LEGISLATIVE EXPENDITURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9112, 21 July 1888, Page 5

LEGISLATIVE EXPENDITURE.

DISCUSSION ON GOVERNMENT CONTROL. ADVERSE VOTE. [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL t'ORRESPOXDENT. ] Wellington, Friday. The whole day haa been occupied by the discussion of the question as to the desirability of the Government assuming the responsibility for, and the control of, the legislative expenditure. The debate has been the best of the session, and was conducted on the whole in excellent temper. The Premier was extremely moderate and courteous in his tone, but spoke with considerable frankness and firmness. Sir M. O'Rorke mado a forcible and eloquent speech in defence of his privileges, and of what he held to be the privilege of the Houso. Perhaps the best speech of the debate was made by Sir G. Grey, who sustained the Government in the action they had taken. It was known early in the evening by the Government whips that the majority against the resolution would be about a dozen votes, consequently the Premier, at the supper adjournment, suggested that they should go on, and have the division over, and adjourn for the night. This was done, and resulted in the resolution being defeated by a majority of 14. The following was the division : For this resolution —Sir Harry Atkinson ; Mesers. Barron, Cadnian, Cowen, Hon. Fisher, Fish, Goldie, Hislop, Kelly, Lawry, Mackenzie, Marchant, McGregor, Mitchel80n, Monk, O'Conor, Ormond, Peacock, G. P. Richardson, Ross, Tanner, R. Thompson, T. Thompson, Whyte, Withy. Against: Messrs. Allan, Anderson, B.illance, Blake, Bruce, Buchanan, Carroll, Feldwick, Fraaer, Gritnmond, Guinness, Hall, Hodgkinson, Joyce, Kerr, Lance, Levestam, Loughrey, J. McKenzie, Moat, Moss, O'Callagban, Sir M. O'Rorke, Parata, R. Reeves, W. J. Reeves, Rhodes, E. Richardson, Smith, Steward, Downio Stewart, Mcnteath, Taipua, Taiwhanga, Taylor, Turnbull, Walker, and Ward. Immediately after the division tho Premier said he would loyally accept the decision of the House, and disowned any further responsibility for the Legislative Estimates. A scene of recrimination ensued, in which Mr. Fish made matters lively, and complained of the frequent interjections with which hi? speech was assailed as "libellous interruption?,." The Premier said he thought the House scarcely understood the full effect of what it had done, and before long unpleasant results would be experienced alike by tho House and by the Speaker.