The Loan Proposals.

Hastings Standard, Issue 106, 28 August 1896, Page 3

The Loan Proposals.

CARRIED BY A MAJORITY OF THIRTEEN. [By Telegraph.] (From our Special Conrxjtomknt.) Wellington, This day. There were six speakers at yesterday afternoon's sitting to the Rebate on the second reading of the Aid-to Public Works and the Land Settlement Bill. Messrs Wilson and Hutchison, as members of the Opposition, of course announced their intention of voting against it, "but Messrs Meredith and Tanner unexpectedly declared their intention of going into the same lobby. Mr Meredith stated that in his opinion it was a mistake for the Government to commit the colony to another loan on the eve of the general election. Mr Tanner likewise expressed the regret that the matter of raising the loan had not been remitted to the electors for their sanction. Messrs Carn cross and Lawrv, on the other hand, congratulated the Government on boldly asking power to raise a million loan. The evening sitting was taken lip with the debate on the loan proposals, the principal speakers being Messrs O'Began, Earnshaw, R. M'Kenzie. Hon. J. M'Kenzie, Lang, Pirani, Morrison, J. W. Kelly, Maslin, Ballon, Hall and Greea. <•

It was four o'clock this morning before the division was taken on the second reading of the Loan Bill, which was carried by a majority of thirteen. Mr Seddon made a vigorous reply. Later. Another late sitting is certain this evening, as the schedule to the Loan Bill wiii be contested at every stage. When the Loan Bill is in Committee Mr Bell will move a new clause creating a special sinking fund under the Bill. Dr Newman will also move that the Government shall appcint a Royal Commissfon of experts to consider advisability or otherwise of extending as light railways all or any railways mentioned in the schedule, and to take evidence and report to Parliament at its next session.