Evening Post. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1881. THE MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 152, 30 December 1881, Page 2

Evening Post. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1881. THE MEETING OF PARLIAMENT.

Loud demand has been made in certain quarters that the new Patliament sliould be called together immediately, in order that it may be ascertained whether or not the recent general election has proved that the Hall Government still retain tie confidence of the country. Wo have, already stated, on information received fro^ao what should be very excellent authority, that there exists at present no intention of convening 1 the next meeting of Parliament for an earlier date than some day in May. Nor can wo discern any valid reason why members should be gravely inconvenienced, and the whole Colony disturbed, by a special summer session being held when not the slightest ground has been shown for adopting so exceptional a court c. On the point of constitutional practice, to which some writers have boldly appealed — either ignorant or wilf ally oblivious of the fact that the greatest authorities are directly adverse to their contention— the ease is so clear as to need no argument at all. Sir Ebskinb May, in his Parliamentary Practice, has laid down the role with the utmost distinctness on the question whether a Ministry ia bound to call Parliament together directly after a general eleotion. bir Ebbkihe says: — " 1 he interval between a dissolution and the assembling of the new Parliament varies according to the period of the year, the Btate of public business, and the political conditions under which an appeal to the people may have become necessary. When the session ha 3 been concluded, and no question of Ministerial confidence or responsibility is at issue, the recess is generally continued, by prorogations, until the usual time for tha meeting of Parliament." Nothing can be plainer than this. The three conditions which, according to May, should decide the length of the interval between a general election and the meeting of the newlyelected Parliament all distinctly favour the idea that our new Parliament should not meet before the usual period. For in the first place this "period of the year" is notoriously unsuitable for holding a session. The majority of the members are engaged or interested in pastoral or agricultural pursuits. 1 hey have their sheep to she*r, or their crops to tend, and probably evsn the £200 honorarium which they so eageri? vote themselves for their services in the dead of winter would soarcely compensate them for attending a session at midsummer. Had the late Parliament been a'lowed to expire by effluxion of time, it would have died a natural death on the 28th February next. That would have involved holding the election in March, and, ajlowing the ordinary length of notice of the meeting of Parliament, the session then would have begun in May, as now purposed. The fact that, for cDnsiderations of public convenience, Ministers deemed it desirable to dissolve as soon as possible after the last se-sion affords no argument for expediting the meeting of the new House. Neither does " the Btate of public business," which is also mentioned by Sir Ebskinb May as a possible motive for the immediate assembling of a newly-elected Parliament. There is absolutely nothing in the Btate of public affairs at the present time which could warrant so grave a disregard of the general convenience. Or, if there be anything, it is for those who clamour for an instant meeting to Eet it forth, and this they have not attempted to do. They build their olaim solely on the imaginary constitutional practice of which Sir Ebskinb May so completely disposes in the words already quoted from his work, which is the recognised and standard authority on the question* v- But it may perhaps be iv joined that the pbHnoal conditions," also alluded to by him" as possibly justifying a premature summoning of Parliament, do exist in the present instance. It would be a sufficient answer to this contention to point oui .that the late election was no "appeal to the people" at all, in the sense that expression is used as applied to constitutional practice On the contrary, we borrow Sir Erskine's words, in the second sentence quoted from his book, and assert positively that " .No question of Ministerial confidence or responsibility is at issue," and that therefore " the recess should be continued until the usual time for the meeting of Parliament." How can it possibly be alleged that the late dissolution took place on any question of confidence in the Ministry P There was no such question at issue. A want-of-confidenoe motion, in which all parties opposed to the Government united their strength with the one objeot of ousting the Ministry, reckleaß of what should follow, was signally and decisively defeated. In carrying their chief Ministerial measure, the very objectionable Representation Bill, the Government had an overwhelming maj' rity— more's the pity ! In passing their foolish and gratuitously protective additiqnß to the Customs Tariff, Ministerragain had