POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 7360, 4 November 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

|Faok Dur Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, November 3. Order of Business.

Aa arrangement has been come to between the Premier and Sir J. Vogel that the debate on the Midland Railway proposals shall be taken to-morrow afternoon, and that the Financial debate shall commence at 7.30 on Tuesday evening. The latter debate will certainly occupy the rest of the week. A Non-Political Railway Board.

The Government policy Bills are coming down rapidly. This afternoon the Minister of Public Works gave notice of'his measure dealing with the above subject. It is not yet printed, but iuvests the Commissioners with all power of railway construction, and will be generally on the Victorian plan, but modified to suit the requirements of New Zealaud. It will also give to the Commissioners, greater powers thau the Victorian Board possess. Lands for Government Employees. Mr Barron to-day brought under the notice of the Government the desirability of setting aside areas of land in each district as grants for workmen and others in public employment whose services are being dispensed with, and who are not entitled to retiring allowances. The Minister of Lands says that the Government are not in favor of making grants, but facilities are afforded to such people to take up land in the Bill whioh he has given notice of. I have already informed your readers that Sir G. Grey makes special provision for discharged public employes in his Bill.

An Objectionable Measure,

It waa generally understood that a deal of opposition was likely to be offered to the City of Dunedin Borrowing on Deposit Bill, which enables the Corporation to borrow from" whomsoever it pleases to the extent "of L 30.000, at 7 per cent., aud a warm debate was anticipated. When the measure was called on, Mr Fish, who was in charge of it, explained that he had received a communication from the City Council of Dunedin requesting him to withdraw the Bill for the present. It was discharged from the Order Paper accordingly. North of Aucklanil-llclcnsvllle Railway. The intentions of the Government relative to this work formed the subject of a ques? tion put to the Minister of Works by Mr R. Thompson to-day. Mr Mitchelson replied that the working plans of an additional five miles were ready, but it appeared that some difficult country existed about fifteen miles further on, and until this was explored tenders for the other could not be called. The money was jn hand, and as there was an agitation for work for the unemployed in Auckland no time would be lost in the matter. Report qn Cheese. The increase of the importation of cheese into Australia prompted Mr Duncan to urge the Government to secure the services of a qualified expert in cheese-making, and to place him at the disposal of dairy factories, I with a view to improving the quality of the cheese and extending its export to Englaud. The Colonial Secretary says that the Government recognise the importance of the matter, and will take into consideration what steps should be adopted to give practical effect to the idea. Cost of Education. The Government have received from the Rev. W. J. Habens a comparative report on the cost of education. The total expenditure in this Colony'last year was L 319.899, and tjhe average attendance 83,,405. The cost per head for the various colonies is stated as follows :—L3 lfis fcjd in New South Wales; L 4 Is Gd in Victoria ; J4 3s id iu Tasmania. The estimates for South Australia (L 4 Is Id) and Queensland (L 4 8s) are calculated op a different basis, and are to be compared with L 4 33 3d obtained by a similar calculation in New Zealand. The cost in England (excluding London) is LI 18s 6d, and including London L2 6s 2jjd. The ages to whioh the compulsory clauses apply are soven to thirteen in Tasmania, South Australia, and New Zealand; six to fifteen in Victoria; six to twelve in Queensland ; and six to fourteen in New South Wales. Legislative Councillors and the Elections,

The action of the Bible-in-schoojs party in issuing and advertising a circular in favor of their candidates at the last election gave rise to a very warm discussion in the House this afternoon. Mr Levesbam set the ball rqflin'g by asking the Government to amend the Disqualification Act so shit members of the Legislative Council making use of their position to influence the elections to the other Chamber should be disqualified from holding seats in the Council. He referred to a document and oircular which were said to have been circulated and advertised for the purpose of influencing the elections, and which were signed by Dr Menzies, Mr Holmes, Colonel Brett, Mr Chamberlain, Mr Barnicoat, Mr Peter, Captain Eraser, Mr Aclaid, Major Baillie, Mr Robinson, and Ifr Bonar. The Premier disclaimed any intention op, the part of the Government to introduce legislation in the direction indioated, and for his own part said that he could not see that it could be called an abuse of power for Legislative Councillors to call on their fellow-citizens to vote in particular directions on questions of policy. They had a perfect right to exercise ' their rights as citizens. '' • '

The fun then commenced, l\r Lkvestam moling" the i'ujourninent"qf the \\6vlss in order to say'that members of the other Chamber used tfie positiqns conferred, on them by the Crown to influence the elections. That was going top far. It would not have mattered if they had appended their signatures as private gitiaens, for the only influence they possessed was through the maglo letters M.L.C.

