PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Independent, Volume I, Issue 18, 4 July 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(From our own Correspondent.) Wellington, Friday. In the Legislative Council yesterday the Colonial Secretary introduced the Whitmore Enabling Bill, its purpose being to enable Sir Geo. Whitmore to retain his seat in the Council while holding the position of commander of N.Z. forces. The Bill was read a first time. The Council then adjourned till Tuesday. In the House the debate on Sir Geo. Grey’s No Confidence Motion was resumed.

Mr. O’Connor supported the Government, but objected to the coal tax. Mr Montgomery said he would vote against Sir Geo. Grey’s motion, but felt bound to oppose the Government proposals, even if doing so involved their removal.

Mr Menteath strongly condemned the Government financial proposals, and said the Financial Statement was an attempt to mislead the public as to the effects of the tariff.

Mr. Holmes defended the Government, except their making so many appointments to the Legislative Council. He thought the Government supporters should vote for the second reading of the Government Bills, and suggest alterations in Committee.

Mr Bruce spoke against the protective character of the tariff and thought too much prominence had been given, during the debate, to the Colony’s depression, and considered the best way to relieve it was to make people look to themselves and not to Government.

Mr Beetham opposed the Government measures owing to their protective character. He also opposed their local Government scheme. The Road’s and Bridges Construction Act worked well, and he would like to see it continued, On the motion of Mr Garrick the debate was adjourned, and the House rose at t 1.40.