POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 7358, 2 November 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[From Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, November 2. The Midland Railway.

Mr Alan Scott, general manager of the Midland Railway Company, yesterday wrote correcting some impressions which seem to have obtained currency from the publication of the Agent-General's letter of September 7 last. He says that in that letter the Agent General speaks of the position being "a serious one," and of the contract being in imminent danger of breaking down. "The position," writes Mr Scott, "is certainly serious, in the sense that the Company find it necessary to obtain the amendments in their contract, which are now in the hands of Ministers, before they can be assured of the whole money necessary for constructing the entire railway; bnt it is not serious in the sense of the Company being in any difficulty as to obtaining the money for the contracts already let. This has all been long ago subscribed. In another sentence the Agent General speaks of 'repeated failures' on the part of the directors in their financial negotiations. It is but right for me to inform you that my directors have not, to use a common term, hawked the Company's business about London as some have assumed from this sentence, and it will be readily realised that they are not likely to have done so when their strength, standing, and experience are regarded. The failures have been those made in their endeavors to arrange the actual terms with the few financiers with whom the directors have been in treaty, and some of whom have eventually undertaken to provide the whole money required on condition that the amendments now asked for are given. Had my directors not been so desirous of arranging the matter without asking the Government for any alterations, their task would have been far lighter." Major Atkinson will this afternoon lay before the House the draft contract with the Midland Railway Company, and will propose certain alterations; bat the Government will restrict the Company in the choice of their lands to the prescribed area as originally agreed on. In place of asking for a Select Committee, he will move that the matter be considered in Committee of the whole House. Bible in the Schools.

A Bill which has been introduced by Mr Pulton to enable School Committees to cause the Bible to be read-in the schools gives them power to direct that a portion of the Bible shall be read aloud by scholars every morning at the opening of the school, but such reading must not exceed twenty minutes. No child shall be compelled to attend if its parent or guardian objects in writing. Items. The Government have no intention of taking steps during this session or the recess towards federation with Australia.

Mr Taylor has stated in the House his determination to move that the seat of Government be removed to some inland place in Canterbury. Sydney Taiwhanga intends to introduce a Bill to repeal the Native Lands Administration Act.

Twelve petitions in favor of the Stratford route were presented to the House yesterday by the Auckland and Taranaki members. These successive shots were fired off amidst a great deal of laughter. The Government are instituting inquiries relative to the Californian thistle pest, and, if found to be increasing, legislation on the subject will be introduced. The Minister of Works denies that there is a rule in existence providing for the dis* missal of railway servants when they reach a certain age. The Petitions] Committee has been divided into two this session, notwithstanding some opposition. Mr Turnbull, the late Chairman of the Committee, was omitted at his own request from the members proposed. Mr R. Reeves wishes to amend the law so that Chinese leaving the Colony may not be granted permits to return. The Government hope to bring down a Bill this session dealing with the question of the electoral law and purifying the rolls. The Minister of Workß thinks that railway employes should form a relief fund of their own in case of sickness. The Minister of Defence has promised to read Colonel Noake's pamphlet, which is said to be contrary to the regulations, and then take what steps are necessary to maintain discipline. Petitions in favor of State aid to Catholic education still continue to pour in. Mr R. Reeves is urging the Government to allow twenty-five words to be substituted for ten words for delayed telegrams at existing rates.

Mr Mitchelson denies that the reduction of wages of the railway employes at Dunedin from 7s to 6s 6d a-day has taken place, or that instructions were given to discharge them. Men on the permanent way could not be dismissed, but some others will have to go in the course of carrying out retrenchment.

Taipua is to move—" That in the opinion of this House the treatment by Germany of Malietoa and the friendly Samoan people is oppressive and ungenerous, and unworthy of a-great nation, and in contravention of the treaty obligations, and that the Government of New Zealand be requested to communicate with the Governments .Australian colonies, with a view to making combined and argent representations to the Imperial Government on tnis-matter." November 2. - 1 Railway Xefbrm. Mr Thompson will to-day give notice to < ask-th? Government if they will rive a trial to Mr Voile's system on the Auckland and Waikato or some other line.

Chairmen of .Committees. The following appointments as Chairmen of Select Committees wero made this morning^:—Petitions Classification, Mr R. J. Beeves; Goldfields, Mr R. J. &eddon; Local Bills, Mr Downie Stewart. Colonel Noaku'* Pamphlet. . The Council only sat five minutes to-day, Colonel Brett giving notice of' the following stiff question: What steps have the Government taken, or intend taking, in defending the honor aud discipline of the Volunteer forces of the Colony with respect to the insubordinate conduct of Colonel Noako in publishing a pamphlet reflecting on the administration of the Government, and the Commander of Forces, so far as the Volunteers are concerned ?