PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 163, 23 July 1901, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(By Telegraph—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Monday

A COUNTIES IIETURN

A return laid before the Counties" Conference ou Saturday by Mr .lull, of Waipnwa, shows thai there are 27 counties in New Zealand, having a rateable value: of £iOO,OUO each, 24 with over £5,000,000 and under £1.000,000, seven with over £1,000,000 and under £1,500,000, ten with over £1,500,000 and under £2,000,000, seven with over £12,000,00 and live, with over £3,000,000. There are two counties with an area of under 100 square miles, four with over 100 aaid under 200 square miles, nine with over 300 and ' under 500 square miles, 26 with over 500 and under 1000 square miles, 19 with 1000 and under 2000 square miles, 15 with over 2000 and under 4000 square miles, and only one with over 4000 square miles. THE PRESIDENTS SAJiMEENTO.

Ministers paid a visit to lhe Argentine frigate Presidents Sarniiento this morning-, and a largt; number of members of both Houses went on board by I invitation this afternoon. They were | very, courteously received by Commander Martin, and conducted over the vessel. The visitors greatly admired the excellent discipline observable in every part or the vessel. This evening the Commander and his olHcers will be entertained in Bellamy's. TWO SESSIONS NEXT YEAR. j It is reported in the lobbies that in J consequence of the Premier's pro-j ceeding to England to bo present at I the coronation of King Edward VII., two sessions of Parliament will be] held next year, one in April and the second in September. FISHERY BONUSES. The total amount of bonuses paid during the year ended 31st March, 1901, under the Fisheries Kueouragelnent'Aot on account of cured fish exported from the colony since the passing of the Act is £ 10,951. The sum Ls distributed over the various provincial districts as follows: — Auckland £4536, Wellington £238, Marlborou-g-h £61, Westland £529. Canterbury £82, Otago £5473, Southland £00.