one of the reasons for the No-confidence motion was to s@e how far the Opposition could depend on the support of the Left Wing. The Minister of Lands dealt with all the arguments thai had been made against the Liberal Administration, and said (he GMBcnment were quite prepared to g»v the country and ask lop a continuance of confidence. He knew thev were not perfect, but they had nnaelfishly and faithfully discharged ty;, duties in the interests of the Mackenzie congratulated the Minister of Lands on his lucid and good-tempered speech. He dwelt at length on the increase of the public -debt and credited the Seddon Government with adding considerably to the burdens of the people. He intended to support Captain Russell a motion. Mr Pirani spoke in defence <?f the Advances to Settlers Departure*, wad defined the attitude taken up by membra of fbe Left Wing. Ho &Ued

see how the Opposition could expect the support of that body, seeing that even the members of Captain Russell's j 'r;-. hi 1 nothing in common. He u-nii 1a- length the land policy of tin ( o\ eminent. Alter Messrs Crowther and McLach!an had spoken, the debate was adjourned on the motion of Mr Flatman .