Parliamentary Notes.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2097, 23 September 1875, Page 3

Parliamentary Notes.

[By Telegeaph.]

(fbom a cobeespondent.)

WELLINGTON.

Wednesday. At one time last night the monotony of the proceedings in the House of Representatives was broken by a little strong language being tfsed. Mr Eeader Wood indulged in a dismal prophecy as to national bankruptcy visiting the colony within a couple of years, and attempted to use the Treasurer's words and figures io prove his assertions. The Treasurer rose hurriedly, and in an excited manner accused 'Mr Wood of stating what he knew to be untrue, and challenged him to prove his assertion by means of any returns he chose to ask for, guaranteeing that such should be immediately granted. Mr Wood then charged the Government with placing scandalously false returns before the House. This led to some little recrimination, and Sir George Grey then entered the fray, by repeating a previous assertion to the effect.that the Treasurer, in making his Financial Statement, had manufactured a surplus to de-, ceive the public creditors; and further, that the Treasurer knew that he (Sir George Grey) was speaking the truth. Major Atkinson retorted that every word the hon. gentleman said was at yariance with the truth, and he could not prove otherwise. Sir George Grey expressed an intention of proving his assertion, and after some explanations the was proceeded with. :J0 Few deliberative assemblies are free -- from bores, and unfortunately our House of Bepresentatives is but too full of these objectionable elements. Tie hon. member for Bruce is chief amongst sinners, for It matters not what the question be— constitutional changes, financial reform, or the abatement' of a nuisance, Mr Murray eagerly seizes the opportunity of iuflicting the House with vapid, inane and pointless harangues. Last evening this was singularly obseryable. An amendment moved by bir George Grey had been debated threadbare, and for an hour previous to what was regarded as the closing speech of the mover cries of "question " and "divide " rang through the House; yet, when the debate to all intents and purposes had been closed, this intelligent representative rose amid a murmer of indignation from all sides of the House and delivered one of his characteristic strings of empty platitudes, borrowed expressions, and erro* neous comments upon the remarks of previous speakers, whom—owing to his innate stupidity—he had failed to understand ; thus creating a necessity for explanations which consumed much more time. There has been too much of this sort of thing during the session, and Mr Murray—as well as several other members of a like calibre following the example of abler men. than themselves—should think more and talk less upon subjects ot whiph their ignorance is so astounding as to be almost sublime. ■■ -■■ Mr Atkinson's statement this afternoon: that, as the bill was to be held over for liberation until after next session the not acceptor Macautor's Board of Works: proposals and Sd not endeavor to force thus a paper

constitution on the country: instead of that abolished, has restored the confidence of the party and renewed faith in the Ministry