THE TUAPEKA SEAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 18

THE TUAPEKA SEAT.

A rather interesting discussion took place with reference to the issue of the writ for filling the vacancy caused by the death of Hon. Mr Pyke. Mr Duthie, of Wellington, opened the attack upon the Government by stating that the writ should have been issued a fortnight ago, and to this the Premier replied that the registrar had just given notice of Mr Pyke's death, and as tho rolls were not in proper order he thought it was in the interests of the country and tbe House to hold over the issuing of the Tuapeka writ. Mr Allen then contended that tho conduct of the registrar should bs inquired into, but the Premier immediately turned round and stated that there was no blame intended to be cast upon the registrar, as the Government would not in any case have pressed on the election, as Parliament was just about to meet. Sir Robert Stout very pertinently pointed out that the Government ought certainly to have reminded the registrar of his duty, seeing that he was not fulfilling the requirements of the act. The tone of indignation in which the Premier repudiated any change of front, or any intention of misleading the House, was almost amusing.