POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 271, 17 November 1887, Page 5

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[v,Y TKLEORArir.— SPECIAL REPORTER.]

Wellington, this day. Auckland Petitions. Sir G. Grey presented two peubions yester_ day from Ann Robertson, petition praying for an inquiry into losses sustained through trials in the Courts of the colony, and two others from Auckland Rond Boards in favour of a trial of Vaile's railway system. North Island Railway. Government will be asked to-day if it is their intention to propose any alteration-in the route of the North Island Railway. Auckland Kailway Votes. I have ascertained from the Minister of Public Works that the only Auckland railway votes in the Public Works Statement will be for the extension of the Helen,»vilie line northward, and for the Rotorua line. The amounts have not boen passed by the Cabinet, but they cannot be veiy large, seeing that there is only £480,000 available for such purposes, including the expenditure necessary on oven lines. Reports on Auckland Petitions. The following petitions have been reported on by the Petitions Committee, of which Mr Thompson is chairman :—Petition on behalf of several natives convicted of perjury at the Supreme Court, Auckland.—Referred to Government for consideration.—'From Samuel Stephenson, of Avondalo praying to be heard before the Committee on the subject of a grievance in connection with the Licensing Act.—No recommendation to make. From the unemployed of Auckland, asking that work be provided for thorn.—Referred to the favourable consideration of the Government. Show of Hands at Nominations. There is a feeling on the part of many members that the present system of taking a show of hands at nominations should be abolished. Mr Moss has taken up the matter, and will a-k Government today if they will take the first opportunity of amending the Act in this direction, the practice of taking a show of hands being inconsistent with the ballot. liegallsiag Sweepstakes. Amongst, the petitions presented to the House yesterday afternoon was one from a number of residents of Christehuroh, pr.iying that Section? 17 and 18 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881, be amended by the addition of provisions legalising sweepstakes or "consultations' , on horse or other races, the person or persons so authorised to be duly licensed. Marino Xlovouno. Details have been furnished to the House of a sum of £16.500 appearing under the head of " Marine " in the ordinary revenue account attached to the Financial Statement. The items are : light dues, £12,000 ; fees under Shipping Seamen's Act, £2,400 ; pilotage, port charges, etc., £2,000 ; fees under Merchant Shipping Act, £100. liloutcnant-Coloncl McDonnell's Petition. The petition of Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell tor back pension in connection with the New Zealand Cross has again been under consideration of the Petitions Committee, which has decided that while the petitioner has some precedent for the basis of his petition, yet it is one the Committee cannot recognise, and therefore cannot recommend the House to grant the prayer of the petition. Crown and Native Lands Bating Act, The proposal to repeal the Crown and Native Landa Rating Act is not by any means popular wit'it outlying counties, which thus lose a considerable revenue which they derive from tho tax paid on Crown and native lands by Government from the consolidated fund. They are now agitating with tho object of having some provision made to recoup them the loss which they would thus sustain. A meeting of members interested in the matter was held yesterday, when those present were ; Messrs Samuels, Cadinan, Smith, Reeves, Moat, Hobbs, Marchant, Newman, Seddon, Griinmond, and Graham. After considerable discussion a resolution was carried that a deputation from those present wait on the Premier and urge him to make some special provision for district.? that would bo affected by the repeal of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act. Tho Charge of Talebearing. The accusation of talebearing made by Mr Seddon against Mr Monk has given rise to a good' deal of talk respecting the occurrence referred to, and it is only fair to Mr Monk to give his explanation. He says it appeared to him that it was the intention on the part of tho protectionists to force the hand of tho Premier by representing that several Auckland members, of whom ho was one, would act in conjunction with them in compelling Government to undertake a revision of the tariff this session. He objected to such an impression being given, and immediately the meeting concluded lie proceeded to the Premier's room with the intention of making his position and that of other Auckland Government supporters perfectly dear, and not to convey any information of what had happened at the meeting. Tho Protectionists. The Protectionists intend to keep together, but it is unlikely that any political action will be taken this session as they do not wish to obstruct or harass the Government in any way in their retrenchment proposals. Mr Moss will this afternoon give notice to ask the Government whether they will appoint a Committee to revise the tariff. The Privilege Question. Sir Julius Vogel's speech last night was coldly received by the majority of the House, and the feeling in the galleries appeared to bo that it was not in good taste. His supporters, however, regard it as a clever speech, and say that he turned the tables completely on the Speaker. Sir Julius declares that if the opportunity is not given him to move his resolution reviewing the Speaker's ruling,.he will take action claiming: damages for illegal expulsion from the House. Works Statement. It is expected that the Works Statement will be made to-morrow week. miscellaneous Jottings?. Lady Yogel was present in the House througout the privilege debate. Petitions from all parts of the colony were presented yesterday in favour of State Aid to Catholics. Sir John Hall acted as mediator on behalf of the Government with a view of getting the ex-Treasurer to make some apology to the House. The Legislative Council adjourned yesterday in consequence of the death of the Hon. John Johnston. The Auckland unemployed petition lias been referred to the favourable consideration of the Government.

Mr Seddon sought to withdraw his Hawkers and Pedlars Bill from the order paper for this evening, with the object of substituting a Chinese Influx Bill, but was not allowed"to do so. The Premier has given notice of a bill to amend the Municipal Corporations Act. Thames people are petitioning Government to prevent sbarebrokers being directors of mining companies. No replies to questions were given yesterday, in consequence of the breach of privilege case. One of the legislators says that members of that body ace dying so rapidly that, he proposes to movo that the reform resolution be deferred till the list of members has been sufficiently reduced by natural decay. ' ■ Taiwhanga was so annoyed yesterday at members rising to points of. ordw that

he rose to "point of waste time " amidst roars of laughter.

Sir George Grey is reckoned by Ministerialists amongst the Opposition. The "Post ,: says that the Speaker on Tuesday seemed to interpose in dread of something that was coming rather than in reproof of what was actually said.