PARLIAMENTARY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7288, 16 August 1893, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ißv TniiEGßAyp.) WELLINGTON. August 16. HOUSE OP EIPBEBENTATITE3 SUPPLY. After the Telegraph Office closed last night tho Customs and Marine Department vote of £63,671 was passed without alteration. Mr Bolleston drew attention to an item of £ll7O, “hire and working expenses of dredge for New Plymouth harbour,” and pointed out that last session the vote was reduced by £1 as an indication that the Government should not spend any more money on this harbour. Mr Seddon explained that the amount contaicei on this yeai’s estimates was incurred because the dredge was detained, and could not bs returned by the contract time, besides which repairs to the vessel had cost a large sum. Sir John Hall moved to strike out the item, but it was lost by 21 to 12. In reply to a question Mr Ward said it was intended to reorganise the whole of the Marine Department, and the wages of lighthouse keepers would be taken into consideration in the proposed reorganisation. Considerable economy could be effected without impairing the efficiency of the service. Government Insurance Account, £62.188, agreed to. Public Trust Office, expenses account, £8076 Mr Mitohelaon moved to strike out an item of £192 for the presiding officer at the present Native meeting at Fatea, as he considered the officer in question was unfit to hold any position in the public service of the colony. Mr Ward said the Government had already given assurance that an enquiry would be held into the charges brought against this officer, and in the face of this he urged Mr Mitobelson to withdraw bis motion. Subsequently Mr Mitchelson agreed to this course on the Premier undertaking to look into the matter. Tho total vote was passed without alteration. Progress was reported and the House rose at 3 30 a m.