HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9383, 28 June 1899, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

CAPTAIN RUSSELL MOVES AN

AMENDMENT.

BASED ON THE MARINE SCAN / . ' "DAL.. ; ■■. :' ,■■ ■•

(P»r Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, June .27,

Mr. Stevens: moved the Address-in Reply. He approved of fostering the volunteer movement, but deprecated raising a standing army. He defended the laws and system of the Govj eropnet, and quoted statistics to show it had been a success; He would advise colonists to be careful before en- | trusting to other hands the Government of the country. Mr. Miller, in seconding the address, referred to the general prosperity of the colony. He was in favor bi borrowing half a (million to push on the main lines. He congratulated the Government on the success of their general policy. Captain Russell ridiculed the state\inent that the workers were better off at present than on any previous occasion. With regard to the claim oi the Government that the land sys'teiin had been a great success he quoted figures to show that during 2£ years prior to 1891 ; -there had been more settlers placed upon the land than during any similar period of the present administration. He jmoved the following addition to the Address.: — "We would respectfully infotfm, Your Excellency that inasmuch' as no Royal Commission capo, constitutionally in: quire into the conduct of Ministers in relation to their departments, and whereas Ministers have oh a former and similar occasion pleaded .their constitutional privileges to exempt thefin from- giving evidence before ltoyal Co|pa>inissiofns, this House affirms its undeniable right to fully en: quire,into tihe connection of Ministers with the issue of a'master's certificate to Captain Jones, of the Duco, independently of any enquiry by a^Royal Cojnaluiission." Captain Russell urged that some tribunal should be set up to enquire ; into <this matter under which Ministers could not claim'privilege.

Mr. Seddon .said he did not; view the amendment with apprehension,but constitutionally" it was well known that such an amencfiiriexifc : was one of no-confidence and therefore he moved an adjournment till 2.30 to-morrow.

The ,motion.: was agreed to and the House roee at 10.10 p.jm.