LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3580, 1 October 1879, Page 3

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Tuesday, Sept. 30. The Counoil fco-day, after appointing a largo number of Sessional Committees, and other formal business, considered tho ADDBESS IN BBPLY. The Reply was brief and formal, and was moved by The Hon W. Wood, who supported the different items of the Government policy. The Hon J. Mabtin seconded the Reply. The Hon G. M. Wateriiousb spoke at great length, condemning the policy and actions of the Government. The course pursued by them during tho elections, ho contended, was unconstitutional, and he alleged that they had used tho whole of the powers and opportunities of their position, the steamers, telpgraph, &c, to further tbeir own objects, and had so misconducted themselves that, if they lived under tho constitution of somo American States, the Ministry could bo punished bj imprisonment. Ho took an unfavourable viow of the Colony's financial position which would never be good until borrowing was sfcoppod. The so-called Liberal policy had been brought forward merely as a blind to concoal from tho electors the real question at issue between the last Parliament and the Government. Tho Hon H. Chambeitlain also spoke against the Government. The Hon Colonel WurvMOBE spoko for over an hour in defence of the Government and in reply to Mr Watorhouse. The Address was then carried without a division. PRIVILEGE. The Hon W. Mantell raised a question of privilege re the Kinross case, contending fchat the conductors of the prosecution bad been guilty of contempt in summoning Councillors and their officers as witnesses, and in taking action on the evidence given by the witnesses who were privileged when giving testimony before a Committee, and could not bo prosecuted without the Council's a»sent. The Hons the Colonial Secbetabv and P. Buckley deprecated the latter assertion. The question was referred to the Standing Orders Committeo. TIBST beading's. The Habitual Drunkards Bill (Colonel Whitmore) was read a first time. NOTICES OP MOTION. Tha Hon J. N. Wilson gave notice tbat ho would introduce a Deceased Intestate Estates Bill. The Hon H. Chambkblaix gave notice that bo would ask the Government if they would introduco any Bill to encourage local industries. The Hon Captain Fhaseb gavo notice of motion for the appointment of a Nativo Affairs Committee. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. till 2.30 on Friday.