PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 184, 4 August 1900, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(By Telegraph—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day. TOASTING THE HARBOUR BOARD BILL.

After the Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Bill had been safely piloted through committee of the whole House, Mr. Witheford, Chairman of the Board, on behalf of that body, invited most of the members of the House and several of the Ministers to partake of champagne in honour of the occasion. The Minister of Public Works (Hon. Hall-Jones) proposed the health of Mr Witheford, and referred .in flattering terms to his uniform courtesy and unassuming manners, , which had earned the general esteem of his fellow-members of the House. The toast was warmly honoured, and Mr Witheford, in response, proposed "The Ministry" in a few appropriate words. The Hons. HallJones, Duncan, Carroll and Ward responded. Mr McKenzie proposed the health of Mr Napier, who, in response, proposed the Legislative Council, J responded to by the Hon. Mr Feldwick. The toast of "The Opposition" was responded to by Messrs Allen (Hruce) and Herries.

Mr Massey has been granted seven days' leave of absence, owing to illness in his family.

MINISTERS' SALARIES BILL,

The following Auckland members voted on the second reading of the Ministers' Salaries Bill: Ayes— Fowkls, Lawry, McGowan, Napier, Palmer. Witheford. Noes—Bollard, Herries, Monk. Pairs—Ayes—Houston. Noes —Lang and Massey.