PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.
(BY TELEGRAPH. - SPECIAL REPORTER.)
Wellington, this day,
Sir George Grey on Repre sesiiatioH.
Sir George Grey intended to speak on the motion for the committal of the Representation Bill, but was prevented by illness, from which he has since recovered. He cordially approves of the reduction in the number of member*, and says he would like to have seen a stiil greater reduction. If Great Britain had representation on the same scale, adds Sir' George, she would require S,OUU members in the House of Commons. He believes that the reduction in tho Lower Hou.se will lead to a similar reduction in the Legislative Council. This can be done by repeal of the Constitution Act by both Houses ■with a view to its amendment, but the Upper Chamber is not likely to consent to such a course. It can also be repealed by the Imperial Parliament on a general petition to that end being presented by the people of the colony. Sir (Joorge intends to interest himself in promoting such a petition during the recess. The Middle Party. Somehow members are very wroth at tho formation of tho Independent or Middlo Party, and the temporary room assigned to them is known as the " Cave of Adullam." One facetious member last evening pinned to the door of their quarters a placard bearing the words " Mene, mene, It.kcl upharam," which interpreted means " Thou nrt weighed in the balance* and found wanting." The action of the Premier in ridiculing their request is having fclio etl'oct of consolidating those members who own allogianeo to neither side. The Independent party profess to number 15 strong, and expect further additions to their ranks in tho present mixed state of parties. Iteforns of tlse Cosmci?. There is an impression abroad that because tho Government last evening postponed the second reading of the.Legislative Council Constitution Hill till Tuesday, they were afraid, of the opposition the measure would meet with in another place, and meant this slop as a prelude to letting it drop. On the contrary, however, lam informed that the Lords, profiting by the reduction of members of the popular chamber, are not adverse to reforming themselves, and are prepared to limit their number to forty, by not seeking fresh appointments to their Chamber in lieu of those who have died or resigned since last session. As a sine qua yon to passing a Legislative Council Constitutional Bill they will insist on the right to elect their own Speaker, a concession probably which the Government will see their way to grant. In that case we may expect to sco tho bill taken up in the Legislative Council before being considered by tho House. The Financial Statement. Some days ago I advised you that tho Cabinet had decided on dealing with tho Honorarium question in the Financial Statement, and I may now add that Lhavc every reason for believing that beaidos reducing members' salaries they Mrill also propose reduction of salaries paid to Ministers. This is retrenchment of the right sort, and economy which is sure to command itself to the country. Although no protective policy is likely to bo proposed, a re-adjustment of tariff for revenue purposes may be reasonably looked for. An increase in tho property-tax is also a possible feature of the budget proposals. The Fayjiieiit to Mrs Fraser. The feeling with respect to the payment made to the wife of tho member for the Thames still l'nils'high.' From the answer given to Mr Rolloston at the beginning of the week one might infer'that both arbitrators were appointed by-the Government. A question put yesterday, however, disclosed the fact that Mr McDonald was named on Mrs .Eraser's behalf, and the Under-Secre-taiy (Mr Cooper) by the Government. The Minister for Lands gave his assurance that neither Col. Fraser nor anyone else had made any communication to him respecting Mr Cooper's appointment. The Kcductioii of Members. The impression exists in some quarters that the reduction of members to 71 will bo upset, and 9i replaced as the number. This is not likely. lam told that several members who were not present at the previous division will vote for 71, and that the Premier and Mr Dodson, who opposed the reduction at fust, will vote against any rescinding of the previous decision. Electors should watch tho division list on this crucial question of retrenchment. Tlae Ifcfle Range The Minister of Defence informed Mr Hamlin, in the House yesterday, that Government had in contemplation the closing of Mount Eden Rifle: Range. It >Sad been represented that the range was a great nuisance and a danger to the neighbourhood. Major Morrow had, however, telegraphed not to close till a public meetHi"? was held. A new range had not yet be'en found, and no steps to close the present range, therefore, had yet been taken. Their object was not to put Volunteers to any inconvenience, yet at the same time it was recognised that the range was dangerous and a source of great annoyance. . Teachers' Examinations. The Inspector-General of Schools, reporting on the examination of teachers, says that for the ordinary examination 870 candidates entorcd their names ; 141 for class D ; 3-10 for class E ; and 005 for competition of partial passes ;08 failed to appear; and. the numbers examined were as follows : — 123 for class 1) ; 318 for class E ; 272 for completion. Of the candidates for completion (128) 47 per cent, were successful. The number of certificates continues to increase at the rate of from 150 to 200 a year. It is believed that about 480 certificated teachers were unemployed in December, 1SS0; 11 certificated teachers are in charge of native schools, and some are teaching in Grammar Schools. iiOUii-Servicc Medals. - It seems that while all the Armed Constabulary mcv who are entitled to long-sei-vice medals have been provided with tho same, the Volunteers have not been so fortunate. Replying to Mr Downie Stewart, who brought this neglect under the notice of the Government yesterday afternoon, the "Defence Minister said that instructions had been given some time ago to commanding officers to send in the uamas of volunteers who were entitled to long-service medals if they had not been distributed. He was not aware of the cause of delay. •i Tsic Anti-Cocri'ioia Resolution. Having made a mistake in fixing his anticoercion resolution on ft day set apart for Government business, Mr Bracken yesterday received permission to withdraw it, and'immediately thereafter gave notice of It? in an amended form for Wednesday next. T3ac Blisiiiis Act j\fr Seddon is not satisfied with tho Mining Act of last session, and has given notice ofliis intention to introduce an amending bill. He is also introducing a Gold Duty Reduction Bill. . . . , ;, The Opposition seem anxious to have the Budget proposals before them at as early a dute'aa possible .flic Financial Statement. Replying to Major Atkinson, the Colonial Treasurer'said he would on Tuesday be in a position to inform the House when the financial Statement would be mode.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 107, 7 May 1887, Page 5
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1,163PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP. Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 107, 7 May 1887, Page 5
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