A PARLIAMENTARY SQUABBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 139, 13 June 1888, Page 4

A PARLIAMENTARY SQUABBLE.

The recent disgraceful proceedings in the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales have cul_

minuted in accusations of gross jobbery and swindling being levelled at the Minister of Lauds and various persons with some of whom ho was alleged to have a business connection. It is by no means clear that these accusations arc well-founded, but it is significant to note that in all probability they would never have been made but for a disagreement between members of what has been aptly dubbod the " Larrikin Parliament." Thus theexposure of alleged wholesalo corruption, the shedding of light upon some transactions which assume a suspicious complexion, and the conserving of the public interest, would appear to be made contingent upon the personal quarrels and animosities of so-called " honourable members." That this should be the case is but another proof of the shockingly low range of political morality that prevails in the mother colony of Australasia.

In order to trace tho genesis of this unsavoury affair it is necessary to go back to the 30th ult., when Mr McElhone, one of the members for Upper Hunter, having used unparliamentary language in the Assembly, was ordered "by the Speaker to withdraw the words and apologise for using them. This he declined to do, and openly defying the Speaker, left the House in a temper and went home. He was ordered under arrest, and when he appeared at the bar of the House the following night to explain his conduct he made a sort of insulting apology, adding that if he was now as wealthy as he was four years ago he would have tested in the courts of law the legality of his arrest outside the precincts of the House. He also stated that if the Sergeant-at-Arms had attempted to arrest him in his own house at night, something more would have come of it, and any officer who had entered his house at night would never have left it alive. Mr McElhone's extraordinary reply not being deemed satisfactory, a motion of expulsion was made and warmly discussed, but it was stopped by the offending member making a full and unconditional apology and expression of regret. He was thereupon released from custody. On the sth inst., Mr McElhone, evidently by way of revenging himself on the Government, moved the adjournment of the House so as to call attention to the action of the Lands and Mining Departments in allowing Mary Lane, Mary P. Lowe, M. Withers and other persons to hold a " miners' conditional purchase on the Terabba coal reserve, and granting certificates for the same on the above reserve, which was exempted tor sale, or conditional purchase, or mineral conditional purchase in virtue of such reservation." (±sy a telegraphic error, it was made to appear that Mr Melville was the mover in. the matter.) Mr McElhone, in speaking to his motion, made the following grave aJlegations: —

He said that the land was reserved 30 years ago by the late Mr Kean, Examiner of Coalfields. Some years ago Mr Garrett and Mr Groville, also a member of Parliament, had taken up the land to mine for coal, and had offered it for sale to certain persona in England, who sent out representatives to inspect the property. They were unable to discover the coal, and the purchase fell through. A Select Committee of the House reported on this matter that a report was obtained from Mr Mackenzie, the Examiner of Coalfields, for the purpose of enabling the land to be sold in London, which, although spoken of as a draft report, was copied in the press copy report book. This report was altered by Mr Mackenzie at the instance of Mr Owen and in the presence of Mr Garrett, by the omission of the words "whether any of them will be workable remains to be proved j" but no record of the alteration was made in the book referred to. These words had an important effect, and would have damaged the sale of the land in London. Mr Greville was in no way a party to the alteration referred to. That was the effect of the report of the Select Committee. Through his action 2,000 a. taken up by Mr Garrett of this valuable coalfield, for which he paid 5s per acre, had been cancelled because two years' rent, amounting to £550 8s 4c?, was now owing. Yet in the month of April last Mr Garrett had granted to Mrs Mary P. Lane and her children and a man named Withers of these valuable mineral selections contrary to law. If the law had been properly carried out and a royalty of 6d imposed, a revenue of £500,000 would have been derived, and the Government would still have the surface to sell at enormous rates for a mining township. Had this reserve been kept, as it was intended it should be kept, for the public benefit, the Government would have been in receipt of £500,000 from it- Instead, Mary Lane and her family had been allowed unknowingly to take up these mineral conditional pur- ' chases, which was illegal. Mr Garrett had assisted these people to swindle the country out of 7,400 a. of land which, at the lowest computation, was worth £600 or £700 per acre. The Minister for Lands was a partner with the man Withers in these transactions. This was the most nefanoua transaction that anyone in the country was ever engaged in. He was going to follow this matter up, and he hoped the Government would adopt his resolution and at once appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the whole case. If a Committee was appointed at once he would show the country the most fraudulent and put-up job ever committed in Mr Garrett alienating these lands unfairly, and in a manne? which he. had no

