HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Inangahua Times, Volume II, Issue II, 25 July 1881, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The no-confidence motion is proceeding. All the West Coast members with the exception of Wcston vote for the Op-« position. „ „■: i:r Weston cetidemned absolutely Atkinson's scheme of local government, but said as the question: could keep for a few months it would be improper to dissolve ; to postpone the consideration of several important Bills; to unsettle the country ra^#occasi^^fsg|^i[a l^ip^of about "S4^Di3 r %rjßtf"in itel? m'ediatl' session. He reviewed the position of the country, and urged the^ establishing of n local power to relieve the House of the scramble for works. He referred to the neglect shown to the goldfields, the impropriety of spending the Trust funds of the Colony in local works, condmned Sir George Grey's scheme, and favored to some ex* tent that propounded by Saunders, He handled G rey unsparingly for his reflect tion on the judges. He. advised the Government to withdraw the Bill, should they succeed in getting a majority on the motion, and expressed his intention to stoutly resist the Bill in a later stage if they did not. As a matter of fact the local government Bill will not be prsssed. Saunders takes similar views, and their votes have turned the scale in favor of the Government. Grey and Mos9 attacked Weston very savagely, and Reid said Weston would neveVbe re-elected. It is beyond doubt that the Opposi« tion could not form a party satisfactory to the Colony. Reeves, daring "Weston's speech was unmistakeable in his expressions of dis.cent ' - \ '■/■.■ ..■'■-:.'■ The Railway Bill is drafted. The division may take place on Tues* day, if the absentees arrive in time. The Ke-distribntion oP Seats Bill is agitating members' minds unfavorably. Reeves is giving all manner of notices of motion on raatteri affecting the district and Colo.ny. • He created much amusement. ' .... Later. The debate on Ormond's amendment still drags on, but chiefly td an empty House, members being weary of discussion, and it is fully expected that the division will be taken on Tuesday even* ing next, as by that time it is believed that Driver, Finn and Pyke, who are claimed as supporters by the Ormondites, will have arrived, and the Opposition say they will have no more talking on their side. Ministerialists say tbat they are ready for the division at any moment. It is stated that the Oppositioa have chartered the st<amer Grafton to bring up Driver and Pyke from Lyttelton. so tbat they may be present at division on tho no-coufidence motion. It is rumored that M'Lean, who is a strong Government supporter, and cbairchairman of the Union Steamshipping Company, altered the time-table of the boats so as to prevent the gentlemen named arriving here in time. On Thursday next Dr Wallis is to move that the time has come when the members of the Legislative Council should be elected by the people of the Colony. (Wes port Times Correspondent,)

"Wellington, July 20. A dissolution of Parliament is im« pending. Ormond last night moved, that the proposals of the Government in reference to local government and local 6nance are unsatisfactory. This is likely to be carried. The Ministry will then appeal to the. country, and the work of the present session, so far only preliminary will go for nought, after the usual Sup plies are granted. The position is one of great importance. 3.15 p.m. It is stated by several merabers.of the Upper House that the Government, if beaten, will resign, and not ask for a dissolution. The Ministerial members of the Lower House held a caucus this morning, and it was decided, on i he advice of the Ministry, to await developments for a day or two, as it seems highly improbable that Ormond will be able to form a working Ministry. He clnims to have a majority of eight or ten in the House, but this is not quite c'ear. Debate is just now con* linuitig. Eulton being up. Levistam will follow. Weston may, this evening, make n speech, and the Qpposition calculate on liis support. Mr Reeves withdrew the question, ask* ing if more diamond rock boring machines were to be procured, until the Gold- | fie'd Committee reported on that and other .subjects. Mr Reeves obtained leave to introduce a bill to regulate mining on private pro* perty. The bill will come on for its second reading in a fortnight. Mr Reeres withdrew a motion, asking for the appointment of a commission during the recess to report on the goldfields, ' '

Mr Reid's motion for giving extended powers to tbe Goldfi'elds Committee during the session, was supported by Government and earned. July 21. The Government have received an official report that gold has bren struck at (he Whau Mine, Sons of Freedom level, Thames, at depth of sit hundred feer, and that the prospects are very encouraging. This will probably lead to resumption of low level workings in that district. Wellington, July 21. The debate on Ormond's no confidence motion may continue till Tuesday. Tbe position ?8 peculiar. Though Government supporters speak strongly agains' the motion, anj undercurrent of feelin.exists that the Government are not at all dis^ncli ed to let it be carried and close up the session abruptly. This will, among other effects, stay the pissing of the Redistribution of Soats Bill, over which there is sure to be great disputation, and the onus of this would be thrown upon the Opposition. The whole question seems to hinge on vi hether the Governor, in the event of an adverse vote against the Ministry, would send for Ormond or take the advice of present Ministers and grant an immediate dissolution. Opinion favors the latter alternative, and the elections may be. on in a short time. Oliver warned the House last night that the present sction of the Opposition would entail the cost and trouble of two elections within tbe ensuing six months, hut his reasoning was obsorue. Considnration of all local topics is suspended while the present debate lasts. Gre)'s Affirmation in lieu of Oath Bill has been thrown out by the Upper House, Ktjmara July 21. At the R.M. Court this morning Lotty Wiltshire was charged with wounding Lizzie Heid, by stabbing her with a knife. The case which is a very serious one, was remaaded until Friday next Lizzie Reid being now in the hospital in a dangerous condition.