“EXPRESS ” TELEGRAMS.

Marlborough Express, Volume VII, Issue 422, 17 August 1872, Page 5

“EXPRESS ” TELEGRAMS.

(Per Greville’s Telegram Company.) Wellington, August 15. Stafford lias prepared an amendment expressing a direct want of confidence. Friday, Noon. The House of Representatives, on Wednesday and Thursday, was engaged in discussing Curtis’ resolution in favor of the Provincial authorities exercising powers under the Public WorksJAct. Curtis’ speqeh was weak, and contained but few arguments ; he disclaimed any intention to weaken or embarass the Government. The Premier said the resolution was intended to reverse the policy of 1870-71, which vested the sole control and responsibility in the General Government. He read speeches from Hansard, and articles in the Press, against the resolution ; he further said Government -would resign if the resolution was carried. Webster, Harrison, and Collins opposed the resolution ; Bathgate supported it. The debate was resumed yesterday by Fitzherbert, in a long and conciliatory speech. He said the Superintendents declined to accept the challenge of Government to make the question a Ministerial one, and moved the previous question. Macandrew seconded. The Government was much disconcerted, and accepted the amendment.. The debate lapsed, but it is understood that Stafford will table a distinct motion of want of confidence to-night or Tuesday. Friday, 5 p.m, ' Mr Stafford gave notice to-day for Wednesday, that in the opinion of this House the administration by the present Government of the Public Works and Immigration policy has been unsatisfactory ; that the habitual absence of Ministers from the seat of Government during the recess, which results in (their conducting important operations without frequent opportunities of consulting each other, prevents that concert and unity of action between the several departments essential to the efficient direction of public affairs, either Executive or Legislative, and largely increases the costs of Government. That in order to administer the Public Works and Immigration Policy in the most efficient and economical manner the. Colonial Government should retai n

full responsibility for the proper conduct of all works authorised, and the sole control over all sums voted by Parliament, but should, when practicable, avail itself of any existing Provincial or other local machinery, in supervision or execution of such works.

Dunedin, August 16th. The Scott celebration is a great success. Mr A. Trollope did not attend. 4 ' Wheat, firmer at 5s 3d, oats quiet, Is lOd to 2s. Barley scarce, malting 5s 6d. Flour dull at £l3