right to do, because they were not open except for mining, royalty or mineral leases. This, he said again, was the most fraudulent transaction that had ever taken place with regard to the public estate. If the Government did their duty, they would make Mr Garrett leave them or they would at once go out of office on it. This was an infinitely greater swindle than that of Milburn Creek. This related to 7,400 acres of coal land, worth, he believed, £1,000 an acre. In other times, if a man had been guilty of this conduct his head woufd have been taken off at tho block. (Ministerial laughter.) What did this idiotic laughter mean 1 He might tell those who acted like that that he would pay them out to their heart's content for the part they took in his case on Thursday night.

The Minister of Lands was not in the House when this damning indictment was laid against him (Mr McElhone elegantly explained his absence by saying" " He has bolted,") and Mr Abigail replied on his behalf, pointing out that the certificates were granted on the report of the local board, after full investigation in open court. Mr McElhone had, he said, raked up proceedings of thirteen years ago in order to bring a caso against the Minister of Lands ; and the speaker expressed his conviction that there was nothing disclosed in tho papers or in tho whole facts of the case to show that Mr Garrett had done anything of a dishonourable character. Sir Henry Parkes promised to appoint a Select Committee if Mr McElhone would frame his motion properly, and if the inquiry proved anything against any colleague of his or against the Government, it would at once be answered. There the matter rests, and whichever way it may be settled, the scandal throws a lurid light on New South Wales politics and political methods.

The adjourned annual meeting of tho City East Licensing Committee was held at twelve o'clock to-day. Present: Messrs Winks (Chairman), King, Maseliield, Craig, and Holland. The only business was to consider the application for license for the Greyhound Hotel. Mr George appeared on behalf of Mr L. D. Nathan. The Committee said that they had no objection to the license being granted to Frank Holmes, provided that the house was made thoroughly habitable. It was pointed out to them that the owner, MiNathan, intended erecting new premises at an early date.

The reports which have been freely circulated and which found their way intothe columns of the press, that inferior bricks were being used in the new CustomHouse, are found, upon inquiry, to be wholly untrue, and have doubtless originated through trade jealousy. Every sample of bricks placed upon the ground has been carefully tested by Mr Mahoney, the architect, and the clerk of works. The bricks are exactly similar to those that have beon used in other prominent public buildings, and have been approved by various city architects in buildings all over Auckland. Moreover, with reference to the suggested comparison with bricks used in Lamb's mill, it appears that there are actually some 30,000 bricks from the same maker on the ground for use in tho Custom-house,noonemakerbe-ing able to keep pace with thecontraetor'srequirements. Mr C. _N. Newson, the contractor, declareshis willing ness to allow any practical man to take away samples of all the bricks used and test them. We are, however, perfectly satisfied that the supervision of arch.beets of such high standing as Messrs Mahoney and Sons, and of the Clerk of Works, Mr Robert Mahoney, is an absolute guarantee to Ihe Government and the public that no inferior materials have been or will be passed.

A number of Councillors and other gentlemen met by invitation at the Mayor's room yesterday afternoon at 3.30 o'clock for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr M. Montague, who left for Sydney later on yesterday. Mr Montague is an ex-Councillor and an old and respected citizen. The Mayor presided, and stated the object of the meeting, and with CouncillorsCrowther, Kidd, Garratt, Phillips, Holland, the Town Clerk, and Mr Wade, expressed feelings of extreme regret at the departure of Mr and Mrs Montague and their family. Testimony was freely borne by all the speakers to Mr Montague's zeal in the cause of the city when in the Council, and of his industry and attention to business. Mr Montague replied in suitable terms, and expressed regret in leaving the colony and parting from so many friends. He was, however, acting under the advice of his friends, and he believed it was in the interests of his family to accept an offer which had been made to him. He thanked the gentlemen present for their very kind expressions, and he should always cherish the jemeinbrance of his connection with the City Council, and the pleasing recognition of his humble services while there. The toast .of Mr and Mrs Montague and family, their health and prosperity, was then drunk in bumpers of champagne. The Town Clerk read a number of apologies from gentlemen who had been unable to attend, after which the friends uarted.

