FRIDAY, JULY 11

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 17 July 1890, Page 17

FRIDAY, JULY 11

In the Legislative Council, The Eduoational Reserves Leasing Bill was further considering in committee, and a new clause added providied that all new leases should be offered by public auction or tender. The bill was then reported. MINISTERS AND THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. The appointment! of a committee to inquire

into Mr Hutchison's charges against certain members of the Government in reference to their connection with the Bank of New Zealand occupied the whole of the afternoon sitting to-day. There was a very full House, and great interest was displayed in the matter by members. The Hon. Mr Mitchelson opened the debate by explaining shortly the position of the Government and the endeavours they had made to meet Mr Hutchison. As they had failed to come to an arrangement, he moved the motion of whioh he gave notice the previous day, viz : "That a Beleot committee be appointed to ascertain whether all or any of the accusations against the Government, and especially against certain members thereof, made by Mr Hutchison (member for Waitotara) in his speech in the House on Wednesday, the 2nd inst,, are In Bubstanoe true or false, and to report their opinion thereon; the committee to consist of Sir John Hall, Messrs Ballanoe, Bryce, Fitohett, Fulton, Larnach, Macarthur, Ormond, and Seddon." He was followed by the Hons. Fergus and Ballanoe. Mr Fergus was almost inoessantly interrupted by Messrs Hutchison and Kerr with remarks such as " That is not so," " That is incorrect," but finally he was allowed to conclude his speech in peace, whioh he did by stating that the Government had offered to accept Mr Withy as the ninth man on the committee, and were still prepared to do so. After this, Mr Seddon had a say in the matter, and read the correspondence which had taken place between the Premier and Mr Hutchison, The subject was well threshed out, and the debate grew very dull. Finally, after two divisions, Mr Mitchelson's motion was carried on the voices, Mr Withy's name being, at his suggestion, substituted for that of Mr Fulton.