PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 255, 3 November 1897, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

NOTES FROM THE GALLERY.

(By Telegraph.-Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday. ANOTHER SENSATION EXPLODED. Mr Pirani waited on the Speaker this afternoon to consult him relative to raising a question of privileges as to the excision of Mr Lewis's bogus letter from Hansard No 9 The Speaker stated that he had authorised the step taken by the Government printer in excluding the page containing the letter, but asked Mr Pirani to bring the matter before the House as a matter of form. In the House subsequently discussion was raised by _Mr Pirani on the question, but it contained nothing additional to what I wired you previously. Practically the Speaker took the principal responsibility of the act, and Mr Lewis admitted he had consented to the withdrawal. The -whole question was' therefore narrowed down to an attempt to make it an excuse for another unwarrantable attack on the Premier. What will people with even a , shred of conscience left think of an honorable member who after perpetuating such a mischievous "joke," and after being compelled to admit that the letter was a stupid concoction, actually had the cool effrontery to express his regret that he had not allowed it to remain on the permanent national records, yet this was the attitude taken up by Mr Lewis to-day. It was also painful to see a gentleman like Captain Russell, who has the reputation of being sans puer et reproche, endeavouring to palliate such a deception. Even if it were admitted that the Premier's act in resurrecting the defunct skit about the Fox exploration was in bad taste it could not justify the gross discourtesy of lampooning the Premier of the country. The whole affair is a blot on the annals of Parliament. If such a practical joke were played by any ordinary member of the com.nuinity upon another it would probably result in more disagreeable consequences than verbal castigation. As an election squib" the trick might be forgiven, but, guaged by the ordinary canons of social honesty, it is likely to present Parliament in anythingbut a creditable light. THE ESTIMATES. When the House resumed last night consideration of the general estimates was proceeded with. Class one, Legislative Department, came under review, and furnished the Opposition with ample opportunities for moving amendments, raising points of order, _or making personal explanations, which clearly indicated a design to stonewall the estimates. PARLIAMENTARY APPOINTMENTS. Sir Robert Stout led the attack by accusing the Premier of an improper use of patronage in the appointment of the chief messenger of the House. Captain Russell, following, coutended that Parliament should rebel against the Government keeping such appointments in its hands. The Premier said this was a new Parliament. He would be willing to afford the House an opportunity of deciding the question whether in future the appointment of officers of the House should be in the hands of Ministers or the Speaker. Mr Taylor moved as an amendment to reduce the item by £1, as a protest against the Premier's action. The Premier said he could say, without fear of contradiction, that the man chosen as chief messenger was the most qualified for the position. Mr Taylor's amendment was defeated by 39 to 29. HANSARD. When the House resumed after supper Ministers proceeded to discuss the merits and demerits of Hansard, the general consensus of opinion being strong approval of t.liß manner in which the work is perlvir i3uehanan, in the characteristic sbyle of the occupants of front Opposition benches, made some nasty insinuations against the Premier, who replied, glaring fiercely across the table at the member for Wairarapa, " I will not submit to be brow-beaten in or out of the House by anyone, and if you do not treat me with common courtesy, I shall keep my seat and refuse to answer you if you keep me here all night." Some warmth was displayed over the appointment of assistant nigno watchman, it t>eing contended that messengers who had been years in the service should have had first chance of taking the billet, which carried with it the right of seniority. Mr Taylor moved to reduce the vote of £100 by £1, as a protest against the appointment of an outsider to the position. The motion was lost by 36 to 17. EXPLOSIVES AMENDMENT BILL. In the House this afternoon the Explosive Act Amendment Bill (Hon. Thompeon) was read the first time. In reply to Captain Russell the Minister for Defence said the report of the Defence Department would be brought down this week. KAWHIA LAND. Mr Lang asked the Government if they intended to open for settlement on an early date land acquired on the south side of Kawhia Harbour. He said there Avas a feeling of dissatisfaction amongst settlers who had purchased lands in the neighbourhood on the understanding that the country would be opened up, the Government having acquired a large area of country in the district. He hoped it would be open for settlement at an early date. The Minister of Lands said the district will be opened up for settlement when purchases under negotiation have been completed. KING COUNTRY LAND. Mr Lang also asked when the Government intend to open up for settlement land acquired from natives in the King Country, namely Rohepotae. The Minister of Lands said only 50,000 acres were at present available for settlement, and it would be unwise to proceed with settlement on a large scale until pending purchases have been completed.

formed.

