PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 212, 8 September 1896, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(BY TBLEGBAPH—PAKLIAMBNTABY KB

FOBTEB.)

We^mngton, thia day. ORDER OF BUSINESS.

Tee estimates will be further considered this afternoon, and ib is understood bhab an abtempb will be mado to finish the remaining classes. As the lands, agriculture, and railway estimates are amongst those nob dealt with, ib ia hardly possible, unless the House sits very labe, thab the estimates will be finished. >,' , . OUR OVERWORKED PREMIER.'

The Premier has always been a hard worker, bub the demands made on his time and energies thia session have perhaps been greater, than during any previous session. On two or three occasions lasb week ho waa compelled to misa hia lunch on account ot deputations waiting on him ab the time when ho usually leaves for bhia meal. On one occasion lasb week he had a cup of tea brought! into the House, as he had been kept busy, from the time of the rising of bhe Bank Committee bill bhe House met. Members were inclined to be slightly merry when it) was known thab the exhibition which Mr Seddon wenb to open ab Palmerston North is one in connecbion with a religious body, bub those whom I have spoken to agree it would be much better it bhe Premier ofbener took a holiday. FROZEN . MEAT FREIGHTS. I understand that the Joinb Stock Committee has concluded its inquiry regarding petition presented on behalf of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Eigbb days have been taken up in cousiderabion v of tbe matter, and bbc scope of the inquiry embraced bhe question of frozen meat insulation storage, freight, loading and unloading from Bhipu, disposal of meab in London and elsewhere, also the whole question relating to dairy produce. Expert evidence was obtained from various parts of the colony, In all probability the report will bo presented to both Houses nexb week and a motion made to have the evidence printed for general information.

1 JOTTINGS,

Representations have been made to the Minister of Railways that bhe rates charged for the carriage of onions are higher than those charged for similar produce. He has decided bo pub onions in class "E," where they Will only be charged single rate instead of rate and a-half, as previously, Mr Guinness' friends are confident that he is to be appointed Attorney-General. The appointmentof two mining inspectors haa nob yet been considered by Cabineb. A statement bhab applications tor tbe posts have been considered by the Goldfields and Mines Committee has caused considerable merriment.