Mr Downie Stewart protested against the unfair control which the Government en deavoured to exercise over their supporters in respect to his. amendment. He then read a telegram which he had received from , several influential citizens of Dunedin to the effect that all independent thinking men cordially approved of his (Mr Stewart’s) amendment in the Representation Bill, as they considered it highly improper that such a power should be put into the hands of Government as the original clause would confer. MrSeddon opposed the consideration of the amendments in the Bill at great length. Mr Kerr opposed the Bill and was speaking at the 5.30 p.m; adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m, | Mr Kerr moved that the debate on the I Representation Bill be postponed till after the J Imprest Supply Bill si as disposed of. The motion was agreed to. THE OPPOSITION. Sir Julius Vogel said that the members with whom he had the honour to act were suffering

under a keen sense of irritation at the insinu ations they had been subjected to during the last few days because they had felt called on to criticise a very important measure. Members on his side of the House did not intend offering any opposition to the Imprest Supply Bill. They thought it would not be desirable to pass the Bill through all its stages that night, but if the Premier assured them that it was urgently necessary to do so, they would accept that assurance and allow the Bill to pass without any. difficulty. The Premier said that the matter was one of urgency. Owing to pressure of business he had omitted to ask the House on the pre vious day to pass the Imprest Supply Bill, and he hoped the House would agree to pass

the Bill bo as to avoid great inconvenience ■which might result. Sir Julius Vogel would like to know from the Premier what the course of business was to he for thfc remainder of the session. THE PREVAILING DISTRESS. 