LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Inangahua Times, Volume IX, Issue 1461, 24 October 1884, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

« Wellington, October 20. yhe Legislate Council met at halfpost,two, Oh the motion of the Colonial SecVfttary,- the Animals Protection AmotitTmont Bill and the Eradication

of Lice in Sheep Bill were introduced i and read a first time. The Colonial Secretary moved the ■econd reading of the District Railway* Bill. , Sir George Whitemore spoke in opposition to the bill. Hou Mr Waterhouae moved thattlie hill be read a second time that day six months. One of the objections to the measure was that it proposed to lease the various railways on the same principle irrespective of whether they were being worked at a profit or loss. Hon Mr Oliver also opposed the bill saying that the proper way was to deal with each railway company separately, and to deal with each case on its merits not to take power to deal with all the district railways alike ; and on the sime footing he also objected to the proposed mode of purchase. He said threats had been made that if this bill was not passed by the Council certain other measures in which they were intrested would be abandoned by the Government. Captain Fiaser thought Mr Oliver should verify such a statement as that by giving the names of these who had used the threat. Hon. Mr Reynolds moved the adjoui-nment of the debate in consequence of the statement by Mr Oliver. Neither himself nor his colleagues in that Council knew anything of any threat having been made. Captain Fraser seconded the motion | of the adjournment of the debate, i Mr Waterhouse hoped the bill would he allowed to proceed without interruption. Mr Oliver in explanation said no words which fell from him imputed any charge against the Government. Mr Robinson pointed out the uselessness of adjournment the debate. Mr Reynolds thought the Government were justified in asking for an explanation of what had been stated before proceeding further with the measure. Mr McLean sonsidered the affair was a storm in a tea kettle. Mr Campbell supported the motion for an adjournment to clear up the statement of Mr Oliver, and also to enable him to reply to certain remarks of Mr Waterhouse. The Colonial Secretary throught the Government were entitled to an adjournment of the debate. The "Speaker in reply to a question raised during the debate said he had no hesitation in saying that this bill was a money bill throughout. The Council divided on tho question that the debate be adjourned — Ayes 13, Noes 18. The motion was lost. Mr M'Lean expressed his intention of voting for, and Mr Chamberlain of voting against, the bill. Mr Pollen supported the Mil. Mr Acland spoke in opposition to the second reading. Mr Campbell spoke up to the hour of adjournment at 5 o'clock. The Colonial Secretary then moved the adjourment of the Council. Sir George Whitmore moved as an amendment that the Council sit tiii 5.30.