The Railway Bill.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIX, Issue 6049, 14 September 1894, Page 1

The Railway Bill.

(by telegraph.)

(from our own correspondent. ) Wellington, September 13. The Railway Bill was committed this afternoon, and several verbal alterations were made. A provision was introduced which extends the Commissioners' term of office until Ist January next. In reference to the classification scheme the Premier said that he had conferred with the Commissioners, and they had expressed an opinion that it would be impossible to formulate and include in the present Bill a classification scheme, as the present Bill would not come into force until Ist January next. He would only ask the House to agree to the clauses which give power to the Governor in Council to frame regulations respecting preliminary examinations, classification, and qualifications. Sir Robert Stout considered that the clause did not go far enough, as it did not deal with the manner of appointment. Mr Buick moved a new clause dealing with the mode of appointment, and giving the member for a district power to nominate candidates for cadetships. The Premier said that a proper classification scheme would be brought down next session, and it would be inopportune to press the amendment at this time. Asomewhat uninteresting debate ensued on che question of political patronage, most of the speakers opposing Mr Buick's amendment. A division on the question that the amendment be added to the clause resulted : For, 16; against, 43. The amendment was lost. The Bill was subsequently reported.