Mr Taylor resented the action of the hon. gentlemen on the ground that it was tending towards intimidation. Mr R. Reeves thought their interference unwarrantable and uncalled-for, and thought the letters M.L.C. threw a halo round the n'ames. and might influence country settlers aild others who did ! not know them. ; But if'thelsettlers who'wdrp so inf}uenbed ofily knew tlie gentlemen" p'ersonally that halo would disappear. For this latter' remark the hon.'member for Inangahua was called to'order. ' ' Sir J. Vogel expressed hfs opjmon that the subject was anytjung but unimportanj;, and ~thftt r auon proceedings directly' threatened the independence of the electors throughout the country, without going into the question whether the representations made were correct or not.

J 'he Minister of Education asked why a rge of tMs kind 1 should fleconfined to any p'ajMculaV' p>an\qh of the Legislature, For Instance, in his own district three dfgriitaries of the Lower House had interfered in the contest for his seat by addressing large meetings, with the object of prejudicing his candidature, and he now expressed his acknowledgments to them for the assistance tfijjy- ha<| tendered him in winning the efeptiojj." Tjfts accusation appeared to re. fresh Dr Newman's) memory on a sore poipj;, and he atso asserted that Sjr J. Vogel had prompted apd worked with a member of the Upper House to keep him out of his seaf. 1 'Mr FpfjTQN explaiped the cause pf th? hubbub- 4 number pf gentjemen of both, Houses pf the legislature ipteresjed in Bible-reading in ' schools, irrespective of party ppnsidgratigns, issued, a circular asking the eleotors to keep thjs guestjon in view in deoiding upon the choice ofoandldates. He also accused Sir J. Vogel of endeavoring to influence the electors by violent party articles |p %$ Press, and by other means. ' '

Sir J. Vogel asserted that Dr Newman was mistaken in what he said, and added that two wrongs did not make one right. The question then dropped, but subsequently Mr Levestam gave notice of a Bill amending the .Disqualification Act in the ■ ,i ;• ■:>• j£r ygjl<:i§ scheme;. deswabityty of givfng a trial to thjf scheme was 'brougjit under the notice' of tjie Government to-day by Mr Tv ; Thompson, who urged that the prevailing dissatisfaction with railway management made the present sp time for the proposed experiment. ' Petitions/ in favor of the systerrr \a question bs4 beenprespnted from all parts of Jhe_ Colony, (Jreat opposjtjpn to tjhe. sc¥emelhad been shown by tWdppaftftiental officers, and he feared that the trial could not be successful unless made under the .supervision qf" Mr Yajle. The Mjnißter of .Works said that if the Blithe gave gotjcs of tq-day becomes law, then it would he for the Board of Commissioners'- appointed under the Bill to consider the question, He therefore asked that the question'should be held over till the House had given an expression of.opinion pn the '^ill. v v < Tb>«eppi»4 wwing ofif fhioh

has been brought before the House by Mr Seddon during three previous sessions, was carried on the' voices this evening after a short discussion. The Bill is directed against Dutch auctions. It enables an auctioneer taking out a license to sell at any place within 150 miles of his principal place of business, and provides a penalty of LIOO on any person convicted of selling without a license; that the Resident Magistrate shall hear applications for licenses; gives an auctioneer power to appoint a substitute, and enables him to hold a wholesale hcenae under the Licensing Act. Night auctions, with the exception of cattle sales, are prohibited. The Kecent Elections. The interest shown throughout the Colony i in the recent elections is shown by the face that 111,912 votes were recorded against 74.672 in 1844. The total number of names on the rolls this year was 175,410 against 137,686 in 18S4. There were recorded 60,052 votes for members elected, against 51,859 votes given for the defeated candidates. Return of Loans. Mr Moss has given notice for a return showing the terms on which tbe several New Zealand Government loans since 1870 were negotiated in London, together with the prospectus and form of tender in regard to each loan, the price obtained minus accrued interest (if any) of the commission paid, the brokerage paid, and any other expenses incurred in the negotiations.