the support of a large majority in the late Parliament. So they had also in their motion for -curtailing freedom of debate gagging the minority and fiuing Mr. Gisbokne twenty pounds for exercising his undoubted Parliamentary rights. Similarly in their Gaming and Lotteries and Corrupt Practices Bills — two glaringly absurd, oppressive, and, at the same time, futile measures, Ministers were accompanied into the lobby by a very obedient, not to say subservient, majority. It is utter nonsense, therefore, to talk about any " appeal to the country " having been made by the Government. It was nothing of the kind. But for the Triennial Parliaments Act, 1879, there would have been no dissolution at all this year. There was no question to dissolve on. The Government proved in every trial of Btrength that they had a substantial majority, and there is no reason to doubt that tbis represented the feeling of the country. The only reason for dissolving at all, instead of allowing the Parliament to expire by effluxion of time three months later, was, as we have already pointed out, purely one of convenience. For all practical purposes, the late Parliament may ba regarded as having run its course and. died a natural death. Such being the facts of the case, it is clear that the only justification for a hasty convening of the new Parliament would hive been the return of an unmistakable majority declared against the Government. Haa tbis been the case ? So far from it that nearly all the principal men ameng the Opposition were rejected, including Mr. Osmond, the special leader of last session ; while the permanent leader, Sir George Gbey, had a very narrow -escape of defeat. in his chief stronghold, three of his lata Ministers and his particular henchman, Mr. Bees, being left " oujdn the cold," alike fate befalling several members who were classed among the " donbtfuls" or had oast in their lot with the Opposition toward the close of the session, Buch as Mr. Reader Wo#d, and others. So far a3 can be ascertained Ministers are certain of 47 votes as againßt 38, the other 9, exclusive of the Speaker, being " doubtful," or ' ' independent. ' ' If this calculation be accurate, as we have every reason to believe, the Government are clearly entitled So maintain that they still possess the confidence of the colony, and that there ia no reason why Parliament should be prematurely summoned to test a point which apparently has decided itself. Of course if it should turn out when Parliament does meet that this estimate was incorceot, Ministers will fare all the woree. But_ we consider they are quite justified in risking this, and in abstaining from calling members together before the customary period.

The latest rumour in circulation as to Sir Arthur Gordon's probable successor in the •jgpvernorship of New Zealand is that the coming man is Sir Arthur Kennedy, at present Governor of Queensland. We simply give tho rumour fjjp: what it may be worth. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Gordon are expected to return to Wellington by the Hinemoa on Monday or Tuesday next. The names of 92 members elected to the new Parliament are gazetted. Three writs are not yet returned, namely those for Hokitika, Waikouaiti, and Rodney. The reason of the delay in regard to the first two has already been explained. The last is Btill unaccounted for. Some of {the returns to which some degree of uncertainty had attached are now definitely set at rest. For instance, Captain G. B. Morris is the elect of Tanranga, and not Mr. Vesey Stewart ; Mr. T. Daniel, and not Mr. Hirst, is returned for Wallace ; and Captain F. W. Mackenzie is elected for Matanxa. Last night, at the Lower Hntt, a robbery was committed on the farm of Mr. John Hall, and sundry articles, consisting of harness, &c., were taken away. It would be as well for the people in that looality to be on their guard, lest another attempt «f the same kind should be made. The Steward of the Hospital wishes to to thank Mrs. M'lntosh for a present of lowers. I

Ihe 8.8. Wakatipn arrived la3t evening from Sydney. In compliance with the quarantine regulations, two of her crew, a female passenger in the Bteerage, and two children, were detained on Somes Island. The following members of the Harbonr Board atteaded the usual fortnightly meeting of that body, held yesterday afternoon •.—. — Meaera. W. H. Levin, M.H.K. (Chairman), G. Fisher (Mayor), W. V. Jackson, P. Coffey, and J. E. Nathan, and Captain Williamß. On behalf of the Board, the Chairman extended a hearty welcome to the new Mayor, and in doing bo expressed a hope that the friendly relations which had hitherto existed between the Board and the Corporation would be continued. In thanking the Board for their courtesy, his Worship asaured them that those friendly relations were not likely to be disturbed by any action of his. It was reported that the credit balance of the bank account amounted to JJ1416 Os Bd. Accounts amounting to .