The Chairmanship of Committees

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 5083, 19 September 1891, Page 3

The Chairmanship of Committees

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

(FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, September 18.

The question of the Chairmanship, so long discussed, was settled to-day—not without trouble. Mr Ballance moved the appointment of Sir Rees as a suitable person. Mr Blake had nothing against Mr Rees, but deprecated surprises, and would therefore, as an amendment, propose Mr Guinness.

Mr G. Hutchison, speaking suggestively, said it would be wrong to Mr Rees to deprive him of the opportunity of doing stood on the floor of the House and wrong to the colony to have him tonguetied.

Mr O'Conor cared nothing who got the appointment, but lie would move that the appointment date from the beginning of next session. He thought it anomalous to srive a high salary to some members, and did not believe in making "a mystery man " of the Chairman of Committees. Mr Seddon recognised that the Government were placed in an awkward position and hoped Mr Blake's amendment would not be insisted on.

Mr M'Guire wanted the appointment made and business proceeded with. Mr Fish concurred with the remarks of ]Mr G. Hutchison and thought the Minister's remarks ingenious but not ingenuous. The Government ought to have led in the matter instead of throwing the office down like a bone among hungry dogs. Mr R. H. Reeves concurred, and, out of loyalty to the Government, would oppose his personal friend Mr Guinness. Mr Guinness said rather than cause dissensions he would withdraw his name. (Loud applause.) Mr Blake: "Sir, I would not have nominated the hon. member but that a few minutes ago he asked mc to do so." (Sensation.) Mr M'Guire nominated Mr G. Fisher. Dr Newman seconded this and eulogised Mr Fisher's capacity. Mr Lawrie said the Government's excuse for proposing an Aucklander was that offices should be divided between the two Islands, but Aueklanders did not thank them for it. They wanted free members.

Mr Fish supported Mr Fisher's claim. The Government owed him that much ; besides, being the Middle Party, he was neutral, and, therefore, fit for the position.

Mr O'Conor vehemently abused Mr Fish, and accused him of asking for payment of members, and of divulging the proceedings of the caucus. Mr Fish replied that he had only retailed lobby gossip. Sir George Grey regretted the dissension, the more so that he had urged Mr Rees to be a candidate.

Mr Rolleston made a dignified speech, and hoped that this bait would no longer be kept dangling. He would advocate an immediate appointment and payment. He did not approve of close-shaving calculations, but desired to maintain the dignity of the House. He hoped there would be an end of this painful exhibition.

The House divided, with the result that Mr Rees was elected.

Mr O'Conor was permitted to move for the salary to begin next session. Lost by 47 to 12.