PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 5991, 25 May 1882, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, May 25,

Messrs Pyke, Sheehan, Fish, and Weston were sworn in.

Notices were given to ask if the Government intended to amend the Gaming and Lotteries Act and the Licensing Act, or to refer them to the consideration of Select Committees; also, if it is intended to amend the Representation Act so as to confer the leasehold franchise (Mr Fish). Of the Otago Harbor Board Borrowing Bill (Mr Fish). Of the Government Insurance Bill (the Treasurer.

Several Consolidating Statutes Bills were introduced by Message and read a first time. Replying to questions, Ministers stated they did not intend to amend the Education Act this session, nor to repeal the Gaming and Lotteries Act. They would, however, agree to the appointment of a Select Committee to consider amendments of the Bankruptcy Act.

Mr Feldwick has given notice of motion for a return of a list of gaols in the Colony, the number'of visiting justices attached to eacn, the date of their appointment, and the number of visits paid by each during the past two years ; also a return of all prison sentences passed on prisoners during 1881. Otago members serve on sessional Select Committees as under:—House : Messrs J. C. Brown and Pyke. Library: Messrs Bracken, De Lautour, and M. W. Green. Statute Law Revision: Messrs Feldwick and Fish. Goldfields : Meßsrs J. C. Brown, De Lautour, and Pyke. Waste Lands: Messrs Driver, Fulton, James Green, and Macandrew, Public Accounts: The Hon. T. Dick and Mr Butherford. Standing Orders: Messrs Bathgate and Macandrew. Public Petitions : Messrs Duncan, Fergus, and Fish. Printing and Reporting: Messrs De Lantour, Bracken, Feldwick, and Joyce. Petitions Classification: Hon, T. Dick, Messrs Seaton and Shrimskl.

It is now definitely settled that the first trial of strength will take place on the motion for the election of Chairman of Committees. Mr Hamlin has withdrawn all claims infavo: of Mr Hurst, upon some understanding that has not been allowed to transpiie. The Opposition mean to vote against Mr Hurst without nominating another man. If Mr Hurst is defeated, it Ib anticipated Government will then put up Mr Hamlin, when the Opposition will again vote against him, notwithstanding that amongst those who for party reasons will so vote JjMr Hamlin has many warm friends. Should the Opposition succeed in rejecting both Mr Hurst and Mr Hamlin, they will then, but not till then, nominate Mr Thomson. If unsuccessful in this trial of strength, the next step will be to combat the Address in Reply. There is so far every evidence of a bitter and prolonged struggle. This is recognised on both sides of the Hpus,e, with the result thit the two parties are rapidly consolidating their forces. The Ministerial side is well and compactly formed, and negotiations between Sir George Grey, Mr Macandrew, and Mr Montgomery have reached a stage which warrants me in saying that only very slight differences exist, and those of a nature that will not hinder co-operation on broad party questions. It is anticipated that the preliminary struggle will last over the whole of next week. It is quite impossible to say how the division will go, but present appearances point to it being very close, and, on the whole, I should say that the Opposition are gaining ground. Mr Holmes's speech did more harm than good. On the other hand, Mr Dargaville is working quietly and effectively to reconcile the three rival leaders. The intention to move a direct want of confidence motion on the Peace Preservation and Indemnity Bills has been shelved, pending the result of the Chairmanship of Committee's division.—'North Otago Times' telegram. [Per Pbess Association.]

WELLINGTON, May 25. The Select Committee appointed to inquire into the working of the Corrupt Practices Act, with a view of dealing with Mr Pilliet's case, met this morning and adjourned until to-morrow morning, when their report will be submitted to the House, in order that* no time may be lost in having the writ for Stanmore issued, together with the removal iof Mr Pilliet's disqualification. The adjournment was hnade to,consider what is the best shape for the proceedings to

take. The feeling is very unanimous in Mr Pilliet's favor in both branches of the Legislature, and there is no doubt of his disqualification being removed at once.