The Samoan Question. Mr Taipua moved his resolution relative to the treatment of King Malietoa and the Hamoan people by Germany. He said that from what he had heard the treaty had been broken, and that King Malietoa was a prisoner in the hands of the Germans, although he had not done any wrong. The Government of New Zealand should communicate with the Governments of the other colonies on this matter. He had taken this matter up because he and other Natives had heard from their elders that their ancestors came from this very land, and he believed that the Samoans and the Maoris were one people. He also moved in the matter because of the close proximity of Samoa to this Colony. It was of vital importance to this Colony, and should be guarded in the same manner as the New Hebrides.

Sir G. Grey seconded the motion, and said he believed that a disgraceful outrage had been perpetrated on a thoroughly good man, and he commiserated King Malietoa on the indignities lie had undergone. The Premier hoped that the hon. gentleman, having expressed his opinion, would be content to withdraw the motion, which was scarcely a proper one to pass. Samoa was under the joint protectorate of England, Cjermany, and the United States, and, so far as we knew, England and the United States had concurred in the action taken.

Mr Taipua adopted the suggestion of the Premier and withdrew hia motion. Election of Mayors by Councils. The amendment of the Municipal Corporations Act providing for the eleotion of Mayors by the Councils instead of by the ratepayers is likely to be recommended by the Municipal Conference. At to-day's sitting Messrs Moore (Kaiapoi), Ross

(Roslyn), and Hulbert (Christchurch) spoke in favor of the proposal; but Messrs Goldie (Auckland), Fish (South Dunedin), Lloyd (Wanganui), Whyte (Hamilton), and Monk (Napier) expressed the opinion that the election should continue to be made by the ratepayers.

Sir George Grey and Land Settlement.

Sir George Grey succeeded in carrying the second reading of his Land for Settlements Bill this eyening without a division. An explanation oi the provisions and intentions of the Bill was given by Sir (jfeorge, who claimed that it would have the effect of bringing a number of new colonists into New Zealand, and would at the same time indupe numbers of people at present in the Colony to go into the country and establish homesteads for themselves. We had here the making of a great nation, but it required to be filled up, and the Bill in question would aohieve that objeot. The measure gave the Crown power to purchase lands from the Native and European owners; precautions being taken against oppression. Provision was made for cutting the estates up into farms representing in fair proportions the value of the land. These were open to the public for selection. The first applicant would not be required to purchase the farm, but would be allowed to pay interest on the value, and would become the proprietor on these terms. Power would be given him to turn hig holding into a freehold at any time by the payment of the purchase-money. In addition to allowing the settlers to go on the farms without paying any money, the Bill provided that the Government should advance them funds with whioh to build houses; should provide them with implements and rations for twelve months for themselves and families, the cost of these goods to be assessed, and interest on the amount charged at the same rate as on the purchase of the farm. The Government were further empowered to pay for estates purphased by what are called land bonds, secured on the lands, and having the guarantee of the Government, This was the system that had proved so successful in Prussia. The Premier was the only other speaker. He recognised the importance of the subject, and would agree to the second reading, with the object of sending the Bill to the Waste Lands Committee!' to see if some satisfactory arrangement could hot be made, lie could not agree with §|ir George that this Bill dealt with the question so satisfactorily as was thought, and he felt that there were pot sufficient precautions. The second reading wag th@n agreed to on the voices, Harbor Loans. The second reading of the Oamarn Harbor Board Loan Bill gave rise to considerable disoussion, and several hon. members gave the House olearly to understand "that they were strongly opposed to the construction of breakwaters at many of the harbors in the Colony. Others distinctly affirmed that they would only support the Bill on the understanding that this was to be the final' loan asked for. It seems that loans almountingto L2oo,ooo'have already been authorised for tha'ponstructiop of the breakwater, out the sumof L 30.000 is now wanted to repair the encroachments made by the recent heavy weather. Mr Fjsh said hoped that the House would be' chary in sanctioning further Harbor bills, and would also bp in allowing additional loans' to dlstriots where the construction of harbors had already been begun. It would have heen better for Oamarii had there been no attempt to make a harbor there, for Dunodin was the proper outlet for its produce. Mr Fulton remarked that the people Oamaru 1 could not 1 bear the additional atjdp, and in aupport of his opinion stated that people were fleeing from the town, in which there were now 150 vacant houses, owing to the high rates existing. The second reading was carried on the voices.

