Land for Settlement Bill.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 10, 3 August 1894, Page 4

Land for Settlement Bill.

A Stormy Scene. Wellington, July 28. The determination of the Minister of Lands to put the Land for Settlement Bill through at last night's sitting led to an a 1 together unlookedfor development. At half-past 12, when a dozen Ministerialists were prepared to speak, Mr Millar moved the adjournment of the debate, which the Minister strongly opposed, saying that he had arranged with the Whips to keep going till two. To adjourn then was to jeopardise the Bill. The motion being pressed to a division, it was defeated by 27 to 25, whereupon ft large section of the Government supporters, and practically the whole of the Opposition, left the Chamber as a protest, leaving a bare quorum. Members spoke their minds plainly in tho lobbies, saying they were not to be driven this session as they were last, when there was not the slightest necessity for it. The debate proceeded till shortly after two, when the adjournment of tbe debate was moved by Mr Graham. Thereupon the Minister of Lands told the members that he did not want their support for tbe Bill out of personal consideration to himself. He wag there at the risk of his health to carry the Bill tbrough, yet Government saw the supporters were coalescing with the Opposition in moving an adjournment of the debate, and so jeopardising tbe measure. Had Mr Millar's motion been carried he would have walked off the Treasury benches. He must have tho support of tbe party, or the party must take the conset] uenccs. Mi* Smith, of Christchurcb, protested against the party being so lectured. Captain Eussell said he was sorry to hear that the Minister suffered in health through being there. The essence of rarty government was a free expression of opinion, but the present Ministers wished to dictate when debates should close, and would gag their supporters. It was unbearable. The Premier came to the rescue. Hia colleague, he claimed, was justified in the remarks be had made. It was understood that the debate should go on ; yet, without knowledge on Ministers' part, some of those who supported the Government but were anxious to speak to the galleries, sprung a surprise, and endeavored to adjourn the debate. To do this they invoked the aid of the Opposition. Mr McGuire followed, telling Ministers that while they were seeking to regulate everyone's working hours they had no consideration for members and officials of the House or the messengers. Hon. Mr McKenzio, iu reply, said the life of a Minister was not enviable. He had to be there late at night and get up to be waited on by deputations and members, and to do his work. He would not care if it was next day that ho should leave tbose bencbes. Raising his voice he added: "I wish to God I could leave them with honor to myself. It would be my advantage in every shape." Members were indicating (? working), he added, to lead the Upper House to throw the measure out. Some members who professed to support the Bill were deadly opposed to it, but were afraid to speak out their minds. The House adjourned at 2.80, members remaining in knots, excitedly discussing tbe position. Tbe debate will probably be resumed on Tuesday.— Star Special Reporter.