PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 927, 17 October 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Telegraph.] Wellington, This Day. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Among the questions asked was one by Colonel Trimble, respecting Joshua Jones of New Plymouth, as to the way he was employed, and as to whether he had been assisted by the Government m the lease or purchase from the Government of 300,000 acres of land. In reply, it was stated that Jones was to some extent the recognised agent of the Government, but not a strictly recognised official. He had received from the Government m various sums amounting to £300 for services rendered ; but there was no correspondence to show the nature of those services. The late Government informed Mr. Jones that they would not interfere with him m his attempt to acquire a lease of a very considerable block of land, the survey of which was conducted by Government surveyors. There was no means of ascertaining whether Mr. Jones had entered into a bond for the payment of survey. - Mr. Moss complained that those questions were put merely to impugn the doings the late Government. Colonel Trimble said the questions were put m good faith, m the interest of his constituents. At the evening sitting, Major Atkinson asked leave to move the suspension of the Standing Orders so that the House might go into Committee of Supply, as supply was urgently wanted. He hoped the Opposition would not obstruct it. Mr. Macandrew said that when the motion would be put for the Speaker leaving the chair, he had a grievance which he would bring forward. Major Atkinson said that m that case he would not proceed with his motion. Mr. Bowen said that of course the grievance meant the want of confidence motion. After considerable discussion, Mr. Macandrew moved the adjournment of the House. The motion was debated for some time, and ultimately was carried on the voices. The House rose at 10.40.