MR. LARNACH'S LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9110, 19 July 1888, Page 5

MR. LARNACH'S LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

DRAWING HONORARIUM.

TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. ] Wellington, Wednesday. With reference to the motion of Mr. Fish to-day, that leave of absence for fourteen days be granted to the Hon. Mr. Larnach on account of sickness in his family, Mr. Hobbs subsequently brought the matter under the notice of the House. He stated it was customary for members while sick to draw honorarium, but he never heard of members drawing honorarium owing to the. sickness of members of their family. He had inquired from officers of the House, the Sergeant -at - Arms, and Mr. Otterson, and had been informed that Mr. Larnach would be paid his honorarium under Mr. Fish's resolution. It was well-known that Mr. Larnach was lea ing the colony. He had given a dinner to the Civil servants, and was not likely to return. Mr. Larnach was still a member of the House, and as such would travel free : on all the Victorian railways. He (Mr. Hobbs) had no personal feeling about the matter, but he thought the country should know these things. Mr. Walker said Mr. Hobbs knew more about Mr. Larnach's business than his own. He had received a cablegram that day from Mr. Larnach.

The Speaker said the hon. member for the Bay of Islands had anticipated events. The matter was one for his consideration as Speaker, rather than of the officers, and he would consider the matter when ohe accounts came before him.

Mr. Hobbs said he knew the Speaker was the ultimate authority, but he had asked for the information at the hands of the usual officers of the House. I understand that Mr. Larnach has left a pair in favour of the Government on certain important matters.