Messrs Cummings Bros., contractors for additions to the New Zealand Cartridge Factory, have completed their work to the entire "satisfaction of the Company, and when the additional machinery now on the barque Mercia has been placed in working order, much greater facilities will be available than formerly for carrying on tne Company's business. A photograph of the machinery at present in use at the factory is exhibited in Mr Martin's window, Queenstreet.

On Saturday tenders were let for some road formation on the road known as the Piako Swamp County Road. J. Dixon was the successful tenderer at 3s per chain for formation, 8d per yard for gravel, and 5d per yard for earth.

At the Police Court, Onchunga, yesterday, Harry Means and Charles Neal, two striplings of exuberant spirits, were charged with wilfully hindering Constable Haslett in the execution of his duty, on the 11th insb. Prisoners pleaded "Nob Guilty." Constable Hasletfc deposed to being on duty on the wharf, following a person suspected of crime with a view of making au arrest. On passing the Manukau Hotel the accused commenced hooting and boo ing, and following him, thereby attracting his attention, whereby he missed his man. To the accused : " You shouted 'boo, boo,'_ twice or three times." The boys made a direct contradiction of the constable's statement, and said that a boy whom he had nob caught sang out " Spoons" once, and that was all. The boy Neal, never having appeared in Court before, was discharged with a caution. Henry Means, 16 years _of age, was cautioned and let off with a line of 5s and costs, or 24 hours. The fine was paid.

There is a prospect of complete Masonic unity being arrived at in New South Wales. The Sydney "Telegraph" learns from official sources that the committees appointed by the several masonic bodies now working in the colony have agreed upon a basis of union, which they have recommended to the craft generally as a basis upon which to form a "United Grand Lodge "of New South Wales," and that a copy of the basis has been forwarded to every iodge in the colony for the consideratign of the ferefcfcren.

A petition against the passing of the Codlin Moth Bill has been forwarded to the Hon. Dr. Pollen for presentation to the Legislative Council. The petition is signed by 148 members of the local Fruitgrowers' Association and otbffS resident in the districts of Birkenhead, Norbhcote and Lake Takapuna.

The resolution of the public meeting held last Friday for the purpose of considering the proposed Codlin Moth Bill was duly telegraphed to the Hon. W. Swanson. As well us this, copies of the report of the proceedings which were printed at this office were also forwarded by mail to the various members of the House. Mr S. E. Hughes, the Hon. Secretary of the meeting, has received notification that the telegrams and copies of report were duly received and considered. The result of this prompt action has already been seen in the fact that the Lords have decided to strike out the taxing part of the Bill. The remainder will not of course be objected to.

Mrs Wilson, the respected wife of the English consul at Apia, Samoa, has been suffering from a very severe attack of typhoid fever, and but little hopes of her recovery were held out when the s.s. Lubeck was there.

The Supreme Court, was occupied to day with several charges of horse-stealing, it having been arranged that three cases of this character should be dealt with at once in order that country witnesses should not be detained in town longer than was necessary.

The various works the Samoan Government have in hand for facilitating the navigation of vessels trading to these ports and thus minimising the danger always to be more or less encountered when entering the harbours, is near completion. The lighthouses have been placed in position, bub they arc not yet lighted.

Sb. James's 73oys' Brigade held a social gathering at St.. James's Hall on Monday evening, there being a large attendance of members and friends. During the evening Captain J. G. Logan was presented with a complimentary address, and a shield containing photographs of the company. The address was presented by the Rev. R. F. Macnicol, who spoke in eulogistic terms of Captain Logan's services in connection with the Brigade, and the good results of the movement. Mr Logan acknowledged the presentation and expressed his pleasure at being able to carry with him such tangible remembrances of the first Auckland Brigade.

