Parliamentary Gossip.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 209, 4 September 1893, Page 3

Parliamentary Gossip.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day.

HANSARD STAFF,

The Reporting of Debates Coromibtee has had before ib a memo, from the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the eflecb thab two recenb appointees to tho Hansard staff started with £250 a year and a retainer of £50 a year for recess employment, in addition to which they will receive a guinea a day should tho Government utilise their services. Major Steward points out thab the House had previously resolved that all now appointees should start ab £250, with a yearly increase of £10 per year up to £300. WILL THE WOMEN VOTE? A somewhat unexpected reply to this question was given at a meeting held here in connection with the Liconsing Bill. The Hon. Fergus, arguing thab ib was an absurdity to use electoral districts for the purpose of licensing polls, especially if the franchise was extended to women, asked, " Will the majority of them come to tho poll." A moment's silenco ensued, and then a woman's voice in the audience shyly answored " Yes," and a whole chorus of responses in tho affirmative followed. When the laughter had subsided, Mr Fergus declared thab as soon as the meeting was over he would go down and shako hands with thab woman, for she was the pluckiest one ho had over heard speak in his life. LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS BILL. There was a considerable debate in the House on tho Minister for Lands moving bhe second reading of tho Land for Settlements Bill. This measure proposes to give the Government compulsory power to resume possession of lands held by private ownei'sshould such bo roquired for settlement Sir Robert Stout took Btrong exception to some of its provisions, especially condemning that which gives the Minister power to dispossess a settler of his small holding and home. Mr Allen declared the Bill could not possibly bo allowed to pass, while Scobio Mackenzie described its proposals as amounting to spolation, and asked what security perpetual or "eternal" leaseholders could have if tho right of Govornmenb interference with freehold was grantod. Messrs Roovos, Meredith and others spoke in support of the Bill, which was generally conceded the most importanb introducod this session. After a long debate, the second reading was carried, and the Bill was referred to the Waste Lands Committee. MR CADMAN AND THE MARSDEN SEAT. With reference to a rumour published in tho Star some days ago to the ofi'ocb that Mr Cadman was likoly to bocomo a candidate for Marsden, I may state that I havo seen that gentleman, and ho assures me thero is not the slightest foundation for tho report.