LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Southland Times, Issue 3519, 1 October 1879, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

WELLINGTON, Tuesday. • la the Council to-day, after appointing committees and the transaction of other formal business, the a.idress in reply was' considered.. The reply was brief and formal, and was moved by Mr Wood, who supported the different items of the Government policy. Mr Martin seconded. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse spoke at great length, condemning the policy and action of the Government, and the course pursued by them during the elections. He contended it was unconstitutional, and alleged they had used the whole of the powers and opportunities of their position, the steamers, telegraph, «c, to further their own objects, and had so misconducted themselves that if they lived under the constitution of some American States the Ministry could be punishod-by imprisonment. He took an unfavorable, view of the colony's financial. position, which would never be good uritii' borrowing was stopped. The so-called Liberal policy had been brought forward merely as a blind to conceal from the electors the real question at issue between the last Parliament .and.the^ present. . • ' ■■■.:<■ 'r-y, ,y. i J The Hon. Mr Chamberlain also spoke against the Government. Col. Whitmore spoke. for over an hour in defence of the Government in reply to Mr Waterhouse, and the address was then carried without a division. . . „ Mr Mantell raised a question of privilege re the Kinross case, contending the, conductors of the prosecution had been guilty pf contempt in summoning councillors and their officers as witnesses, and in taking, action on evidence given by witnesses who were privir . leged when giving testimony before a committee, and could not be prosecuted without the Council's assent. The Col. Secretary and Mr Buckley depre-. cated the latter assertion. The question was ■ referred to the Standing Orders Committee. The Habitual Drunkards Bill (C6l; Whit more) was read a first time. Mr Wilson gave notice to introduce the In--testate Estates Bill. Mr Chamberlain that he would ask if that Government wouM intro- ' dnce a bill to encourage local 'industry; and Captain Eraser for the appointment of a Native Affairs Committee. . The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Friday. -