PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 58, 28 June 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

[by electric telegraph.] Wellington, Wednesday. the psakao swamp. The House resumed its sitting last night, at 7.30, when Mr. PYKE maintained that the charges of corruption were the emanation of diseased minds. Mr. LTJSK followed, denying the expediency of the sale, and alleging that there had been n? ore land sold than was originally bargained for ; and that they were worth £2O, GSO. The hon. gentleman made a long argumentative speech against the motion.

The Hon. Mr. ATKINSON made a brief but vigorous rejoinder, insisting that ministers had no resource but resist to imputations upon their honour, and laid plans upon the table to show that the statements of the Government regarding the land were correct.

Mr. JOYCE opposed the motion strongly, and denounced the transaction as essentially bad. Sir DONALD M'LEAN stated that he had visited the Swamp to satisfy himself regarding the sale, and was thoroughly convinced that the Government had done what was best for the country and the district. He explained that the disposal of the land to the company was good for the Colony, and an excellent strategical move. Mr. BUTTON supported the motion, and quoted from the Act to show that the Government acted quite legally. Mr. HODGKINSON looked on the attitude of the house on the question as a picked jury with foregone conclusions. Mr. ANDREW made a witty speech, supporting the motion. Sir JULIUS YOGEL spoke at great length, replying to the principal points and arguments during the debate, especially to the personalities of Sir George Grey and Mr. Reader Wood. Mr. Stout's amendment was put, and lost by 52 to 20. A division was then called for on the original motion, which was carried by 51 against 19. It was announced by the Premier that the Financial Statement would be delivered next Tuesday, and the Address in Reply be moved by Sir Robert Douglas tomorrow. The House adjourned at 1.40 a.m.