When the squadron were here the officers and sailors proved to be enthusiastic cricketers. It seems that men-o'warsmen can play football as well. At any rate they are willing to try. A match is to be played on Saturday between teams picked from H.M.S. Bgeria and the Devonport Naval Company.

In the course of a lecture delivered at Gisborne the other day, Mr DeLautour contended that it was perfectly right and fair for a man finding himself getting into monetary difficulties to make provision for his family by transferring his goods to his wife, bjAt he would not uphold the man who did it with a dishonest motive, and he showed the many ways the law was thus abused.

The football song, " Zeaiandia'^ Victory." which has been issued in a cheap yet attractive form, in the ordinary sheet music size, is likely to achieve a large degree of popularity. The words, by W. R. Wills, are familiar to our readers, and require no comment. Mr Phillpot, in his musical treatment of the theme, displays both originality and force of style, while, the composition, as befits a popular ditty, is free from technical flourishes or musical gymnastics. Set in the key of D, the vocal notes are all embraced within the stave, the highest being E and the lowest F, so that the song is well within the compass of any ordinary voice. The tune has a vigorous swing about it, and the waltz refrain is smooth and melodious, while not destitute of boldness and "go." Tho pianoforte accompaniment is skilfully constructed. The song deserves to be a favourite with all who play and admire the game of football.

At Papakura Valley, on Saturday evening last,"Mr H. Exley delivered his most instructive and intensely interesting lecture on the " Catacombs of Rome." The lecture was illustrated by a large number of diagrams and inscriptions. A goodly number of gumdiggers were present, for whose enjoyment it was mainly given. The lecture occupied nearly two hours in delivery, and was listened to with almost breathless interest to the last. The Christians' Chapel was kindly given for the occasion, and Dr. G. Bodle occupied the chair. In this connection ib may be mentioned that Mr Exley has publicly immersed quite a number of the gumdiggers on their own voluntary seeking it on a confession of their faith. A young man was immersed yesterday, and three others announced their desire for immersion, which will be attended to on Thursday afternoon.

Referring to the possibility of floating a loan in New Zealand, "M.," Hamilton, writes: "Sir,—ln your issue of Monday, your leading article deals with the question of Post Office Savings Bank funds, and the probability of a loan being easily floated in the colony. Some few years ago, Mr Henry Fawcett (then Postmaster-General in England ) instituted a scheme by which depositors in the English Post Office Savings Bank might invest their balances, on reaching the maximum amount bearing interest afc 2£ per cent. (I think £200) in the 3 per cent." consols, the transaction being conducted by the Post Office authorities at the current rate, and I believe without any brokerage charge being imposed. I understand this has been largely taken advantage of, and it strikes me that a similar scheme iii New Zealand would relieve the Colonial Treasurer of some trouble in finding profitable investments for the Post Office Bank funds, and would be of benefit to the colony in many ways."

A correspondent writes: "I am glad to observe that the Committee of the Auckland Industrial Association have called a meeting of members and citizens to consider the tariff proposals. It is really necessary at this juncture in public affairs to keep the matter well before both public and Government, and I hope the former will assist the efforts of.the Industrial Association by turning out in good numbers, thereby strengthening the hands of those representatives at Wellington who are doing their utmost to enable the working classes to obtain employment, and at the same relieve the country of some of its burden. I think the Industrial Association deserve great credit for the way in which they have been plodding on, against all opposition, and, as far as I can see, with very little help from the working men, who, I trust, will show their appreciation of the efforts of the Association by attending in force this evening."

The election to fill an extraordinary vacancy on Mount Eden Highway Board takes place on Saturday next. There are three candidatates for the vacancy, viz., Messrs Archibald, D. Robertson, and H. M. Shepherd. All are good men for the post, and the Mount Eden people are to tie congratulated upon having such a choice offered them. Mr Shepherd has already done the district good service as member of Road Board and School Committee.

