§ The next Private Business on the Order Paper was the consideration of a number of Provisional Order Bills relating to the rates and charges of various Railway Companies. In each case objection was taken, and the Order was postponed until to-morrow.
§ MR. ATKINSON (Boston)Mr. Speaker, I wish to read a Petition to the House, upon which is founded the opposition that I shall endeavour to lead to-morrow against these Bills. It is from the timber importers of Hull. It is as follows. [The hon. Member was proceeding to read the Petition, but was interrupted by loud cries of "Order."]
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The usual practice is for an hon. Member to state the substance of a Petition he presents, unless he desires it to be read by the Clerk at the Table.
§ MR. ATKINSONI am sorry, Sir, but I asked you whether I should read the Petition, and you said "Yes."
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! I called upon the hon. Member to present the Petition, not to read it.
§ MR. ATKINSONWell, I would rather the Clerk should read it, than read it myself.
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ The Petition was then read by the Clerk at the Table.