Mr PEACOCK blamed the Opposition for not bringing in a diredt-Want-of-confidence motion, unconnected with the loan. No one looking at? the matter without pre judice could jfeny that the construction of the main trunk railway was a simple act of justice to the North Island. .The work was one of colonial importance, as it would open a vast extent of country to settlement. Some members appeared to be of opinion that there should be no loan authorised for the work until the land was acquired and the route determined upon, but experience told them what waiting meant, and’ he held that the proposal of the Government was a reasonable one. All objec tion to the borrowing of the larger amount vanished when it was understood. that only a certain sum was to be raised each year, as it was required. In the schedule of the second Bill the. Government appeared to have at tempted to do justice to all. Notwithstanding the amount of empty declamation that had been heard in the debate, there had been no proof that the Government were unworthy of office, or that the Opposition were in any way qualified to take their places. (Applause.) Mr GEORGE said he was one of the few independentmembersoftheHouse. (Laughter.) Gome hon. members had been taunted with having signed the circular of the hon. member for Akaroa, but he had not signed it, and was not any way bound to that member. He would not consent to any proposition for the formation of a Ministry entirely composed of members from the South Island, but he would support the hon.'member for Akaroa in the amendment h© had moved, -reserving to himself the right of doirig what he liked afterwards. He took that course because he was strongly opposed to further borrowing. If he were in the place of the hon. member for Akaroa he would have no desire r to get' on the ; Government benches. The : present Ministry reduced taxation. and asked for a loan, and those who took their places would next year have to ask for a further loan, and propose to increase taxation. 