PARLIAMENTARY

Auckland Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2406, 6 December 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

(From our OAvn Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

THE HINEMOA AGAIN.

In reply to Mr Fitzroy, asking the nature of the important service on Avhich the Hmemoa would be engaged in January, and which Ministers stated was the leason why Sir Wm. Jervois could not have her, Sir George Grey said Ministers were the proper judges of the importance of the service which the Hinenioa will be engaged upon, and which would prevent her being placed at the disposal of Sir Wm. Jervois. There was no understanding that she would be placed at the disposal of Sir Wm. Jervois ; but if it Avas desired the Government would furnish the log of the Hinemoa to shew Avhat services she had been employed in. THE HINEMOA CORRESPONDENCE. The Governor's correspondence re Sir William Jervois is vieAved as a complaint made by him unconstitutionally against his Ministers, and sent doAvn to the House in such a sudden, peremptory, and threatening manner, that> Ministers had no time to consider it. Public sympathy is indicated by gossip and opinions. Both the evening papers thoroughly support Ministers in their determination not to incur the expenditure, Avhich the financial position and geographical character of the country does not warrant. There are very feAV Avho sympathise Avith the Governor. To-day, a member of the Upper House moves that it is desirable the Council should know Avhat are the services in Avhich the Hinemoa is- required, and which prevents her being given to Jervoise. THE GOVERNOR'S TOADIES. Mr Fitzroy also asks another'question in the House, and I should not be surprised to see the Governor's relations to Ministers taken into consideration again, in Avhich he will come off second best. CLOSE OF SESSION. Probably the session Avill Avind up tomorroAV night. NEXT SESSION. Mr-jWoolcock asked the Premier at Twhat date it was proposed to call -Parliament together next session. Sir George Grey replied that the Government could not at present fix the exact date, but it Avas necessary that the Government should have power to hold tho session at any time it deemed necessary. As soon as the date Avas decided upon it would be gazetted. MESSAGE FROM THE COUNCIL. A message Avas receiA-ed from the Speaker of the Legislative Council intimating that the Council proposed to pass a neAV Standing Order providing that it Avould not consider any private Bill introduced later in the session than after tAvo months from the opening of the session. The message evoked considerable comment, many members regarding the proposed Standing Order as an infringement of the privileges of the Commons. Sir George Grey remarked that the House could not agree with any such Order, as it Avould infringe upon the liberties of the people whom the House represents.

Mr Johnston denounced the proposal h> make such a Standing Order as an unwar rantable attempt on the part of the Lords to dictate to the Commons, and several other members spoke in equally strong terms. Mr O'Rorke, however, restored the equanimity of the House by statin^ that such a Standing Order could only be'passed by arrangement at a conference of the two Houses, and ultimately the Speaker w a , request ed to communicate with the Speaker of the Upper House to that effect. At a later stage a courteous reply was received from Sir John Richardson, intimating that the Council only submitted the proposed Standing Order as to come into force next session, and requested a conference on the subject with the House of Representativee SECOND READINGS. The Public Reserves Bill and New Zealand Stock Bill were read a second time. Legislative Council. — Tko Jervois SmTaroglioThe Hon. John Hall's motion on Sir William Jervois lasted nearly the wfyole afternoon. A lot of twaddle was talked about discourtesy to the Governor and Jervois, and falling behind other colonies. Colonel Brett followed in a violent speech against _ the Government, and moved au addition to Mr Hall's motion expressing regret, amounting to censure* on the conduct of Ministers. The whole thing fell flat. Col. Whitmore considered there had been misapprehension in the minds of all concerned. It was never intended to insult Sir William Jervois, and with regard to the other colonies, his suggestions had not been voted for. It would be far less insulting to say they did not require the services of Sir William Jervois than to invite him and refuse his report when made. Col. Kenny said the late Government were to blame in not bringing matters before the House, and asking a vote for the purpose; but after blowing off a lot of steam, the amendment was withdrawn. THE FOLLOWERS AND HENCHMEN. The Governor's aides-de-camp -were present, one behind the Speaker's chair, and Captain Maling listening intently in the shade of the pillars in the Strangers' Gallery. Mr Fitzroy, in the House, was taken down by a suitable answer he received from the Premier to the question he was put up to ask, viz., " What were the services of the Hinemoa which required her in January ?" Sir George Grey said the Government were the best judges of the services the vessel was wanted for, and if the hon. gentleman would repeat the question next session, the Government would let him know all about it. The Public Revenues Act was passed. Major Atkinson is zealous in finance measures. Sir Wm. Fitherbert made a long, careful, and earnest speech in strong opposition to the Consolidated Stock or Inscription Bill. He said the time was inopportune. No one could tell what would be the effects of the contemplated change of taxation next session; besides, tbe present bond-holders would require more advantages. He spoke late for about an hour. Progress was repsrted on the Bill. House to Prorogue ia Two Days. The House sits to-day at twelve noon, and will probably finish the Government business to-night; but there will he a delay of a day or two in the Council. SIR GEORGE GREY LEAVES FOR AUCKLAND ON THE 11TBL Sir George Grey will l6ave about Wednesday next by the Hfnemoa on her return, after taking Northern memhers. He will go to Auckland via Napier, where he puts in on business connectedjwith the district. Counties Amendment Act.—lmportant New Clauses. The Government consented to an additional clause in the Amended Counties Bill, enabling the Governor in cases where the Counties Act is not in force to have the powers of the County Council, in section 117 of the Public Works Act of last session, viz., to abolish or reduce tolls if thought desirable. This is said to have been done in deference to correspondence which MrTole had with the Government on. the subject with reference to toll-gates in the County of Eden. MAINTENANCE OF MAIN EOADS. The maintenance by the Government of the main roads, after a slight discussion on. the clause, was carried.

