PARLIAMENTARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIX, Issue 225, 23 September 1895, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[United Press Association.] Wellington, September 21. Tlig House met a} 2 30 p m, The Customs and Excise -Duties Bill was further considered in Committee. Boots, shoes, slippers, galoshes &c, MrMassey proposed that the duty be 20 per cent ad valorem, instead of 25 pet cent. . Mr Ward said he could not accept the amendment, but he should postpone this item for the present, ao aB to proceed with other items. Captain Russell had no doubt the Colonial Treasure.! had not made up his mind what he intended doing in thismatter, and they would ptobably have another tariff on' Monday nighb dealing with boot duties. After that discussion, Mr Ward said it was evident that a fierce attack was i;oing to be made on this item, as members had come back to-night fresh for work. He therefore hoped the item would be postponed. Several members urged that work should be proceeded withi an,d the boot item faced now. Mr Ward pointed out that many members were absent who would like to consider this item, Mr Earnsslmw thought the reason why the Government wished to postpone this item was because they were not sure how their party were going to vote on it. Mr Seddon said it was quite cleat to him that several members who were adverse to sitting on Saturday nights now wanted to retaliate on tho Government for bringing them there. He saw nothing else in the House but mischief, and it was evidently no use going on with the work whilst they wore in that mood. He therefore moved to report progress. Mr Graham resented the remark that members wanted to retalinto on the Government. After further discussion Captain Eusaell protested against the farce being continued nny long»r. The fact was the Premier had for tho last two weeks lost all control of the House and the present proceedings showed that he was absolutely unfit for the position he held. He hoped the House would agraa to report progress." Mr Seddon defended his motion, and said that neither ho nor the Leader of the Opposition could in any way prevent what had occurred in the House that night. He saw members were not inclined to go on with business, and that was why he moved to report progress, As for Captain Russell's remarks about his not being fit to lead the House, he invited the Leader of the Opposition to take the first opportunity of testing that question. It was evident this question would be talked out till midnight so it was better to report progress. Eventually, alter a very long disoussion, Mr Seddon's motion to report progress was oarried by 30 to 24. The House rose at 10 p.m. until 7.30 on Monday evoniug.