THE ESTIMATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11150, 24 August 1899, Page 5

THE ESTIMATES.

A TRIAL OF STRENGTH.

OPPOSITION DICTATES TERMS.

THE PREMIER BACKS DOWN.

[bt telegraph.—special correspondent.] Wellington', Wednesday. The debate on the Financial Statement came to an end rather suddenly this afternoon, and then the Premier endeavoured to go on to the first item, but it was immediately seen that trouble was at hand.

Mr. Pirani at once objected to go on with the Estimates, pointing out that this would block private members' Bills, which would, in the ordinary course, come on during the evening.

Mr. Seddon promised to give private members another night.

Mr. Taylor was about to support Mr. Pirani, when the House rose at half-past five.

On resuming at half-past seven, Mr. Taylor moved to report progress.

Captain Russell then rose, and, speaking very calmly, laid down the plan of campaign from the Opposition point of view. The Opposition look to the discussion on the first item of the Estimates as their great opportunity of extracting information, or the promise of information, and generally coming to an understanding with the Government. Captain Russell said his party desired to help the Premier to get his business through quickly, but there wore various items it was necessary the House should know about. They must have some idea when the Public Works Estimates would be brought down. He hoped they would have them in a few days. Then there was the paper B1 in connection with the public accounts. The Premier knew All about it. He also desired to know when the Premier would give them an opportunity of discussing one or two matters. One of these was the Wrigg case, and another the Marine Commission report. They would want, say, a day for each. (A member: " A week.") No, he only wanted an opportunity of freely and fairly discussing the questions. They wanted, to use a sporting phrase, " a fight to a finish." They desired to come to a division on these matters. Then there were the contingent returns. If the Premier would meet the Opposition, there need be no difficulty in getting on with the business. The Premier said he was quite prepared to answer the lion, gentleman. When Captain Russell got on the Treasury benches it would bo for him to fix business. Speaking very warmly, Mr. Seddon proceeded to say lie would tell the Leader of the Opposition in unmeasured terms that it was not for him to dictate to the majority of the House. He (Mr. Seddon) would not allow anyone to dictate to him as long as lie was Prime Minister of the colony as to what business he would brine forward. He wanted them to understand that plainly. They had now been eight weeks in session, and had done nothing but talk. The marine affair had been discussed for 14 days in the form of a no-confidence motion. He Was not going to be tried again after having been acquitted by a majority of the House, and the electors of the country. Mr. G. Hutchison : No." (Laughter.) The Premier concluded by declaring that the Opposition could not teach him much. At this stage matters got very lively, and Mr. Joyce, who occupied the chair, had great difficulty in keeping order. Mr. John Hutclieson rather excitedly endeavoured to explain to the House that he had a shipping Bill which was very urgently needed, but was ruled out of order again and again. Mr. Pirani was not much more successful in his encounlei with the Chairman.

Mr. Rollcston : "The Premier says we cannot teach him much. I believe that he is not a very teachable subject, but he has a good deal to learn, and we will do our best to teach him."

The Premier, who by this time had recognised that nothing could be gained by bluster, now spoke in his most conciliatory tones. He said lie had no desire to burk discussion. He promised to give members ample opportunity of discussing the report of the Marine Commission, and Ihe Wrigg case. Ho would also give them the B1 return as soon as it was printed. .As to tho Public Works Estimates, he must first get his ways and means. His Loan Bill must first be passed. He would, however, give an opportunity to discuss the Wrigg case within three weeks, and the marine report within a fortnight, and he would bring down the Public Works Estimates within a month.

Captain Russell said if the Premier must have the Loan Bill before the Public Works Estimates could be prepared, the Bill might be broupht down by message to-morrow, and it could be discussed on Friday. A month was too far off for the Public Works Estimate.

The Premier then promised to do his utmost to bring down the Public Works Statement within a fortnight. The motion to report progress was then negatived. The terms laid down by the Leader of the Opposition were in accordance with the plan of action decided upon at the recent Opposition caucus. Captain Russell and his followers had made arrangements to fight for their demands to the bitter end, being determined to obtain the information necessary to deal in an intelligent way with the Estimates.