Last Night.

(PKESS AGENCY.) Four Million Loan Bill Seal Second Time. In moving the second reading of the £4,000,000' Loan Bill, Sir George Grey admitted that though authority to raisefour millions Avas asked, it was not likely to be exercised immediately. It was necessary to clothe the Ministry with this authority to pay everybody, in order to enable them to negotiate on fair terms Avith their creditors. Within 18 months £1,300,000 wouldbe requiredf or public works and immigration; £500,000 for provincial liabilities; £300,000 to repay advance from the public Avorks account—£l,ooo,ooo, and to that add £832,000 in Treasury Bills. In all upAvards of £4,000,000 Avould be required. There Avere also guaranteed debentures to be reduced, if necessary. It Avas not absolutely necessary to either pay off the Banksor Treasury Bills, but wasdesirable to have poAA-er to do so if pressed. He pledged himself not to raise a penny more of the loan than absolutely necessary. Hajari Atkinson Opposes mow than c 52,000,000. Major Atkinson declared the conductor the Government, in asking such powers on. such a vague statement, Avas unprecedented. He denied the existence of. a half-a-mulion provincial liabilities. Those so called were; mere speculative estimates from Otago, Avhich, if recognised, the rest of the colony Avould have aright to demand at lew half-a-million more. He criticised tne details of Sir George Grey's statemen, and challenged him to refer to the J^m. Works Accounts Committee to repon whether he had not in his budget provwgj for aU proper provincial liabilities and on charges of the current year, and wether the Consolidated Fund avoulu not be able to pay the £300,000 borrowed from the Public Works; Account. He would oppose the borrowing ,ot nu» than tAvo million. m^ Sir George Grey refused to do anything of the kind* He said the Public Account Committee had been packed for p»W. purposes Avhen nominated at the eommenw; ment of the session by the late Govern ment. . , Second Bsadiag Agreed to- d Ultimately, the Bill was read a secou time. j j.i,,. n iiffli The Public Revenues Bill passed tnrou. Committee. _ :., ~•_„ o f In Committee on the Consolida^ ; Stock Bill, Six William Fitznerbeitsa£? process Avas desirable, but tiuHame»; opportune. Progress Avas reported. The Counties Act Amendment Bill? read a third time. ~, nQO n The House rose at 1.30 a.m. tui «.. to-day.

' EBTHIS ATTmffISQQK'

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, HOKITIKA. The House met at noou. , - f am Mr Barff asked the Government uj will make arrangements for vesi trustees on behalf of the people 01 » H(WB j the building known as Government j» in the town of Hokitika, tegetner v^ portion of reserve on which ]t is w ]i( . He suggested it should be used as » f library and.museum. ~ t t. e (Jo-:: Mr Macandrew, in reply, «|^J jhool*vernment aereed that the properw c r, be converted to the use of the P Hokitika, and would make all the wi inquires to carry this out.

■ CANTERBURY BBOWN COAL. Mr Wason asked if the Government will, in consideration of the fact that the recent trial of Canterbury brown coal in Auckland has been entirely satisfactory, import suitable engines from Auckland or elsewhere for use on the Canterbuy lines. Air Sheehan read a reply, saying that the Government would do all they could in the HONORARIUM TO BE £200.

Mr Sheehan also stated that a sum would be placed on the Supplementary Estimates to make members honorarium £200, the same as last session, instead of £150, as in a session of ordinary leagth.