LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

West Coast Times, Issue 3277, 1 October 1879, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Tuesday, September 30. The Council to-day, after appointing a large number of sessional committees and other formal business, considered the address in reply. Tha reply was brief and formal, and was moved by Mr Woods who supported the different items of the Government policy. Mr Martin seconded. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse spoke at great, length, condemning the policy and actions of the Government, and the course pursued by them during the elections.. He contended it was unconstitutional, and alleged that they had used the whole of their powers and opportunities of their position, the steamers, telegraph, &c, to further, their own objects, and had so misconducted themselves, that if they lived under the constitution of some American states, the Ministry could be punished by imprisonment. He took an unfavorable view of the colony's financial position, which would never be good until borrowing was stopped. The so-called Liberal policy had been brought forward merely as a blind, to conceal from the electors the real, question at issue between the last Parliament. The Hon. Mr Chamberlain also spoke against the Government. The Hon. Colonel Whitmeie spoke over an hour in defence of the Government, and in reply to Mr Waterhouse. The address was then carried with a division. Mr Mantell raised a question of privilege re the Kinross -case, contending the conductors of the prosecution had been guilty of contempt in summonsing councillors and their officers as witnesses, and in taking action on evidence given by witnesses who were privileged when giving testimony before a committee, and could not be prosecuted without the Council's consent. The Colonial Secretary and Mr P. Buckley deprecated the latter assertiqn. The question waß referred to the Standing Orders' Committee. The Habitual Drunkards' Bill (Col. Whitmore) was read a first time. Mr Wilson gave notice to introduce the Deceased Inteßtates Bill. '

Mr Chamberlain gave notice that he would ask when Government would introduce any Bi|l to entourage local industries, and,

Captain Frasei\ for the appointment of a Native Affairs Committee.

The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Friday.