General Assembly.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 109, 18 September 1868, Page 3

General Assembly.

Wednbsday, Sept. 16. [bt electeic telegbaph:.] Mr Stafford, by command, laid on the table a letter from Colonel McDonnell which, whilst being read, was found to allude to certain expressions used by Messrs Fox and Travers. The Speaker's attention being called thereto, he ruled that the letter could not be further read and must be withdrawn from the table. Mr McLean, in introducing his ' Alarm ' resolution, declared that Mr Stafford's estimate of the rebel strength might be multiplied by five ; that a crisis was impending, and that the friendlie3 on the East Coast were preparing for it, as^ they had never prepared before. Mr Stafford denied the extent of tho crisis, but declared that the mischievous effect of Mr McLean's speech would be greater than all TitoKowharu's victories. That he was growing tired of official life, and cared 1 not how Boon he relinquished it. After Mr Brown had supported the resolution of Mr McLean, an effort was made to continue the discussion iustead of going on with the Order of the Day, but the Government resisted, and carried an adjournment by 38 to 31. On the "No Confidence" motion, Messrs Macandrew and Cargill supported it, and Mr Reid spoke against it. Thursday, Sept. 17. In the "No Confidence " debate, Messrs Swan and "Wells spoke against, and Mr Main for, the motion. The " Alarm" debate is not to come on until that on the " No Confidence" is finished. Several new Bills referring principally to native affairs have been introduced. One of the Bills is to enable newspaper exchanges to pass free by post. Mr Macandrew goes South tomorrow, having paired with Mr Parmer. Mr Cooper has gone to Wsirarapa co investigate the reports relative to rebel emissaries. It is doubtful whether the "No Confidence " debate will close to-night, but the Government are now sure of a good majority.