HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Southland Times, Issue 2916, 19 October 1877, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(BY ELECTBIC TELEGEAPH.)

WELLINGTON, Oct. 17. The debate on Mr Lusk's case was ■continued.

Mr Masfariane asked leave to withdraw his amendment.

The Speaker ruled that the House could oaly expel a member, and not declare his seat vacant.

Mr De Latour wished to dove a farther amendment to the effect that, although it appeared that Mr Lusk had committed a breach of privilege, nothing showing corrupt conduct had been proved, and therefore there was no need for taking any further consideration. After considerable discussion, Mr Rolleston's amendment on Mr Fox's motion, adjudging Mr Lusk guilty of contempt aad inflicting on him a fine of LSO, was carried on a division by 34 to 30.

Mr Stout declared that this decision was arrived at from party spite, and not from a judicial spirit. Messrs Eolleston, Fox, and others denied the truth of this charge.

Messrs Bees and Hodgkinson agreed •with Mr Stout.

After some discussion, the motion as amended, was carried on a division by 33 to 29.

The Patea Harbor Board Bill, Haveleck Commonage Bill, Christchurch District Draiaage Act Amendment Bill, Boxburgfa. Recreation Keserve Bill, Waisrera Sehooi Grlebe Exchange Bill, Mataura Reserves Bill, and Auckland Harbor Bill, were all read a -second and third time and passed,

The Eiverton. Harbor Board Land Bill and Eiverton Grammar School Bill were read a second time and referred to -the Waste Lands Committee.

The Wanganui Harbor Endowment *nd Borrowing Bill was reported with amendments.

Tho House rose at 12.30 p.m.

OCTOBEE, 18TH,

Tho House met at 2.30

The report of fcfee Disqualification Committee on Mr WMtaker'g case was brought ap, to the effeefc that he was not disqualified in connection with the Piako a«cter.

Mr Rees intimated his dissent from the sastter, and that Mr Stout had refused to attend the committee.

Ac Imprest Supply Bill for L 250.000 tras brooght down, when Mr Larnach iatimated that the Financial Statement irouid be made early next week. In committee Major Atkinson proposed that the amount be reduced to LiOO,OOO, objecting to such a large sum till the finaacial policy was disclosed. Mr Stout declared such a proposition unprecedented, after the manner in which, their side had granted four imprests. Mr Larnach said LIOO.OOO would be pepjwd. befpre Tuesday.

After considerable discussion Sir Geo. Grey said the Government at present had" only LII.OOO to their credit. The late Government had spent every penny they could get, including LIOO.OOO emergency reserve. As early as possible the Geverament would make a fuller statement of the finances than the country was accustomed to. The present Government would not move from their position till their financial policy was before the country. Major Atkinson termed Sir George Grey an uaconstitutional autocrat for threatening to defy the House. Sir George Grey knew nothing of finance. He did not wish to hurry the declaration of their financial policy, but was anxious to know how they preposed to do without taking the Otago and Canterbury Land Fund. He absolutely denied the statement circulated about a deficiency of L 350.000 in the estimate of provincial liabilities.

Mr Montg&mory thought the present Opposition most ungenerous. Mr Reader Wood thought Sir George Grey's opening statement on taking office was sufficient to justify the request cow made, but as a compromise suggested that the amount be £150,000, Mr Fisher thought Major Atkinson's conduct was obstructive, asd that ©i the Opposition generally disgraceful. Sir George Grey said there was, as already ascertained, a deficiency of £273,000.

Major Atkinson declared this was an error. He would withdraw his opposition if the Government said they required £150.000 next week. Mr Larnach said he was advised to that effect.

Mr Reea then proposed that the amount be ,£150,000, which was agreed to, and the Bill passed all its stages. Some formal motions were then disposed of.