The Wanganui Harbor BIJI Was stoutly opposed by Bruce and Hr Newman, but the second reading was asrm'ed by 3$ to 3J. ' s

Local Bills. 4 deal of private members' business was advanced a stage this afternoon, the following Bills passing their second readings : Akaroa B,orougfi Council Reserves Vesting and ffeplamation (Mr M'Gregor); Gisborne High School Act, 1885, A men dment (Mr Gfraham); Oamaru Harbor Board Loan (Mr Puncan); Wanganui Harbor (Mr Ballance),

Mr Levestam's persistent efforts to have the Nelson Foreshore Reserves Bill passed into law are not likely to prove successful, Last session the jneasure was hot)y opposed, as it was in 1886, and to-day its fate was Healed immediately. The Minuter of Educa. tion deolared that, inasmuch as the Engineer. in-Chief had reported that the reclamation proposed to be effected was silting up the most valuable part of the harbor it was quite impossible that ,the Government could support the Bill, the second reading of which was by 37 to »$. jdttlngg. The debate on "fhe Railway contrapt taked plape tormorrow afternoon. Five Government policy B,il}s were introduced and read a first time to-day. ■ The Government intend tp remit the puestipn of tfte prohibition of sheep and cattle from Europe to the Stock Committee. An imprest Supply Bill of L 250.000 for a month/s services passed through all its stages to-day. The ' New Zealand Times ' estimates the present strength pf the Opposition party at from thirty-seven to forty. . Theappointment of Mr Fred John Wilson, formerly of Clyde, as solicitor to the Public Trust Office, at a salary of LSOO, is notified in the Civil Service Reform Act return.

Sir J.Vogel has withdrawn the Christchurch, THstjrict prainaga Bill fnpm the Qrder Paper. .;>-.. . ' ' , \* The Government decline to extend to

school teachers the right of appeal from the* decision of Education Boards. Mr Seddon's arguments against Dutch auctions were backed by a statement that Americanised Yorkshireman recently cleared L 5.000 net profit from a four months' tour 1 through the Colony. Sir G. Grey's Bill providing for the limitation of votes to one passed its second reading on the voices without any discussion.

Mr Fulton says that the Wellington Cemetery is a disgrace to that city. The Christchurch and Wellington tobacconists have petitioned the House asking that they be licensed, and saying that the smuggling of tobacco is being extensively practised. The ' Post' says that to limit the number of members of the Legislative Council as proposed(jwould revolutionise the Constitution, and be dangerous to the liberties of the people, because the Government would lose their present power of bringing the Council to its senses. Mr Fulton asserts that Oamaru is so heavily taxed that people are fleeing from the place, and that there are now 150 empty houses there. The ' Post' declares that the reduction of the Governor's salary will injuriously affect the Colony in the eyes of the people at Home.

The Minister of Works says there is no intention to compel platelayers to work more than eight hours a-day, but their duties occasionally detain them. Notice has already been given of about twenty local Bills providing for legislation of a parochial kind. A Bill authorising Oamaru to raise a loan of L 30.000 for the repair of the breakwater has passed its second reading. A number of members are going to Pieton by the excursion trip of the Penguin on the Prince of Wales' Birthday. Sir F. Whitaker informed Colonel Brett, in the Council to-day, that the Government had no official knowledge of Colonel Noake's pamphlet. Colonel Brett remarked that this was very unsatisfactory. The Government have no intention of in. troducing a Bill this session providing for the periodical transfer of school inspectors from one district to another.