£692 13s 6d, including the salaries of the Board's employes for December, were passed lor payment. The Chairman announced that he bad affixed his signature to the plan 3of the proposed Te Aro Reclamation ho far as they related to that portion of the work connected with the Board, and the plans had been forwarded to the Corporation. Other matters having been dealt with, the Board adjourned. In the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day James Ferguson, Elizabeth Fisher, and J. C. Ayery were brought up for drunkenness, but iv consideration of it being their first offences, and the season, they were let off with a caution. John Hargrave3, charged with burning down farm buildings and other property at Waiwetu, wub, on the application of Chief Detective Browne, remanded till Wednesday next, to be brought up then before the Hutt E.M. Conrfc. The man Walter King, who was yesterday arrested for furiously galloping through the streets, was not brought up, as he is evidently temporarily deranged, and is under medical treatment. Mr. Le Grand Campbell, J.P., occupied the Bench. Sir Robert Lush, Lord Justice of the Court of Appeal, whose death we announced yesterday, was born at Shafteßbury in 1807, and was consequently 74 years of age. He was called to the bar in 1840, "took silk" in 1857, and was appointed one of the Judges of the Uourt of Queen's Bench in November, 1865, when ho received the honour of knighthood. He was associated with Lord Chief Justice Cockburn and Mr. Justice Mellor in the trial of the Tichborao claimant foi perjury. It was announced at yesterday's meeting of the Harbour Board that the annual election of members would take place on the second Monday in February. Two members will be elected by the ratepayers of the city, and in connection with this election Mr. James Ames was requested to act as Returning Officer. Instruction were given to the secretary to remind the County Councils oi Waitarapa East and West as well as the Chamber of Commerce of the approaching elections; and the seoretary was furthei instructed to act as Returuing Officer iv the election of a member to represent those whe pay wharfage and harbour dues. The follow, ing are the retiring members, and they arc eligible for re-election : -Mr. W. V. Jackson and Mr. P. Coffey, elected by the city ratepayers; Mr. F. A^Krull, elected by the Easi and West Wairarapa County Councils ; Mr S Lancaster, elected by the Hutt Count] Council ; Captain Rose, representing th( shipping interest, and Mr. J. E. Nathan elected by the Chamber of Commerce. A meeting of the Anniversary Regattt Committee was held last evening, at th< Pier Hotel, Mr. Cornish in the chair Several letters were received from person! who, from various causes, were unable t( attend. The secretary, Mr. W. R. Waters reported that there was a balance to thi credit of the committee from last year o .£•42, and also two cups over from races tha' did not fill. It was arranged that early nexi week an active oanvass of the town for sub soriptions should be made, several libera subscriptions having already been promised also two cups, one from Shaw, Saville, anf Co. and another by the New Zealand Ship ping Company. A prize of .£lO was offeree by Mr. Shaw, on behalf of an unknowi done*, for a novel race for ships' boats only The conditions proposed wera that the com peting boats should go over the proposec course of four miles in any way they coulc get over it, using sails or oars, or anything calculated to propel them through th< water. The consideration of the lettei was postponed till Tuesday next, whei the next meeting of the committee will tak< place. A proposal was made by Messrs Nathan & Co., on behalf of the proprietors of Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps to give a sewing machine prizT to be com peted for by the fair sex only, or the firn offered, if the committee did not approve o that race, to place another of equal value a the disposal of the committee to be deal with as they choose. Owing 1 t» the very un favourable- evening the attendance ' tffii rather limited. Nearly the same programm* as last year was agreed to, but tho questioi of forming a Regatta Ciub was held over Tho programme, as amended, will be duh published in the Wellington papers. Aftei some other unimportant business the meet ing adjourned, as stated above, till Tuesday next. Amongst those who sent apologies fo" their unavoidable absence we may mentioz Messrs. Levin, M.H.R., and Quick, both o, whom take a deep interest in these matters At the close of the proceedings a gentleman on behalf of a manufacturing firm, offered tc give a prize of fifty guineas, either in monej or plate, for a champion race — rowing oi sailing at tho discretion of the committee— to be won three times before being the pro perty of the winner or winners. It waf suggested that the amonnt should be in oreased to a hundred-guinea trophy, and tc be made an intercolonial, or at least an interprovincial contest. The subject will be further discussed at the meeting on Tuesday next. Respecting a complaint to the effect thai on a recent occasion the signalman stationed at the Mount Victoria flagstaff had failed tc duly signal certain steamers entering the port, the signalman in question has furnished an explanation of the occurrence, which was submitted to the Harbour Board