LATEST FROM WELLINGTON.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXI, Issue 1855, 21 October 1904, Page 5

LATEST FROM WELLINGTON.

A USELESS MEASURE. "GUINEA PIGGING" OBJECTED TO. TALKING MEMBERS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Thursday, 7.20 p.m. ■' The Fertilisers Bill went through all its stages yesterday It will prove a useful measure to farmers." The Referendum Bill has been practically killed. 'The bill is an abortion, anyway. It purports to give the people a chance of voting on the question of Bible in Schools, whereas they will not get that opportunity until a bill has gone through Parliament and been rejected by the Upper House. However, Dr Gibb's insistence on teaching, as distinct from reading, will entirely defeat its ever getting through the House. The House is now busy with the third reading of the Shops and Offices Bill. The modifications effected will secure its passage, but many think the cast iron rule and superceiding of the give-and-take between master and assistant will lead to reduction of hands. The Commerce Committee's report on the Federal Service was arranged for to-day, but was superceded by an amendment ■ moved by the member for Waikouaiti on the Education Committee's report in favour of more liberal provision for free education for country children. The Premier's path is not to be strewn with roses over the High Commissionership Bill. Mr Taylor promises to give the Bill a hot time, and will not allow any "guijiea pigging " without .a strong word of protest. The Licensing Bill is working- its passage through the Upper House with no material alteration. There are times when we value the silent member, still silence, on the part of members is often only another name for idleness. The man who talks usually works, and speeches of value require study and research. A private member hns been tabulating the inches of Hansard talked up to October 15th by all members. ' The seven highest tiro : Seddon 54!)!), Ward 1500, Massey 1390, Taylor 752. T. Mackenzie 730, Jas. Allen 605, Herrics 6!)3