PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 900, 18 July 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

The fourth Session of the sixth Parliament was opened on Friday the 11th instant by Commission. Severol new membess having been sworn in, and the resignation of Sir William Sir W. Fitzherhert, who is appoidted Speaker of the Legislative Council’and the election of Mr O. M. O’Rorko, member for Onebunga, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the House adjourned till Tuesday the 15ih instant. Telegrams say—There is going to be a great fight for the Chairmanship of Committees between Mr Bunny, as Ministerial candidate, and Mr Seymour as Opposition. It seems doubtful which way the majority of Otago members are going. Rumor has it that several who have hitherto been Government supporters are wavering. No direct overtures have yet iieon made to any of them about joining the Ministry. Mr J. W. Thomson’s appointment would apparently he most popular amongst them. The principal measures proposed by the government will be an Electoral Bill, Redistribution of Representation Bill, Maoii Represeat.at'ou Rill, Lain! Tax Amendment Bill, Income Tax Bill. T he Electoral Bill will recognise duly residential ratepaying qualification, the latter also applying to Natives in voting for European members. The Representation Bill will propose an arbitrary distribution of seats at the close of next Parliament the representation to he self-adjusting at periods. The Auditor General, Speaker of the House, and Colonial Secretary being a Standing Committee to make the readjustment according to population. The Representation Bill will probably propose to give two additional Maori members. The Land Tax Amendment Bill will propose a progressive tax on the present basis. The Income Tax Bill will propose an income tax of 24 per cent. 011 sll incomes over Ll5O per annum. There will also ho a Loan Bill, but it is not quite certain what the amount will be. This will probably not bn absoluely settled till members’ feelings 011 the subject have been sounded. July 14th. A constitutional party to oppose the Government is being formed, and a meeting was held this morning, which was largely attended and quite unanimous. It has beeu decided to elect a leader to the Opposition to-morrow. In consequence of Mr Bunny being put forward by the Government as Chairman of Committees, the Opposition will propose Mr Seymour, who will he supported by a majority of the Opposition. It is understood that overtures have been made to Sir William Fox to lead the Oppos tion, and that ho has partly consented. Mr J. W. Thomson, member for Clutha, has accepted a seat in the Ministry, and will probably hold the portfolio of Minister of Lands. He will be sworn in to morrow. Mr Bryce will be the Government nominee for the Chairmanship of Committees. July 15th. There was a largo turn-out of the public to-day at the real opening of Parliament, and the weather was beautifully fine. The Governor read the Speech remarkably well, iu a clear and distinct tone, but be seemed particularly to emphasise the words my advisers ” whenever they occurred. The business done was of course purely formal. The Premier, in customary assertion of the rights of Parliament, introduced a Bill to prevent the introduction of convicts, and it was read a first time. The presentation of petitions was commenced by Mr Sbrimski with one for consideration by some immigrants, under the Immigrants’ Laud Act. Then a whole school followed from all sides and upon all subjects. The largest was Mr Swanson’s, from Auckland, against the introduction of Chinese. Notice of the appointment of all the usual sessional committees was given, and Mr Macandrew also gave notice of a Committee to consider the principle upon which Government advertisements should be distributed amongst newspapers.

Sir George Grey gave notice of suspension of the Standing Orders nrxt sitting day to allow an Imprest Supply Bill and a Public Works Imprest Supply Bill to pass through all their stages. Sir W. Fox gave notice of motion that Mr Seymour be appointed as Chairman of Committees. Mr J.S. Macfarlane gave notice that ho would move for a Committee to consider and report what conveniences and facilities in telegraphing could be afforded the Press without causing inconvenience or loss to the public. Amongst the Government Bills given notice of were a Bill to suspend plurality of voting in local elections, a Bill to provide for the inspection and ventilation of mines, a Bill to restrict the introduction of Chinese, a Hospital and Charitable Institutions BUI, Laud Tax Amendment Bill, Electoral Bill, Representation Bill, Bribery Bill. Mr Feldwick gave notice of a Local Option Bill, and Mr Curtis of a Licensing Act Amendment Riil. The Opposition hold a caucus last night which lasted till an early hour in the morning. The result was Sir W. Fox’s forma! acceptance of the leadership. It is believed that he will probably command a majority against the present Ministry, but not one to support in office auy Ministry he is likely to form. Probably an amendment will be moved by Mr Fox on the Address, so as to bring matters to an immediate issue. Sir It Douglas and Captain Morris are the two Opposition whips, and Mr Seymour George and Mr FehLvick the Government ones. Mr J. C. Brown has retired from the formal position of whip, but helps the others. Up to an early hour this morning it was intended to bring Mr Bryce forward as the Government candidate for the Chairmanship of Committees, hut then it was found that an absolute majority was pledged to Mr Seymour, many having given their pledges under the belief that Mr Bunny was the Government candidate. It was accordingly determined ro allow Mr Seymour a walk-over, and the Premier has offered to second Sir W. Fox’s nomination of Mr Seymour. The Government have had reprinted and laid upon the table copies of all proclamations, instructions, &c , by previous Governments relating to the confiscation of Native lands for rebellion, commencing from Sir George Grey’s confiscation proclaimed in 1864, and concluding with Sir D. M‘i can’s instructions to Major Brown in 1870.

[Bv Telmou.vpir ]

(FROM OUR 01VM CORRESPONDENT.) Wfm.incton, July 17. The political position of Ministers is undecided. The Ministry of Sir George Grey is regarded as impracticable. A lot of appointments to the Ministry is the cause of much offence, and Gisborne has washed out politics of antique type. Thompson is considered as unlit fur the position. There is no Ministerial party now left. Brown has thrown up the whip, his excuse being matrimonial responsibilities. Last night the Opposition committed a grave blunder—Fox, as leader of the Opposition refused to allow debate on the reply to the address to come on. Sir George Grey explained the necessity, as the loan for five millions required lor public works could not be assented to by the Governor until the address had been replied to, and the voices being sufficient to prev nt the suspension of the Standing Orders necessary to allow the debate, Consequenty there is much excitement, as probably there will be a suspension of all public works through Mr Fox’s action.