The 'Post' says that in its present amended form the Midland Railway contract is one of which the House should ap. prove as fair to the Company and satisfactory to the Colony. Sir G. Grey's motion for the production of the Sievwright and Stout correspondence relative to the purchase of the Dunedin insurance buildings site has heen agreed to, Mr Pish says that he will have the details, of the reductions which the Government intend to make, even if he remains here six months for that purpose. Mr Moss has given notice of a Cemeteries Act Amendment Bill, which will enable boroughs to authorise the qqe of private, lands as cemeteries.

Mr Hutchi§qn intends to ask the Government \t (hey are prepared to rescind the firoolamation prohibiting the importation of ive stock.

Mr Smith has suggested to the Government tbat they should introduce legislation ■ dealing with absentee land-owners by im.i i posing special extra taxation upon them. The Opposition have arranged not to table any want-of-canfidence motion on the Budget proposals. Mr Pearson is asking the Government to introduce more stringent legislation to pro, tecfc candidates and members of the from insult and annoyance when addressing public meetings. Sir Robert stout and tbe Attorn*yn Generalship. The statement has been wired to several newspapers during the last day or two that Major Atkinson had offered Sir R. Stent the and a seat in the Legislative Council. Probability was supposed to be lent to the report by SirK. Stout's departure from Dunedin for the seat of Government, and Mr Pyke pnt a question to the Premier on the subject this afternoon. Major Atkinson denied absolutely that there was any truth in the report, adding that no negotiations had taken place either directly or indirectly between Sir R. Stout and himself with a view to a coalition since 1884. The explanation was received with slight applause.

The Dunedin Hospital. A claim for L4oo,'as subsidy! being half of the cost of construction of an operating-, room in connection vyith the Dunedin. fiospital, has occupied the attention of the. Colonial Secretary for some time. On my representing to him this morning that some surprise had been expressed in Dunedin at his refusal to admit liability, he kindly allowed me to peruse the whole of the correspondence connected with it. The matter was before the late Government, and Sir R. Stout, on October 3, left the following memo, for his successor:—" I strongly recommend this to my successor &s a special case for special consideration." It will b§ seen that no promise to contribute' 'the subsidy asked for was distinctly made, as has been alleged by the Charitable Aid B.oard, The matter was brought before Mr Hislop by Mr W. D. Stewart and Dr Fitohett a few days ago, and the following written reply was forwarded to them: — I have no doubt that, upon looking into the esse, you will sse tbat the Government would not be .(uglified in paying the sum wanted as a subsidy. H'a special vote is to be parsed, there must fee qpecl&i, circumstances to justify it. Such, reasons have not yet been shown ; but before definitely refusing to ask tbe Government to place a sum on tbe Estimates, I will wait Sl* K'. stouv's reply to my letter. The last communication e irom the InBpector of Hospitals, to the chairman of the Board at Dunedin, and was forwarded! hy to-day's m a il ty is as follows ;—■"•'" ' \ have tbe honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of tbe 16th ult,, in reference to the reiusat of the Government to subsidise a'grant of L4OO made by the Charitab'o Aid Board of the Dunedin Hospital, and have submitted it to tbe Colonial Secretary (Mr Hislop), who is sorry Ibat his endeavor to conduct tbe business of the Department in accordance with tbe will of tbe country, bb embodied in the Act cf Parliament, does not meet with your approval, and tbat he cannot, on that acount, depart from tbe course he his taken. Besi - c?, he is sure that, on reflection, you will regret that yon have charaeterisf d his wish to aet within the limits of the law as " paltry meanness'* and "flimsy pretext," and will be ready to retiaot your entirely unjustifiable assertion, that the Government would spend public woneys WjegriW on objects in which its merpbers are more or lets person illy interested, • * " X Surprise Debate. The Financial debate was anticipated tonight by something in the nature of a pqrty fignt. Immediately before the House r'ftse, Mr Ballance moved the details of the savings proposed in the financial State-, ment, as far as tyiey haye been decided upon, be laid before the House. The Premier said if such a return were suppled it will simply be '' Nil. u The House must place confidence in the Government so, far as to trust them to carry their retrench.* ment into effect without disclosing their hand, and if it would not do so, tb,ey must replace them with another AdministrationMr Fish insisted that tne Qoveranttnt must furnish these details before the session closed. It was not to be expected that the House was going to leave to the government the manipulation of the scythe of retrench--ment to be used for the protection of the wealthier officials at the expense of the poorer. He deprecated the attitude aaBV}me4 n y the Brenner, and. submitted that the Statement plainly showed that the scheme of retrenchment had been carefully and exhaustively considered. The discussion increased in warmth, and the empty benches proceeded to fill gradually, and Sir Julius Vogel wag one of the first to make his appearance. Mr Turnbuu- supported the motion; and Mr Seddon, in a vehement speech, protested against the Government being allowed to effect these reductions as they pleased after the Honse had separated. He demanded that details should he submitted so that members might have a voice in the reductions, and. thus discharge their duty to the Colony. Sir J. Vogeli followed, and held that the House was entitled to details of the retrench' ment lie suggested that the motion should be adjourned till after the Financial debate, but i . • . The Premier refused to agree to this proposal. • . Sir J. VbGEt, then advised Mr Ballance to withdraw/his motion. '■'•'-. i- •• •'• -Mr'BAWANCE, in seply, said he did not intend his motion as a hostile oh* He ha 4 no desjre that the.Government should di» dqse their hands prematurely, but he thought the details should he submitted at a late period of the session. The large amounts get down were not merely reducbons.but involved revolutionary changes, and might rob thepeople of their privileges. He therefore held that details should be submitted. He then withdrew his motion. The House, which had scarcely recovered from the surprise occasioned .by the discussion, tb.en adjourned. .... > ; . • \. . .November 4. Tne Cost of Printing. against incurring the expense of printing unnecessary, or costly returns.. .. ■)> „ The Attorney-General, in the Council yesterday, iafhnated ■with sib uncertain sound- bis ldetermination, 4 so' Im --as It "

