GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1167, 14 November 1871, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(Special report per Greville and Co., Router's agents.) Wellixgtox, Nov. 13, 7.55 p.m. On the motion to go into committee on the University Act Amendment Bill, Mr Bathgato moved that it be an instruction to the committee so to alter the bill a3 to make it repeal the Act of last session on the understanding that if the bill did not pass this session, the Government expend no more of the £3000 grant : than will suffice to meet existing liabilities. Mr Yogel supported the proposal. Messrs Stafford, Rolleston, and Gillies commented in strong terms on the Government [opposing their own bill, and maintained that the resolution instructed the Government to do an illegal act. On division, Mr Bathgate's motion was carried by 32 to 14, Messrs Yogel and M'Lean voting with the majority, Messrs Fox and Gisborne with the minority. In committee, Mr Rolleston divided six times against amendments proposed to change the object of the bill. Ultimately these were passed, as the bill simply repeals the Act of 1870. Some strong language was exchanged between the Opposition leaders and the Ministerialists. The Legislative Council, by 13 to 11, has

consented to reinstate the disputed clause in the Payment to Provinces Bill, in order to avoid tlic inconvenience of persisting, at the present period of the session. It maintains its constitutional right to make such, amendments, and only refrains from asserting them i.i j the present case on condition that the operation o2 the clause in question should be limited to the present year, and the point in dispute between the two Houses be referred to the law officers of the Crown in England. The House agreed to these conditions, on the understanding that the opinion of the law officers should not be binding on either House. • It is doubtful if the Council will accept this. Tbe Insolvency and a large number of othe/ bills were discharged to-day.