HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1413, 23 July 1881, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THURSDAY'S SITTING. No-Confidence Debate. The debate was resumed by Mr Sutton, who, after criticising the proposals of the Government, attacked the mover of the amendment, whose real object was, he said, his hatted of the Property Tax. Messrs Russell and Seymour spoke in favour of the Government, and Mr Taiavoa against. Mr Bunny opposed the amendment. He had, he said, been opposed to abolition, but felt that they could not now go back to provincialism. Mr Weston spoke in opposition to the Government proposals, at the same time severely criticising the measure introduced by Sir G Grey, which he said was more visionary than those introduced by the Government. He defended the judges against Sir George Grey's aspersions, and announced that he would vote against the amendment, as also against the Government bill. Mr Hall said the Government had no alternative but to accept the amendment as a vote of no-confidence. It was plainly the intention of the Opposition to endeavor to unseat the Government. He contended that the only complaint in regard to the present form of local government was that means were short. He denied that the session had been wasted, and said the absence of pecuniary resources had compelled them to put a drag on public works. It was not possible to have brought the Redistribution of Seats Bill down till they had the census returns. He contrasted the Government proposals with those of Sir George Grey, and said under the latter'a measure one half the population would be employed in governing the other. He denied that provincialism without legislation would be acceptable to the people, and challenged the Opposition to go to the country with Mr Sheehan's proposal. He said any difficulties in the Road Board administration would have long since been provided for but for those who wished to return to provincialism. Government proposed to decentralise, but were opposed to cutting the country up into a number of feeble states. Their schemes might not be perfect, but they could be brought nearer perfection in committee. He deprecated the course taken by Mr Ormond in attempting to force the Government to a dissolution, and concluded by saying that whatever the result might be, they could look back with feelings of satisfaction on their two years' administration. Sir George Grey said the Government were deserving of pity. He defended the principles of his bill against the Premier and Mr Weston, and denounced the present county system as one which gave 45 v.otes to one man, and only one to others. The country was wronged by such a system. He considered that each district was capable of exercising the powers possessed by the House. He defended the principle of elective judges contained in his measure. He said if they went to the country without passing the Representation Bill, the fault would be with the Ministry in not resigning. He attacked the property tax, and defended his ' proposal ' for opening the Je^al profession. ' ' ' Mr Saundera said he would not support

the amendment while there was a clanger of the two members for the Thames and the member for Port Chalmers getting on the Government benches.' The House rose at 12.40.