HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2836, 16 September 1890, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION). MONDAY. The Honae met at 11 a.m. Mr Perceval moved an amendment on going into Cominittee-of-Supply, that in the opinion of this House, with a view to settling the disputes between the wagepayers and wage-earners of the colony, the Government should at an early date invite the employers of labour and delegates from the laboui associations to attend a conference in Wellington, for the purpose of discussing their difficulties, and if possible, airanging for sornj settlement being atrived at.

Mr Allen seconded the amendment. Mr Mitohelson said that recognising the unfortunate state of .affairs that now existed in the colony owing to the labour strikes the Government consider they are acting wisely in accepting Mr Perceval's amendment, and they would do all in their power to arrange for a settlement satisfactory to both sides. Mr B.ilhnce congratulated tho Government on the steps they had taken, and he hoped no time would be lost in arranging for ar conference, but, pending its decision, the strike should, in his opinion, be brought to an end, and the men advised to go back to work till some settlement was arrived at.

A long discussion ensued on the question, and it was interrupted by the luncheon adjournment. The House lesumed at 2.30 p.m., when the debate on Mr I'erceval's amendment was continued, a large number giving e.\piession to their opinion. Mr (('Conor intimated his intention of proposing, when an opportunity olfered, that the Railway Commissioners should grant an amnesty to their employees for any thing that may have happened since the strike commenced, and restore any men who have been dismissed to thcir former position. On divisions being taken, Mr l'ercoval'.s amendment was carried by 51 to 11. The House then went into Committee-of-Supply, for the further consideration of the Supplementary Estimates. Item, Judge Edward's salary, £11121. An amendment by Mr Reeves Unangahua), to 9trike out the voto was before the House, when Mr Seddon, to get over the difficulty, asked the Government to withdraw the voto ft* it now stood, and reintroduce it as salary for Commissioner Edwards and not as Judge Kd wards. Cnpt.. Russell said the whole of the circumstances connected with this appointment from the first to last showed that the House had no true appreciation of the position. He reviewed at some length the circumstances connected with tho appointment, and said Judge Edwards was regarded as being fully qualified to fill the ofHce, and the Government believe the appointment was strictly constitutionally mtda. If it could even be proved that the appointment was not technically correct, which he denied, tho Government had acted as they had done solely for the welfare of the country. Mr B illance considered Judge Edwards was no judge at all, but ho was on the contrary a usurper, and sat on the Bench illegally and unconstitutionally. He was favourable to a salary being voted for Coir, missioner Edwards, and that it be reduced to £1000. A lengthy discussion ensued, after which Captain Russell agreed to amend the vote so that it should provide for salary for Commissioner Edwards and not Judge Edwards. The alteration in the Estimates was brought down by a message from the Governor. Mr Taylor wished to know whether the alteration inade would prevent Commissioner Edwards from acting as judge, and on being answered iu the negative he protested against the whole thing. The debate was interrupted by the 0.30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. After another lengthy discussion the word " Judge" was struck out of the item. Mr Reeves (Inantrahua) withdrew his motion to strike out the vote, and substituted a reduction of £10">0, this was lost by 3li to 20. Mr Taylor moved to reduce the vote by £871. Lost on the voices. Mr Ballance moved to reduce it by £000. Lost by 31 to 27. Mr Duncan said the time had now arrived for decisive action, and he was prepared not to allow another item on the. Estimates to pass, unless this vote were reduced, even if lie had to stay there till next month. Mr Ballance said tho retention of a full Hilary for Judge Edwards was a distinct broach of agieeinont made between Mr Jiryce and himself. Capt. Russell said that Mr Ballanca hid distinctly stated to tho House that if the word "Judge" were struck out he should abide by the decision cf the House. There would therefore be a distinct breach of faith on Mr Ballance's part if ha did not support the Government in the matter. He was quite prepared to accept a reduction of £.">0 on the vote. Mr Seddon: "As indication that Mr Edwards should not act as judge." Captain Russell: "As an indication of anything you choose to call it." ()n the House resuming after the supper adjournment, Mr Duncan spoke at length against the vote and said he was prepared to stay there till the 4th October to protest against it. Mr O'Conor draw attention at 11.10 p.m. J to the fact of strangers being iu the gallery, ' upon which all the galleries were cleared i while Mr Fish was addressing tho House. i (Left sitting.)