NAVAL AND MILITARY SETTLERS. Mr Hutcheson, in asking the Minister for Defence when the report of the Royal Commission appointed under the Naval and Military Settlers Act of last year will be received, said he hoped the report would not long be delayed, and that it would be a final settlement of the question. Mr Thompson said he was not in a position to say when the report would be brought down, there being considerable difficulty in the way. Many applicants had lost their discharges, and had to send to the Horse Guards for fresh ones. He v as unable to say whether the report would * •) brought down this session. THE FLAX INDUSTRY. In reply to Mr Meredith, the Minister sbr Lands said the last report on the flax industry was only up to 1895, but as soon as a later one was ready it would be made public. THE WOMEN'S FRANCHISE. In reply to Mr J. Allen, the Premier said he had never opposed the Women's Franchise Bill, or asked the Government to hold it over for Her Majesty's consent. VOLUNTEER REGULATIONS. In reply to the same member, the Minister for Defence said the subject of amended volunteer regulations was at present under consideration. THE TICK PEST. Mr Massey asked the Minister for;

Agriculture whether he will direct the Department to make inquiries as to the possibility of the tick plague being introduced into this colony by the importation of horses from Australia.

The Minister replied that the greatest possible cafe was used by the Department, and extensive inquiries were being made on the subject.

THE AUCKLAND RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Mr Crowther asked the Minister for Railways whether it is the intention of the Government in view of the deplorable accident at the railway crossing near Auckland station to take steps to have gates erected at the said crossing or take other precautions for the prevention of similar accidents in the future. He said this is one of the busiest crossings in the railway system of the, district. He admitted it would be inconvenient to erect gates there, 1 and it was almost impossible to place a bridge over the place. As soon as the question was put on the order paper he received a telegram suggesting that the crossing be moved, further away from the station, as at present when trains are coming in from the country they cannot be seen owing to the view being intercepted by buildings. The Minister for Railways expressed regret that the accident happened, but thought that is would not be possible to have gates at the crossing, The department was considering what should be done to prevent similar accidents in the future. CHEAP RAILWAY FARES. In reply to Mr J. Allen as to whether the Government will provide cheap railway fares for instructors proceeding to technical schools in the country district, the Minister for railways said it was proposed to set aside a large sum for technical education this year. The matter was one for the consideration of Education Boards. THE RABBIT PEST. The Minister for Lands said the Government had no intention to amend the Rabbit Act this session. AUCKLAND POSTAL DELIVERY. In reply to Mr Monk the Premier said overtime had only been allowed in one or two cases for early morning work in sorting and despatching mails in the Auckland Post Office. A LIQUOR QUESTION. Mr Pirani asked whether the Premier will re-introduce the Alcoholic Liquors Bill of 1896. The Premier said he had been waited on by members of the Alliance, whom he informed that he could not see his way to introduce legislation on the subject this session. DAIRY PRODUCE EXPORT. In reply to Mr McGuire the Minister for Lands said the Government had under consideration a scheme similar to that in operation in Canada to insure regular shipments of dairy produce, fruit, poultry, etc., by subsidising steamers, so that goods may be carried at the lowest possible rates. PATENT MEDICINES. The Premier, in reply to a question by Mr Lewis with regard to compulsory marking of patent or proprietary medicines with analysis of their contents, said the subject would be considered'in connection with the Pharmacy Bill. THE UNEMPLOYED. Mr Taylor asked the Premier whether he will submit a definite scheme to Parliament dealing effectively with the unemployed difficulty. The Premier said there was no other solution of the difficulty but to place the unemployed on the land. Many were of advanced age and incapable of earning a livelihood at ordinary. Government works, and some were unaccustomed to hard labour. The Governmont had under consideration extension of the State farm system in connection with the unemployed difficulty. CHARITABLE AID. Mr Taylor asked whether the Government will introduce legislation placing the charitable aid system under the direction of elected boards. The Premier said he must admit that the existing system is defective, and that some change is needed. If the system were placed in the hands of the people instead of a few the result would be more satisfactory. The matter would be dealt with in connection with local government, and if the Local Government Bill were not passed this session he would introduce a short measure on the subject. SUNDAY TRADING. Mr Taylor asked the Government to amend the law relating to Sunday trading, so that the penalties inflicted on shopkeepers carrying on business on Sundays shall be equal to those imposed for breach of the half-holiday. The Premier said he was in favour of the proposal. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT. As to whether the Government will adopt a rule recently established in New South Wales under which no recommendations for Government employment are accepted from members of the Legislature, the Premier said it was not possible to establish a civil service board this session. The Government had the matter under consideration. SAVINGS BANK DEPOSITS. Mr Crowther asked the Colonial Treasurer whether he had given instructions to reduce the rate of interest at the Post Office Savings Bank. The Treasurer said there was a large sum in the Savings Banks which was not invested, and a number of the Australian Banks had brought interest down to the same rate as was proposed by the Government. The post office could only get one per cent, less interest than in former years, and it was impossible to go on paying high rates of interest. The Post Office would be glad to pay a high rate of interest, but the Government could not afford to keep larger sums in the bank than it could make use of. COALS FOR NEWCASTLE. Mr Massey asked the Government what was the cargo of coal and railway material taken by the Tutanekai' for Onehunga and Dargaville. He said it was unnecessary to carry coal, and, so far as timber is concerned, there was an ample supply in the Auckland district. . Mr Cadman said the railway material was a small locomotive, and some material taken up the Kaihu Valley Railway. There were no railway sleepers on board. It Avas the practice to take puriri sleepers from the North. MR HERRIES WELL ANSWERED. Mr Herries asked the Premier whether he or the Speaker will accept the invitation of the Mayor and Councillors of the Borough of Tauranga to visit the district. The Premier said if the Hon. member would assist the Government in bringing the session to a close there would not be the least difficulty in the way of members visiting the district. He might be able to go after the session, and iie believed his presence would have the effect of disabusing the minds of the people there of many erroneous ideas about him. NORTHERN TELEGRAPH LINES. In reply to Mr Hutchinson the Premier said the main line of telegraph connecting the North with Wellington would follow the line of the railway, but steps were being taken to establish communication by way of Otorohanga. COURT OF APPEAL. Replying to Mr Mills the Premier said he was not in favour of an Australasian Court of Appeal.

