Sir Donald McLean admitted that the first clause should have been passed before consenting to adjourn, but the Go vernment had rejected the first proposals, and were not in any way bound by the others. The Government made no advances, and never thought of doing so ; but they thought that when there was presented some thing sufficiently tangible, consideration of which might lead to the stoppage of an unseemly contest, damaging to the credit and dignity of Parliament, they would have been charged with obstinacy had Government refused to consider it. Mr J. C. Brown said that the reception of the proposals showed the falsity of the accu sation that the majority was endeavoring to coerce the minority by mere force of numbers. The facts were all the other way. The pro • posals had given the Opposition an unfair advantage. He said pass Abolition, and then have the details arranged. Mr Stafford said the question of who made the first ad vance was of small importance. [A Member —Yes, except as to who is speaking the truth.] He thought the date of the Bill coming into operation was not so important as getting it passed. If not passed soon, the Bill would be attacked in detail ou local grounds on small points, which might affect certain localities ; and skilful talkers, regardless of the character of the measure as a whole, might make adverse comments to different points in different localities. As the great point was to get the Bill through, the proposals as they stand now were objectionable, but they would be satisfied with some amendments. He would say pass the Bill, and make its repeal dependable on the action of both Houses of Parliament. The present pro posal of depending on one House was an insult to the Legislative Council. Mr Luckie counselled caution in dealing with such a wondrously astute political party. To refer the operation of an Act to one House only, was au unconstitutional prac tice. Mr Buckland considered the proposals objectionable, as their acceptance would involve the abandonment of the princi ples of the Bill. Abolition must take place this session. [Cries of “ Hear, hear.”] Mr Ballance said, if possible, the minority

should be compelled to give way. 