Tuesday, August 7. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1917, 17 August 1888, Page 15

Tuesday, August 7. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Consideration of the Estimates was continued after the telegraph office closed. Class 11— Working railways, £69,000.— Mr Fish drew the attention of Government to the action of the stationmaster at Mosgiel in interfering in the last general election for the purpose of prejudicing Mr J, M'Kenzie's election. — The Hon. Mr Mitchei&on said the matter had not been brought under his notice, and the Premier said this was the first he had heard of it, but it seemed to him a most flagrant breach of discipline.— Mr J. M'Kenzie said he had not brought the mattei: before the Minister because he did not believe the man mentioned was the main culprit. —In reply to a question the Hon. Mr Mitchelson said the railway estimates had not been reduced because Government hoped to see a board constituted shortly, whose business it would be to deal with the matter. — Mr T. Mackenzie strongly condemned Mr Maxwell's management, and moved to reduce his salary by £250 as an indication that he should be dispensed with. — The Hon. Mr Mitcuelson defended Mr Maxwell, saying the feeling against him was on purely personal grounds. The present administration was far more economical than any past management. — Mr O'Conoe also took Mr Maxwell's part. — The Premier said he had received complaints against the railway manager which seemed well grounded, but in every instance he found Mr Maxwell in the right. It was political power brought to bear which hampered his efforts to manage the railways for the benefit of the colony. — Mr Duncan supported Mr Mackenzie'sviews. — After a lengthy debate, which lasted till 5.15 a.m., the committee decided on Mr Mackenzie's amendment, which was lost by 32 to 21. — The Premier said Government would undertake, if no board ijwas appointed, to make considerable reductions in the vote, and give the House an opportunity of considering them. He accepted the reduction of £10,000 on the total vote on this understanding, and the amount then passed.