lay in his power, to reduce the Government Priuter'd annual little accounts, go far as they related to papers, returns, etc., which hon. members of the Legislative Council might in future call for. This explanation on the part of the Leader of the Council arose through Mr Shrimski having moved that the evidence in the Owhaoko and Kaimanawa scandal should be printed. Sir F. "Whitakcr said that for years past the country had been put to needless expense for print'ng unimportant returns, and he proposed in future to oppose such expenditure whenever the expense sbught to be itcirred could be avoided without detriment to the public. In the present instance he would not oppose Mr JShrimski's motion. The Uiiuositlon In a Funk. There is, after all, to be no hostile motion on the Fiuancial Statement, the Opposition having apparently recognised that it would be futile to attack the Budget proposals. A prominent member of the party assures me that the programme of the Opposition wi'l be one of "masterly inactivity," and that they will wait, Micawber-)ike, for " something to turn up." AM to Catholic Schools. There were about fifteen present at the meeting of members favorable to State aid for Catholic s-jhools. Excuses were received from otlvcr who were absent on Committees and the Municipal Conference. Mr Pyke was chosen as chairman. It was agreed that a Bill be brought in dealiugdirectly with the subject, with a preamble setting forth why it was necessary to make a concession to Catholics. Great unanimity prevailed. Mr Pyke was charged with the drafting of the Bill, which will be submitted to another meeting on Monday or Tuesday. It was decided to call it the Roman Catholic Schools Bill, so as not to interfere with the Biblereading in Schools Bill. Legislative Council Reform. In the Council this afternoon, the Attorney-General gave notice that he would move on Tuesday—"(l) '!hat iu the event of a reduction being made in the number of members of the House, the number of members of the Council be reduced to half the number of the House, and the same proportion should thereafter bo maintained. That the matter be referred to a Select Committee to consider and report as to the best plan by which the reduction can be effected ; such Committee to consist of Mr Buckley, Dr Menzies, Mr M'Lean, Mr Oliver, Dr Pollen, Major Richmond, Mr Waterhouse, and the mover."