PARLIAMENT.

Southland Times, Issue 8056, 10 July 1885, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

♦ — ■■ [By Telegraph.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, July 9. The Council met at 2 30 p.m. Mr Reynolds moved that it was essential i for thTe proper conduct of -the business of the Council that the Government should have two representatives in that Chamber. Seconded by Mr Richmond, and agreed to. The adjourned debate, on the second reading of the Legislative Council Bill was resumed. Mr{ Holmes supported the amendment. Messrs Kenny and Millar would vote for the amendment, as the feeling of the country was in fivour of some reform. ] Mr Mantell opposed the amendment. ■» - Mr Hart thought it would desiroy the character of the Council to make it elective. The Colonial Secretary asked the Council to agree to the second reading, and then he would consent to the bill going to a committee as proposed. Dr Pollen asked the Council not to commit itself to the principle of- altering the tenure of office by reading the bill a second time. On the motion for the second reading a division was taken — Ayes, 14 ; Noes, 26. — Second reading negatived. The question was next put that Sir F. Whittaker's amendment be agreed to— Ayes, 20 ; Noes, 20. The Speaker gave his casting vote with the ayes, and the amendment was carried. The following committee to consider the bill was appointed by ballot :— Buckley, Richmond, Pollen, S. R. Johnston, Mantell, Menzies, Shepherd, and Stevens. The Council adjourned at 5.20 p.m.