At St. David's Presbyterian Church last evening, Mr D. Wright delivered his second address on the subject of the " Precious Blood "to a large congregation. The address was of a stirring nature, as was evinced by the rapt attention which the speaker secured. Since the mission commenced Mr Wright has sung some of Sankey's solos with fine effect. Altogether the mission gives every promise of being productive pf mu.gh good.

A mosb succesf ul tea meeting and concert took place last evening in the St. Mary's Schoolroom, Parnell, under the auspices of the Church of England Working Men's Society. About one hundred sat down to tea, which was provided by the members of the Society, their wives, friends and children being the guests. In the course of evening addresses were given by the President (the Rev. G. S. Walpole), and the Vice - President (Captain Thomas), and several new members were admitted to the Society. Songs were given by Mrs Busby, Mrs Maxwell, Mesdames Brown, Twiname, K. Brown, Dr. Erson, Messrs Staunton, Maxwell, and Wansborough, a pianoforte duet by Miss F. Maxwell and Miss L. Sheriff, the former also contributing a solo, and, with Mrs Twiname,playing the accompaniments. Captain Thomas gave an amusing reading, and Master Erson two capital recitations. The audience showed their undoubted approval of Airs Maxwell's exquisite rendering of " Where is Heaven?" and Dr. Erson's spirited singing of the " Death of Nelson." Votes of thanks to the members who so kindly provided the tea and made all arrangements for the entertainment, and to the Chairman were heartily accorded, it being felt by all that a most enjoyable evening had been spent.

A man named James Bloomfield, who lias been wanted by the Police Department since March last on a charge of housebreaking, was arrested at Hamilton on Friday evening by Constable Jones. He was working quiefcly on a farm close to the township for some time past. He has already served a term for burglary.

Our Port Albert correspondent writes : — The proposed new tat iff is strongly condemned, almost unanimously, in this district. The member for Rodney (Mr Moat), in reply to communications from several of his constituents, expresses his disapproval of the " severe tariff," but says that if the present Government were displaced, a "purely protectionist Government" would come into power. Mr Moat further adds that "the tariff is sure to be altered in committee."

The Chairman of the Waikato County Council has notified publicly that " it is intended during the present session of Parliament to introduce a bill whereby section No. 223 a, parish of Kirikiriroa, containing 137 acres, known as the Old Peach Grove Resei've, may be vested in the Waikato County Council, as an endowment for the said county for the purposes of an agricultural college and model farm, where the inhabitants of the said county and neighbouring counties may acquire knowledge in practical farming." This land was granted for the above-mentioned purpose by Mr Ballance at the instigation of Mr W. A. Graham, and this is the initial step towards the formation of a school of agriculture—a movement which iinds great favour with most of our practical farmers, and, indeed, with others who wish to have some means of giving their boys a thoroughly practical education in farming pursuits. The quality of the land is Al, and its proximity to the railway and to a township are additional advantages. It includes a swamp which will have to be drained before any farming operations cdnbecarried out on that portion of it; and this in itself will be an advantage, as giving a practical illustration of draining swamp lands to pupils who may attend the school. The movement for establishing this college ought to receive the support of many townsmen who have sons growing up, and who may want to take part in the development of the lands of our colony.—Hamilton Correspondent.

With regard to what I wrote the other day as to the advantages of growing spring or winter wheat (says our Hamilton correspondent), one of our local millers writes to the " Waikato Times "as follows :—" Your article, ' Winter v. Spring Wheat,1 which appeared in Tuesday's issue, gives a very incorrect version of what I may have said in some conversation between myself and someone, although I am not aware that any deputation has waited upon me on any subject. I told a farmer that I consider Waikato - grown winter wheat does not improve the colour of my flour to anything like the extent that Canterbury winter wheat does, as it is usually coarser in the skin, very frequently blighted, of darker colour, and often sprouted. lam not fool enough to say that winter wheat damaged the colour or quality of the flour, but I did say, by using it, say 1 to 3 of spring, I failed to see difference enough in the flour t6 pay any more money for it. I may say that my reason for going in for milling spring wheat was that farmers have invariably told me that spring wheat pays them3os to 40s per acre better than winter." Our correspondent adds: This opinion, I may say, is a good one, as the man who wrote it certainly makes good flour, and I am inclined to think that the writer is correct in saying that spring wheat pays best here, simply from the fact that farmers, if they grow winter wheat, lose the chance of taking a crop of turnips off the ground, which they can do if they go in for the spring crop. This would certainly make all the difference stated in the letter, viz,, 30s to 40s per acre. •„.'..

