PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 135, 11 June 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[BY TELKQBAPH—PARLIAMENTARY RKI'ORTKU.]

Wellington, this day. Mr Macandrew has bean absent from tho Mouse for two days in consequonce ot indiaposition. Mr Bryce is still determined to move for a reduction of the loan proposal to one million.

Mr Hobbs is urging Government to grant subsidy for prospecting Hokianga gold and 3ilvor,"specimens having been found thore. Messrs Dargaville, Thompson, and Poacock opposed the second reading of the One Tree Hill Reserve Bill, which passed its second reading to-day, bbt which is pretty certain to be doomed in Committee. The Government say they have under consideration the advisability of olFering a bonus for the export of flax. Stimulated by the action of Mr Hamlin, the Colonial Treasurer to-day paidthe sub--Bidy due to the Pukekohe West Road Board. The Press protests strongly against the proposal to bring the session to a close in rive weeks, and thinks that if this course is to bo adopted policy bills should be brought down at once.

In the afternoon the Newmarket Reserve Ace Amendment Bill and McMillan's Dog Registration Bill were read a second time. The Native Affairs Committee roport that as there seems to be no end to the claims from nativos who rendered services in righting the Hauhau?, a special committee should be appointed to considtr them.

The Government have agreed to place a sum on the estimates to enlarge the Whau Asylum, and increase the accommodation. Tho House negatived tho motion for tho appointment of two experts to report on Civil Service retrenchment.

Mr Hatch cays the question of retrenchment can only be settled by an appeal to the country. The Public Petitions Committee recom mended the Government to consider the advisability of passing a more stringent measure for tho protection of girls and young wornon raising the age of consent to 18.

The abolition of plurality of vote 3 may now be considered a certainty. Sir George Grey's bill passed the third Committee yesterday by a substantial majority.