YESTERDAY'S SITTING. The House met at 2.30. General Business.

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

YESTERDAY'S SITTING. The House met at 2.30. General Business.

Mr Reeves gave notice that he would move to impost a duty of Is 6d per ton upon coal imported into the colony. Mr Fulton presented a petition, signed by 700 residents in Otago, in favour of thb Lotteries and Gaining Bill. Mr Murray gave notice that he would ask leave to introduce a bill to regulate the duration of Parliament, to come into force at the expiry of the present Parliament. I

Questions. Replying to questions, it was stated that the Stillwater and Nelson Creeks section of the Greymouth railway would cost £6000, and the Government had not that amount to the balance of the Public Works loau, consequently they could not undertake the work at present.—lntimation had been received that the Flying Squadron would leave Sydney on the 23rd. They would not be allowed to land in Auckland until the expiry of the usual time, which would be the week after next. Arrangements had been made for conveying the Royal party to the Hot Springs, via Tauranga, and if desired arrangements would be made for their accommodation at Government House, Auckland.

No-Confidence Debate. Mr Gibbs resumed the debate on the no-confidence motion. He considered road boards had done good service, and that the county system should be placed on an improved footing. He intimated his intention of supporting the Government. Mr Reid admitted the present system was fairly good, and he concurred generolly in the proposals of Government to improve it, but contended that Government as constituted had not the confidence of the country. He complained against the Government for having neglected the goldfields interest, more especially the West Coast of the Middle Island, What they wanted wa3 assistance in making fresh discoveries, constructing water-races, reducing fees for miners' rights from 20s to 10s, and in various other ways to promote their interests and industrial pursuits. He complained that they had been charged too high a fee for the use of the Government diamond drill. He also complained that the recommendations of the Industries Commission had not been given effect to. He would vote against the Government, as he had no confidence in their carrying out their proposals. Mr Shrimski spoke on the same side. He charged Government with having neglected his district. He was opposed to the proposals brought down, and he charged the Government with dangling the Public Works portfolio for the purpose of securing support. The constitution of the proposed Local Works Board waa vicious, and was framed with the view of securing increased support to Government. Even although the noconfidence motion were not carried, the re-distribution as proposed would not be carried. It was planned with the view of suiting the purpose of the Government party. For example, a disaffected portion of the Wdikouaiti electorate, which was represented by a friend of the Government, had been cut off and tacked on to his constituency. He also complained of partiality in carrying out retrenchment. Mr Hursthouse criticised the remarks made by the previous speaker, talking it out until the 5.30 adjournment.'