PARLIAMENTARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7875, 18 May 1887, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(From Our Special Correspondent.)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Couucil met afc 2.30. A message from the Governor announced that Major Ropata had been summoned to the

m. tt THE LIBRAE* QUFSTION. lhe Hon. Captain BAILLIE moved—" That the new building for a library, to be erected during the recess, should be situated as nearly as possible on the site of the present library " lhe resolution was brought forward at the request of the House Committee, as increased accommodation was necessary The Hon. W. H. REYNOLDS moved an aZ?^ eMT" That all fche words a"c«- the word that' be omitted, with a view to add the Following words, 'in the present state of the flaances of the colony it is not prudent to make any provision for a_ new building for a library '" He thought the present accommodation sufficient, and gave ifc as his opinion that nearly a'l the books in the library could be replaced. He •suggested that those that could not should be given to other libraries iv the colony, or that a strong room be erected in the museum for them It was said that the building would cost £60o! and he thought the present state of the finauces ot the colony did not warrant the expenditure. The Hon. R. OLIVER seconded the amendment, and explained that his reason for doing so was that he believed it would express to the Government the views of the Council. He did not thmk the expenditure warranted. The Hon. Mr HOLMES thought the loss of the library would be a national loss, as the present building was liable to be destroyed at any moment. They should have a building which would preserve the books. He referred to the cheeseparing system of economy of Mr Reynolds, and hoped hon. gentlemen would not stick to such small matters as these n^m Hon- M, essrs SHRIMSKI and BARNIOUAI opposed the motiou, and spoke against an^u mo?r y beiDS exPended on a new building. The Hon Mr JOHNSTON suggested that the motion be withdrawn. Last year a motion was carried for the work to be carried out afc a cost of £5000, and notwitstanding thafc tenders had been called for, and thafc the amounts, he understood, were under the estimate, yet no action had been taken.

The Hon. Mr CHAMBERLIN thought it would be a wise policy to expend money in protecting the library, bufc thought it could be done tor a less amount than stated. The; Hon. Mr SWANSON spoke strongly agamst the motion, and trusted it would be withdrawn.

The Hon. Mr WILSON moved thafc the question be now put. The Hon. Mr SHEPHARD suggested the withdrawal of both amendment and motion, as it appeared to be the wish of the majority of hou. members. If this was not done he asked members to vote against the amendment. The Hon. Mr MANTELL said the evidentdesire of the Council was to get rid of the whole matter, and he thought it would be better tonegative the previous proposal. The Hon. Mr REYNOLDS agreed to withdraw his amendment.

The Hon Captain BAILLIE explained his reason for tabling the motion, aud expressed his willingness to withdraw it. The amendment and motion were both withdrawn, and the matter dropped.

OTHER BUSINESS. n I 1 %£ ouncil weafc into committee on " The Post Office Act 1881" Amendment Bill, which was reported without amendment, read a third time, and passed. The High School Reserves Acfc Amendment Bill was discharged from the Order Paper, and made an order of the day for Wednesday, 25th

The Council went into committee on " The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1881 " Amendment ■Bin, and one or two amendments being sug«<*£s «»e Hon. the COLONIAL SECRETARY moved to report progress in order to have them printed.—The motion was carried. The Hon Mr SWANSON gave notice that wnen the bill was next in committee he would move to amend clause 46 of the act of 1881 so as to extend granting the use of the totalisator to boating and yachting clubs. The Council adjourned at 4.10 p.m