HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 9767, 27 July 1893, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, July 26. — The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 p.m. The Hon. MrSeddon laid on tbe table tho explanation of Mr Blow, the Under Secretary for Public Works, respecting the alteration in the Public Works Statement last, session Mr Blow's explanation was to the effect that be alone was responsible for the mistake that occurred in tbe Statement, and that Mr Stddon was in no way to blame for it' Mr Seddon moved "That the papers with Mr Blow's explanation be ! referred to the Public Accounts Commit tee." Mr Rolleston seconded the motion, and in doing ao said be hoped that the charge to be made against the Premier would also be gone into by the Committee. That charge was that tho Premior proceeded to argue on incorrect figures contained in the Eublic Works Statement, and that, although the figures were altered no notification was made to the public in the romarkß made by the Minister for Public Works before the figures were corrected. After some discussion the motion was agreed to. DEBATE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Tho Houbo adjourned at 5.30 p.m., aud resumed again at 7.30 p in. Mr Sandford, in a calm ipeecb, supported the Government, but thought the Ministers should have taken up tho reform of tho Liquor Law. Mr Rhodes, in course of a critical speech, said unless the public works expenditure was redeced the Government wou'd, in the event of a fall occurring in the revenue, would find themselves without any money at the end of the year. Mr C. H. Mills spoke in warm admiration of the Statement, He said if the subsidies to local bodies were not continued the Government would have to take over the main roads.

Dr. Newman dwelt principally with the finances of the Government, and maintained that the position of the colony had not been correctly described in the Budget.

Mr J. W. Kelly spoke in tho Government interests, and carried ou tae debate to the adjournment. Tho House rose at 1.20 a.m.