Mr Ward's Explanation.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIX, Issue 164, 13 July 1895, Page 2

Mr Ward's Explanation.

When tue House resumed last night at 7.30, the scene it presented was the most reinaikahle witnessed within its walls for many years. The galleries were crowded to excess, and there -was a fu'l attendance of members. The cause bf all this interest was the promised speeoh by tlie Colonial Treasurer on the Agent General's circular about the three per cent loan. An effort to suspend for the 'occasion the half hour limit failed, and the Treasurer then swept into his subject like a man ■' shooting Niagara," He almost immediately referred to his own speech at the London Chamber of Commerce, wliich led to an interruption from tho Leader of the Opposition, between whom and the Premier it had been arranged openly in the House before the 5,30 adjournment that the Treasurer's Chamber of Commerce address should form the subject of a separate discussion. This, however, wns ignored hy the Premier. The Treasurer's speech was a very remarkable performance, rapid as lightning, yet admirably coherent in statement. To say nothing of the validity of tbe main argument of the speech, which was that there would be no misrepresentation or concealment of fact on his part or on tliat of the Agent General, tho speech, re. garded as a speech, was a brilliant performance, the same term applying to tbe efforts of Sir lt. Stout and ' Mr G. Hutchison on the other side. For the arguments themselves, and to balance their logic I refer you to the Press Association's report of tlie discussion.