LATEST GOSSIP FROM THE LOBBIES.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 21, 18 June 1896, Page 5

LATEST GOSSIP FROM THE LOBBIES.

+ THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON BANKING. The proposal of the Premier to set up a Select Committee to enquire into the affairs, past and present, of the Bank of New Zealand, the Colonial Bank, and the institutions closely connected therewith, has naturally been much discussed in the lobbies. A strong section of the House, composed chiefly oi! members of the Opposition and what is known as the left wing, or more independent members, of the Government Party, has expressed very deoided disapproval of the proposal, and the motion to set up the Committee will probably receive a hostile reception from these quarters when it is called on this afternoon. Members know only too well how thesa enquiries may be worked to serve party purposes, and nothing short of a Eoyal Commission will satisty any but the most servile of the Government following. It is stated that the members of the Opposition selected to serve on the committee— Captaiu Eussell and Messrs. Buchanan arid Langwill decline to act. THE GOVERNMENT PMNTING OFFICE COMMISSION. The decision of the Minister in charge of the Printing Office not to make public the report of the Printing Office CoininisMon appears to find general favour with members. It has practically been settled that Messrs. Carson, M'Nainara, and Jenkins,

the three employes \\\\o were discharged from the Printing Office on account of their action in bringing charges against the late Government Printer (Mr. S. Costall), will be reinstated in their old positions. MORTGAGES BILL. The Hon. Mr. Steward's Mortgages Bill is intended to enable mortgages to be effected without the cost of expensive deeds or instruments. For this purpose a regulation printed mortgage-form containing usual covenants is to be provided, the stamp duty chargeable upon which will be 7s 6d for any mortgage up to £50, and an additional 7s Gd for each additional £50 or fraction thereof. jottings. , Mr. M'Gowan wants a distinction drawn between the bankrupt who does not wilfully conceal the true state of his affairs and the one who omits to keep proper books of account, with intent to conceal. Advances under the Advances to Settlers Act up to two-thirds of the value of the security are being agitated for by Mr. Flatman. The County Franchise Extension Bill gives the franchise to holders of gum-digging licenses. The Address-in-Eeply debate will be continued in the .House this evening.