PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 212, 6 September 1892, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. j THE PREMIER SERIOUSLY ILL. I This Premier's health ia really very pre- } carious, and ib is said he will have to take a complete rest from business for at least a week, and porhups abo take a change of air. He has suflered from a dysenteric attack, and this has culminated in symptoms of nausea with continuous vomiting. Drs. Martin and Henry held a consultation this morning and ordered complete rest and change. Government businossin tho House can .go on for some time without the Premier's presence. PROGRESS OF BUSINESS. I understand Ministers will answer questions tomorrow, if permitted, butMrFisher threatens more criticism of the Labour Buroau, in which case another afternoon may bo wasted. The Hon. Mr McKonzio is expected to be in the House to-morrow, and tho Land Bill will probably be taken at night. This, with tho estimates, will be sufficient to occupy tho bettor part of the week. It is understood the Public Works \ Statomont will contain reports on tho working of the co-operative system from various engineers in chargo of work 3 throughout the colony. THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE. Nothing definite will be dono in the matter of tho 'Frieco eervico until Mr Ward's return from the South on Wednesday. In the meantime, Mr James Mills is in receipt of cablegrams stating that the threatened stoppage of the service has aroused much anxiety in Victoria and New South Wales, and it is considered probable that as a result of the agitation which the leading papers have started, tho contributing colonies will make good the £2,000 deficit in the English subsidy. OLD SOLDIERS' CLAIMS. The Naval and Military Land Claims Bill will be brought down dirootly tho Commissioners have propared their schedules, which are to be regarded ns final. All holders of scrip will then be paid in transferable debentures, boaring 4A per cent, interest and of par value. THE TAXATION BILL. The Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill introduced by Mr Ballanco, which it is considered essential to pass this session, will be delayed through the illness of tho Premier. It is stated that Sir Geo. Grey will move an amendment exempting all improvements from taxation. This will bo opposed by tho Government, who, while thoroughly agreeing with the principle conlendod for by Sir Goo. Groy, cannot see their way to adopt it, as-the revenue is required. AN ORATORICAL COMBAT. A gladiatorial combat of an interesting kind is spoken of, but it is not likely to como off, ab least not till after the Parliamentary Bosnian has closed. It is said that tho Labour Societies intend to invite Mr Fisher and the Minister for Labour to debate tho question as to whether thoco-opera-tive system and the Labour Bureau should or should not be retained. The Wellington electors would above all things like to have the idoa carried out. THE MIDLAND RAILWAY. The' Coinmitteo hope to finish their labours on tho Midland Railway question by next week. The Government consider that tho Company's allegations about cortain lands being improperly declared mining reserves have 'so completely broken down that it is hardly necessary to call rebutting evidence. The Minister for Works will give and call ovidence on other pointß raised in tho Company's petition. Tho Governmont cannot, while this matter is pending in its presont shape, givo a dofinite reply to tho resolution of tho Canterbury Railway League, requesting them to accept of tho Company's proposal to relinquish lands, on tho Government guaranteeing three per cent, on the cost of railway works. THE RAILWAY BILL. It is threatened by several members that if the Government press the Railway Bill this session they will ofler determined opposition, to the extent of stonewalling it in Committee.