yesterday. The officer stated that the omission was due to illness, and he would take care that it should not recur This explanation the Board regarded as being satisfactory. Further subscriptions, amounting tc £5 15s, collected by Mr. W. Hart on the Queen's Wharf, on behalf of the widow of the late W. Ellson, have been received. At ,, yesterday's meeting of tho Harbour Board, the chairman mentioned that on Tuesday last the wharf labourers had been obliged to remain at work, while other employes had observed the day as a holiday, and he suggested that a double rate of pay should be allowed them for that day's work. He explained that the wharfiabourera took a holiday on Boxing Day, for which a day's wages would be deducted from the amount due to them at the end of the week ; and he pointed out that the donble rate of pay for Tuesday would compensate the labourers for this deduction, and thus make the week's wages complete. One of the members remarked it was a curious circumstance that, while no deduction was made in the case of high salaried officersfifeployed by the Board, a day's w&gea shotildH&e withheld from the labourers on the ocoasion of a general holiday. The Board unanimously agreed to the chairman's suggestion. la addition to previous subscriptions in. aid of the sufferers by the Jewish persecutions in Southern Russia, other subscriptions have been received and thankfully acknowledged to the amount of £VJ 18s. Thiß brings up the whole amount subscribed in this district to .£4,28 1b Id. . The weekly meeting of the Wellington Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society was held last evening, grape culture being the chief subject for discus3ion. Mr. J. Okell exhibited some handsome picotees and carnations. At the Theatre Royal last evening, the highly amusing play, "The Colonel," was repeated, and, notwithstanding the very threatening weather and the counter attraction of Herr Wilhelmj's concert, there was a very fair attendance. The piece will be repeated to-night for the last time, and we cordially advise our readers to avail themselves of the opportunity. " Hamlet " will be produced to-morrow evening, Mr. Harkina making his first appearance in this city in that character. We have received a well printed card almanac for 1882, issued by the Victoria Insurance Company, for which Levin & Co. are the Wellington agents. Kohler's waxworks continue to attract a number of persons, the cornet playing of the Messrs. Kohler being one of the most enjoyable features of the show. Brett's Auckland Almanac for 18S2 is to hand. For completeness and accuracy of information it is the best we have seen as yet. Much that it contains is of interest to New Zealanders generally, and not merely to the residents in the Auckland provincial district alone, as the title might lead one to suppose. The Star of Wellington Lodge held its weekly session at the Athenaeum last evening, when, after the opening ceremonies, the G.W.C.T., Bro. W. Johnson, resumed the chair. The representatives of various lodges, who proceed early next month to tha PTTirifti session of the Grand Lodge, were present, Ifci gave Bhort addresses. Bro. Brandt, of the Karori Lodge, referred to its substantial position, and Bro. Joseph Chapman, of Prosper Lodge, at Johnsonville, Btated that although the lodge had had uphill work to contend with, it was now making progress. The G.W.C.T., in bringing the proceedings to a close, wished the brethren a " Happy Nott Tear."

Herr Wilhelmj had another large and moat enthusiastic audience last night. The great violinist played Bach's " Chaconne," and an elegy of his own composition in ki3 usual masterly way ; also joining Mr. Vogrich in two movements from Beethoven'B cl Kreutzer " sonata, superbly given by both artißtes. Mr. Vogrich played a fantasia of his own on the air " Qnand je quittais " and the " Tnfernal Chorus," both from Meyerbeer's "Bobert" (not " Lor est une chimare " as haa been incorrectly statod) ; also a charming " Berceuse" by Chopin, in which he was heard in his happiest vein, and a "Polonaise" by the same eccentrio but gifted master. Miss Conron sang Weyrauch's "Adieu" — commonly but wrongly attributed to Schubert — and " Thine is my heart," a genuine work of that fertile songwriter. She also gave a beautiful romance from Ambroise Thomas' "Mignon" and Mendelssohn's " Cradle Song," the last being by far her best effort here. It was delightfully 6ung and loudly enccred. A similar compliment was paid to both of the gentlemen for each of their contribj tions, and all three performers were literally pelted with enormons bouquets. We are glad to notice that an extra concert is to be given to-night— positively the last of the Beries. An accident happened at the Kailway Hotel, Lower Hutt, yesterday, by which a young man named J. M'lntosh had his leg broken. It seems that he was assisting to lower a cask of beer from a dray, when by some means or other it fell on his leg, fractnring it just above the ancle The injury, ; however, was more painful than serious, and the sufferer is doing well under the care of Dr. "Wilford. The D Battery of the New Zealand Artillery will compete