Evening Sitting.

Southland Times, Issue 11842, 16 September 1891, Page 3

Evening Sitting.

The Council resumed at 7.30 p.m. in committee on the Electoral Bill. A new clause — its effect being that no election shall be declared invalid by reason of any irregularity in the proceedings preliminary to the polling — was added to the bill by 13 to 10. Mr Downie Stewart moved a new clause to prevent intoxicating liquor being sold or S'ven away at any hotel during a polling iy. Several members opposed this proposition as being an insult to the whole community, and the clause was rejected by 16 to 10. The bill was then reported with amendments, the third reading being fixed for next day. The PubUc Trust Office Act Amendment Bill and the Stamps Act Amendment Bill were read a second time. The Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the Payment of Members Bill. Mr Miller said that in the present condition of the finances of the colony he thought it would raise tbe blush of shame to the cheek of every hon. member of the Council if they accepted the bribe held out by the bill. He moved the following amendment: — "That this Council is of opinion that the proposal to increase the payment of members of Parliament is inopportune and not warranted by any change in the financial position of the colony and the Council is therefore not willing to pass a measure which would include provision for an increased payment to its own members. As, however, the House of Representatives has decided to make larger provision for its members this Council will not feel justified in refus ; ng to pass the bill for that purpose if it is so desired after reconsideration." The Colonial Secretary asked the ruling of the Chair as to the effect of that proposition. His own opinion was that its effect would be to lay aside the bill. Sir Geo. Whitmore and Mr Pharazyn supported Mr Miller's amendment. The Speaker ruled that ;the amendment would Btop the bill, which, however, could afterwards be revived by searching the journals of the Council. Mr McLean pointed out that if the Counoil stopped the bill the House could then revive the measure in a less objectionable shape than it {now presented. — Debate adjourned till next day. The debate on the second reading of the Post Office Acts Amendment Bill, to which an amendment had been proposed that the bill be read a second time that day six months, was resumed and the amendment rejected on the voices and the second reading agreed to. The Council rose at midnight.