A QUESTION.OF HONOUR. In the Legislative Council to-day regarding the recent utterances of the Premier at a gathering of natives reflecting on the Legislative Council in reference, to the insertion ola clause in the Native Lands Bill, 1896, by which 30,000 acres of land Avere lost to the public, the Hon. Bowen gave notice to ask the Premier whether the report was correct, as it reflected on the honour of the Council. A BILL KILLED. The Debts Recovery Limitation Bill was considered in Committee of the Council. The Hon. Oliver moved that the Speaker leave the chair, which was earned on division by 19 to 15, thus killing fche measure for this session. SCHOOL TEACHERS' BILL. In moving the second reading of the Public School Teachers' Incorporation and Court of Appeal Act Amendment Bill in the Council, the Minister for Education said it was only fair that teachers should have the same right of appeal against dismissal as other classes of public servants. He explained the general provisions of the measure. The Hon. McCullongh said the Bill was intended to deline what was dismissal and supply, an omission from the Act of 1895. It had been found that the Court of Appeal as laid down by the original Act was unworkable, as no proper provision had been made as to what was dismissal or suspension. After further discussion the Minister for Education said he would not press the Bill until the Boards had an opportunity of considering it. The debate was adjourned for a week.

ELECTION OF EDUCATION BOARD

The Minister of Education moved in the Council the second reading of the Education Board Election Bill. He pointed out, i amongst other objectionable features of the existing system, that votes are made public long prior to the date of the election, such votes being those of School Committees and not of their members. The Bill proposed that the election should be taken on one day and the votes be cast by each individual member of the Committee, giving the minority on these Committee some share of representation, and securing a fair amount of representation from all districts. The Bill was read a second time, and commitment made the order of the day for that day week. MINING COMPANIES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Minister moved the second reading of this Bill in the Council, and explained its provisions. The Bill was read a second time and referred to the Goldlields Committee. LAND AND INCOME TAX. The Land and Income Tax, the Consolidating and Amending Bill biought in by the Government under the title of the Land and Income Assessment Act, proposes to repeal live measures passed under the same title since 1891. It consists of 90 clauses, most of which are reproductions from the existing Acts. Among the new provisions is one declaring that payments made by a husband to his wife or by a wife to a husband shall not be deducted from the amount of incomes. Power is given to the Governor-in-Council to make provision for the assessment and taxation of the taxpayers absent or not permanently resident in New Zealand whether or not they are represented by agents here. WELLINGTON DOCK SCHEME. The proposal to erect a Graving Dock at Wellington hangs fire. The Local Bills Committee to-day decided to report that the Wellington Harbour Board Empowering Bill, which makes provision for a dock, be not allowed to proceed, the standing orders not having been complied with. A COUNCIL DINNER. The Speaker of the Council on Monday night entertained at dinner in the Legislative Council Hall the members of the Upper House, the guests also including the Governor. Ministers, the Chief Justice and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Only three toasts were proposed, viz.', the Governor, the Premier and the Speaker (Mr Millar). Mr Scddon was in great! form, and entertained the company