§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ MR. CALDWELLsaid this measure had been introduced without any attempt to explain it. Such a measure 584 ought to be accompanied upon its introduction by a clear statement. The handing over of an estate to the nation was not necessarily a beneficial purpose, and he desired to know the purposes to which the Osborne Estate was going to be applied. It might be intended to apply it to one particular section of the community. He also wished to know something about the cost which would be entailed. Obviously it was unreasonable that at this moment a Bill of this kind should be brought before the House. The best way to pass measures of this kind was to give a reasonable explanation of them, and take the House into the confidence of the Government. Whenever a measure was brought forward in the way he had suggested there was never any unwillingness to give it favourable consideration. The Bills which failed to pass were those which the Government attempted to rush through a few minutes before twelve o'clock—
§ It being midnight, the Debate stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed upon Monday next.