Parliamentary Association.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5647, 17 June 1886, Page 1

Parliamentary Association.

♦ Despite the inclement weather there was : a fair attendance, including a large nnmber i -of visitors, at the meeting of the Parlia- , xnentarj Association last night. Several ' new membera were introduced to the Speaker, and notices of new Bills given. Others were postponed 'in order to make way for what had got to be regarded as the Home Rule question. The member for Bruce (Mr M'Vey Baird) moved the following resolution:— I "That a respectful address be prepared, . and forwarded to Her Most Gracious Majesty, congratulating her upon the rejection of the Home Rule proposals by the House of Commons, and the maintenance lof the unity of the Empire." The hon : member, in an able speech, criticised the I action of Mr Gladstone in introducing his Home Rule scheme; denounced the proposals as dangerous and unjustifiable; and said tbe United Kingdom had great cause : for congratulation on the rejection of those measures. Alter speaking lor about three-quartt-rs of an hour, during which he was listened to with great attention, he .. resumed his seat amid much applause. i The Premier (Mr John Whitelaw) announced that Government did not intend to make the subject a party question, and j went on to move the following amend- ; ment:—" That as this House was not ; elected with any view to deal with questions lying outßide the range of New ; Zealand politics, or beyond the Bcope of j the -Constitution Act for the Colony, ; namely, for the peace, order and good . government of the Colony iteelf, it is not expedient at present to pass any resolutions affirming the desirability er otherwise of the Home Rale proposals for Ireland, now before the Imperial Parliament." The amendment was moved in an able speech. The member for Merivale (Mr Barkas) followed, then the member for Waikouaiti (Mr F. E. Buckland), who opposed the ; motion. The member for Inangahua (Mr : W. Acton-Adams) kept up the debate, condemning Mr Gladstone's Home Rule proposals. (At this stage some strangers in the gallery, interjecting remarks, were admonished by the Speaker.) Mr A. Evana (Oamaru) followed against the motion. Mr W. 1. Ferguson (Stanmore), Mr G. R. Hart (St Albans) also spoke against the motion. Mr Just {Port Chalmers) moved the adjournment of the debate. • After eome slight discussion, the ad- ; journment was carried. | Tho House then adjourned at 10.40 p.m.