Mr Sheehan supported the motion. Sir William Martin had done good ser vice to the colony, and he thought the Government were very right m proposing the pension. The House went into committee to consider his Excellency's message. Mr Gibbs asked what was the present pension of Sir William Martin. Mr Yogel said £333 6s Bd, and the Go vernment wanted to make his retiring allowance £500 per annum. Sir Cracroft Wilson said he had heard that there were no reasons why the money should be voted, and until he heard good valid reasons he should vote against it. Mr Yogel said that it was on account of his distinguished services to the colony that the Government wanted to increase his pension ; he was very old. Mr Reader Wood had great pleasure m supporting the Government. Sir William Martin was one of the first judges m the colony, and had done good service. Major Atkinson said he could not support the Government. He thought that Sir William Martin had cost the colony hundreds of thousands of pounds. Mr Yogel said that he did not believe m all the theories of Sir William Martin, but still it must be admitted that he had labored very hard. Mr Buckland hoped that there would be a division on the subject. He intended to vote against the pension. Sir William Martin had done more to injure the colony than anyone, and his service had been more injurious than valuable. The Premier said that as there seemed to be such a strong feeling against it, he would withdraw the motion. Leave wps granted for the Houbo to re considei the Supreme Court Judges Bill, and the third reading was fixed for Friday. The Canterbury Public Domains Act Amendment Bill passed the third reading without amendment. Friday Morning. On the motion of Mr Tolmie, leave of absence was granted to Mr Webster, member for Wallace, for fourteen days, on urgent private business. Mr Steward asked the Minister for Public Works when it was intended to call for tenders for laying the permanent way on the Oamaru-Waitaki portion of the Waitaki-Moerati railway ; also when ifc waa likely that the sections of the Oamaru to Otepopo, and Otepopo to Moeraki railways would be ready for the rails. 