POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 146, 21 June 1889, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

BUSINESS AT THE OPENING.

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY TO-DAY.

(by ___m:grafh— special reporter.)

Wellington, this day,

THE OPENING CEREMONY. The opening of Parliament went off with treat eclat. There was a large audience of the general public outside,, while inside all tho available space was taken up by a" large and fashionable attendance, Principally of ladies. Among those present were Ladies Onslow, Gwendoline Onslow, Tlelamere Eveline Morton, Miss Cholmondil v The usual salute was- fired when the Governor lefb Government House, and ho entered tho Legislative Council with _ musical honours. He was accompanied by .Captain Savill Col. Butts; Mr Walrond, and the following consuls: M. Do Lostalot, do Bachone (France), E. Pearce-(Sweden, Norway), Castendyk (Germany), C V-Eox-waid(Denmark). Of the Legislative Counc il 14 members wero present, and of the Lower House 38. After the opening of Parliament" by the Governor yesterday the Lower House adiourned to their own chamber, when a large, amount ol formal business was transacted. Notices of motion were given, and papers laid on the table. _*■__~ MrHarkness, the new member for IN elson after he had taken his seat, gave notice to move the Address-in-Reply to-day. Iv reply to Mr VV. P. Reeves, the Premier stated that ib had been arranged that the Colonial Secretary is to take the portfolio of Education. The annual return of deductions from the honorarium laid on the table shows only two Auckland members affected, viz.. Sir Geo. Grey £8 16s 4cl ;Mr Peacock, £612s 3d. The return by the Auditor-General of the liabilities ot the several departments on the 31st Al arch amounts to £52_,3&-.1.5.

PETITIONS.

Mr Mifcchelaon presented a pcbibion from Simon Eraser, of Aldershot, Newton, Auckland, praying for the payment of a sum of £1 470 balance of reward claimed for bhe discovery of tho West Taieri Gold fields- _ i> Newman presented a formidable petition from the residents of Wellington asking for the establishmcnb ot a University College in that city.

THE GOVERNOR'S SALARY. The Premier laid on the table despatches bstween the Secretary of Sbate and tho late Governor. In the despatch re the reduction of tha Governor's salary, Lord I_ntits-ford-ays he can quite understand in the present state of finance of the colony, and the reduction of income throughout the service, a desire on the part ot bhe Government that the emoluments of the Governors bo diminished in proportion. At the same time, it is expedient thab the hospitality of Government House and tho practice of former Governors of visiting the various towns should be subject to lixe modifications. It was unreasonable to expect him to travel or exorcise hospitality to the same extent as with the old allowance. He trusted as soon as circumstances allowed that the emoluments should be placed on the previous footing.

NATIVE BILLS

Among the despatches from the Secretary of State, is a petition from certain native chiefs to the Queen against the Native Bills passed last session. It states that as the subject of these Acts is ono within the competence of the New Zealand Government to legislate upon, Her Majesty could not meeb the prayer of the petitionei j.

QUESTIONS,

A number of questions are to bo asked today. Mr Joyce asks . s tho affirming by the New South Wales Government of the abolition of tho import duties on farm and produce which are still levied, and asking for an early opportunity for tho House to discuss a reciprocal tariff treaty with New South Wales.

Mr Joyce is also to ask to-day for the opportunity for the House to discuss the proposals re the Canadian-Pacific mail service, and also if the Premier would entertain proposals for a reciprocal tariff treaty with Canada.

Mr Boss is to ask for a return of tho outward and inward cargo and passengers by the' Frisco and direct steamers, and also tlio quantity and value of the coal supplied in the colony bo the said steamers during the last year. NEW BILLS. Notice was given of the introduction of Bills as follows:-Eighb Hours Bill (Mr Taylor), Town Districts Amendment 13ill (Mr Rhodes), Divorce Amendment Bill (Mr Samuel), Cemeteries Amendment Bill (Mr Izard), Auctioneers Amendment Bill (Mr S.muel), Shop Hours Bill and Criminal Guidance Bill (Mr Hutchison). LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. After the withdrawal of the Governor the Council mefa for the despatch of business. An answer bo a message of condolence on the death ot the German Emperor last session, was submitted.

A brief announcement of the death of Col. Brett was somewhat oub of the ordinary course of procedure. Hon. R. Campbell (Otago) gave notice to move the Addre.s-in-Reply to-morrow. Mr Campbell was absent in England during the whole of last session, and is one of the wealthiest runholo'ers in the colony. Mr Humphreys, the new member for Chrisbcliureh, is said to be related to him by

marriage. ' before the Council business was taken the Speaker showed Lady Onslow and party over the Chamber and'its precincts.