to-morrow at Evans' Bay for the Ordnance District prize. The Wellington City Rifles will also fire for district prizes at Polhill Gully. Weather permitting, the .Artillery Band will perform the following programme at the Lunatic Asylum Grounds to-morrow afternoon: — Overture, "Zulieta;" bolero, "Juanita;" sohottische, " Sweetbriar ; " quadrilles, " Banks of the Thames ; " waltz, "• Susette ; " polka, " Gazelle ; " " God Save the Queen." A novel kind of presentation is about to be made to Sir G. G^ay, a number of his supporters in Auckland having had a highly ornamental pair of braces worked for him. On the side ribbons is worked in embossed letters — "In remembrance of a Victory for Liberalism. December 9th, 1881." On the suspenders — "To Sir George Grey, X.C.8., M.H.E. for City East." "From Political Supporters in Auckland." The connecting plates are of New Zealand Bilver, set with greenstone, mounted in Now Zealand gold. The romantic marriage between a young Jewess and a bank clerk of Sydney, which we mentioned a few days ago, had a most unhappy termination. The bridegroom died four days after the elopement from heart disease, making the unfortunate lady a wife and widow the same week. An active Baptist Sunday-school teacher a short time ago (says a writer in the Australasian) bought a piece of land in one of the back streets of Melbourne for ,£350. It then suddenly occurred to him that it would be a good thing to build a mission-hall in this dopraved locality. The suggestion was well ventilated, a meeting held, and the good young teacher was deputed to find a suitable piece of ground. Strangely enough he found his own piece, and brought up a report that a site indicated could be got for JJBSO. The amount staggered the friends, and they began to get cool over the proposal, and tho meeting was adjourned. In the meantime the good young man found an old lady who couldn't bear her name to be known (it was probably "Mrß. Harris") who would give iJIOO, if i 6750 could bo raised in a given time. The meetings were duly reported, the public gave generously, and what with this and a mortgage the yonng man succeeded in doing a good work, and netting a good profit for his goed self. t The programme of the regatta to be held at Picton on Monday appears in our advertising columns. Wo are requested to draw tho attention of our readers to tho advertisement notifying various meetings to be held by Mrs. Hampson to-night and next week. Sports aro advertised to take place at Kaiwarra on Monday, 2nd January. We are requested to draw attention to Messrs. Graves and Fleming's advertisement in reference to New Tear's gifts. Messrs. Laery & Campbell will hold their usual market and horse sales morrow. < Messrs. F. Sidey & Co. will sell to-morrow, furniture, cutlery, &c. Mr. George Thomas will sell to-morrow, fruit, produce, &o. Messrs. Crockery, Hasell & Co. will sell -to-morrow^f rnrfc, &c.

Njsw Year's Eve will be commemorated at James Smith's, Te Ar« House, by a further distribution of the so much admired, sought after, and envied Chromo-lithographic pictures. The distribution will be on the same liberal basis as already announced, and customers will have the olnico of the following subjects : — Marine Vieivs — Preparing for Sea, Mending the bails, Bound for the Shore, Como Home, Net Mending, Tho Launch, A Disaster, Shell Music, Riding Home, Ready for Sea. Landscapes — Take Care, Spring Time, For Baby, Through the Corn, Leisure Hours, I Want It, The Pats, Through the Fields, Woodcutters, The Daisy Chain, The Stepping Stones, Fairy Tales, The Watercress Gatherer, Idle Hours, Bird-Nesling, Summer, Blackberry Harvest, Feeding the Duoks, Homeward. All the above for selection by the numerous customers of James Smith, TeAro House, on Now Year's Eve. — r advt.] New Year's Gifts. — The success of the Christmas presentations, and universal satisfaction expressed by their customers at the handsome donations, has induced Graves and Fleming to purchase an entire lot of new and useful articles as Now Year's gifts. All favouring them with purchases to the amount of 10s and upwards can have their choice of goods, which an quite equal in value to those given during Christmas week. — [Advt.] The distribution of the Beautiful Steel Engravings and New Year's Cards will be continued at C. Smith's, Devonshire House, Cuba-street, until Saturday, 7th January, on the same scale as before, viz., every customer spending 5s will be presented with a pretty New Year's Card ; those Bpending 10a, one of those beautiful Floral Cards ; and those spending 20s, with one of the large Steel Engravings. The usual discount of one shilling in the pound will also be allowed.— [Advt.] Leaving Wellington. — Important to Country Residents and Townspeople. Tomorrow and Saturday, and durin? Christmas week. Two thousand pounds' worth of Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, &c, to be sold at regular slaughter prices. Everyone invited to come to the great relinquishing sale. Special and extraordidary bargains in the Ladies' Showroom. The whole stock for absolute and unreserved sale. J. B. Hamilton, Cash Draper, Cuba-street.— |_A»vr.]