with a twenty-minutes speech on his Jubilee experiences, dealing graphically with the Spithead review. Lord Ranfurly said, to use an expression common in that Chamber, he had to make a personal explanation. He proceeded to say that some surprise might be expressed at his appearance there, owing to the death of the Duchess of Teck, but it would bo unreasonable to expect that that night's function should be postponed to suit his convenience, and he did not feel justified in absenting himself consequent on the princess' death. He | spoke most feelingly of the flattering reI ception accorded him since his arrival, and the loyalty of the colonists to the Mother Country. PETITIONS PRESENTED: By Mr Massey, from members of the Opaheke Road Board, praying for a grant for metalling the main road connecting the district with the Drury railway. By Mr Houston, from inhabitants of the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, Whangaroa, and Mangonui, praying for extension of the railway from Kamo to Hikurangi. By Mr Houston, from Russell Bates, Kai'tiri, Auckland district, praying for redress in connection with land leased from the Government for which he was overcharged. By Sir Robert Stout, from Lorenz Riestero, Hokianga, praying for compensation for expenses attending Parliament during three sessions in connection with a land claim. « The petition of Waiuku and Thames residents asking for aid in the culture of beet sugar is recommended by the Public Petitions Committee to the favourable consideration of the Government. JOTTINGS. A naturalised Chinaman named Foo Kon, having gone back to China, where he married a countrywoman, is petitioning the House for relief, as, despite the fact that his solicitors had advised him that his wife would be entitled to the status of a British subject, the Commissioner of Customs compelled her to pay £100 poll tax under the statute of 1896. Mr Lewis intwds to move for the production of correspondence between Mr Ziman and the Government in connection with a special departmental report of 18th September, 1895, dealing with mines owned by or under oiler to him ; also correspondence about the said report with Mr Ziman or the Company known as the Consolidated Goldlields of New Zealand (Limited).

During the year ending March 31st there were granted 127 permits for using the totalisator at racing club meetings, and to trotting clubs 31 permits. The total amount passed through the machines was £804,147, and the amount paid to the Government realised by the granting of permits was £12,079. Another return shows the number of licenses granted by the Colonial Secretary under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881. to persons connected with religious denominations in Auckland : — Church of England, 2; Roman Catholics, 1; Presbyterians, 1. Totals for colony, Church of England, 30 permits; Roman Catholics, 29 ; Presbyterians, 3. Receipts during the last three years from land tax are:—ln 1894-5, £280,188; for 1895-6, £271.394; 1896-7, £272,309. Income tax at sixpence :—1894-5, £27,931 ; 1895-6, £28 807 ; 1896-7, £29,475. At one shilling : 1894-5, £61,959 ; 1895-6, £61,020 ; 1896-7, £71,525. Special ;—1895-6, £2,950 ; 1896-7, £4,500. Local Bills Committee recommend that the Onehunga Cemetery Bill be allowed to proceed.

It is officially estimated there were lost in the s.s. Tasmania 5,157 letters, 1,922 books, 6,264 newspapers, 95 registered letters and 36 parcels. The following is a return of the cost of the s.s. Terranora :—Paid by Government for purchase, £2500 ; cost ot all work and alterations, materials used to fit the steamer for cable, etc., £2,037 ; the price obtained for the vessel when sold £937; value of services performed for the colony, £5,666; approximate estimate of cost of if performed by the cable company's steamer, £25,000.