A correspondent of the Sydney "Telegraph," writing on what he calls "The Broken Hills Marototo Company's Fiasco," blames the directors, and adds: —Mr Precious, in his " graphic " report, refers to a MrNorthcroft, the Thames gold-mining warden, whom he designates as a " most gentlemanly fellow." 1 have ib on the most undoubted authority that we are indebted to this gentleman for his plucky denouncement of tho whole affair, for in open Court on May 10th (five days after Mr Precious " sent his encouraging cablegram ") lie (the warden) fully expressed his opinion upon this most unsavoury subject. Had it not been for the independent investigation which he held, it is more than likely that serious results would have occurred. Without doubt this esteemed gentleman is deserving of the highest commendation from this community for the position he took up. I shall now come to what may be considered the most serious parts of the programme of the Broken Hills Marototo Company, Limited, and demand of the directors to know whether Mr J. A. Pond's assay report of March 27 was published by them in full in their company's prospectus, or whether the same was published after having been materially altered? In conclusion, I might add that this so-called Broken Hills claim is situated about one and a-half to two miles from the celebrated Marototo Company's property. The latter is considered one of the best mines in New Zealand. It seems a pity that many persons in Sydney should confuse the one with the other, but I need hardly say this is done to " bear" the market.

The approaching Presidential campaign in America promises to be a particularlylively one, remarks the " St. James's Budget." Even the ladies are preparing to take part in it. The fair democrats of Greensburg, in Pennsylvania, have just formed a club, restricted to members of the sex with the object, of promoting Mr Cleveland's candidature ; as, indeed, the name which they have selected for it — the " Frances Cleveland Club "—sufficiently indicates of itself. The members wear a distinctive badge, consisting of a strip of white silk ribbon, on which are sundry ornamental devices and a portrait of their patroness. They purpose taking part in the political demonstrations, torchlight processions, and the other humours of a Presidential contest in the United States. They are having a number ol torches made specially for their own use, and to ensure their keeping step and otherwise presenting a creditable figure in their new role they have engaged a "professor ot gymnastics " to put them through a regular course of drill. Their example is likely to be followed in several other towns in the state, it is said, and there is no reason why the movement should be confined fco Perm. syivania.

character. The beUs eiifc .******»* m the presence of the ColoK a l m* but it has found that too 2 tf*>** ! power is required to produce tL 6gree <* sound. The bells which hi, D'eessary intended to strike tErtarVmvedar° hour bell, which win bKSS fe\ Th* has not yet reached Sydney 5 toned. several points claimpd in t here *«» bells, on£ being tha? hey c ;Tk *> greater distance than o£rv fr* other that there is l ess omE V an' sequently less wear a, d tea" fo 7' Con' in which they are susoPtfrL the,bmM">g thaUhey ol hZ^^Tt^ any im perfectionorbLka m g Oe\n dt£S, o! The Sydney " Mornin^ HeraH » The licensing provisions" of MrT,:^? 8,! Local Government Bill did no \>- ues faction to any party Th« "ofc,,? lvesatis, like the provisions because m dis" compensation to publicans IX J gave trates taking soni c objection pe^K G adstone, and his friends who w r ?^ bers of the Government of 1868-74, propo^d to makecompensation in the Bill fiw brought in by Mr Bruce (nowSft dare), the then Home Secretary Sa tradespeople also disliked the ficenfi provisions of the measure, bocau'e ?ey gave the justices discretion to-iS grocers'licenses, subject onlytoanapS to the county councils. Pm