GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3256, 13 September 1878, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / Thursday, Sept. 12 EVENING- SITTING. ADJOUBNBD DEBATE TMKJf JJIAL P ARUAMBNTS BILL. The House lost night was occupied from shortly before 10 o'clock until rising over the resumed debate on the Triennial Parliaments Bill. Messrs Btjnnv, Hursthousb. and Hbnby opposed the Bill on the ground that it was not asked for by the country, was not required, and entailed too much expense upon working men and poor candidates. Sir R. Douglas considered that triennial parliaments would lead to a system of delegation instead of representation. Mr M'Minn argued from experience that the expense need not be so great 'as was made out, and that the people in his district had for years cried out tor triennial parliaments Mr Murray would propose an immediate dissolution if the Bill was pushed. Messrs Saundbbs and Femjwiok supported the Bill on the ground that it would have a most beneficial effect alike on the people and the candidates. Mr Swanson took a similar view. Mr Woox-cock opposed tho Bill on the scoro of a useless expense being entailed and that it would take about three veurs experience of Parliamentary affairs before a member began to feel himself of much use beyond being a mere voting power. Mr Sutton moved the adjournment of the debate. Tho House divided. Ayes, 20 } noes 23 Mr Baeton opposed the Bill. Mr Fitzrot supported the Bill. Mr ' Pike said that in supporting this Bill the Premier was striking a blow at democracy' which would become a dead letter in New

Zealand the day this Bill became law. He telt it Ins bounden duty to protest against the suicidal policy of passing such a measure as tills. Mr Rowk moved, the adiournment of the House. The Speaker explained that if this motion was earned; the result would be to shelve the Bill. The Hon. J. T. Fisher would support the Bill. ■ The motion for adjournment was put, and the House divided, Ayes, 19; Noes, 19. The SruAKEB gave his casting vote with the noes. Mr M'Leaic moved tho adjournment of the debate. The House divided— Ayes 22, noes 19. The debate was adjourned (after several divisions as to date) until Wednesday next at 11 p.m. a * . The House adjourned at 2.5 a.m.