POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 7364, 9 November 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

{.From Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, Novkwbbb 8. Settlement on the Education Reserves. The Government have not yet definitely decided whether the new Land Bill shall inake provision foj rendering the .education reserves available for settlement by giving power to the Governor-in-Council to require them to be dealt with nnder the land laws of the Colony. The matter is, however, to receive consideration by the Cabinet this week. Major Steward is moving privately in the same direction. Absentee Landlords,

The Premier says that the Government have no intention of proposing any legislation dealing with absentee landlords in the way of. imposing special extra taxation on this large and increasing class of propertyowners. He says, moreover, that there are two sides to the question; that from L 50.000 to L 70.000 is received in the Colony for persons absent in the Old Country under the Property Tax; and that absentees pay the Property Tax here as well as the income tax at Home. Ministerial Residences. The ' Evening Press' took Sir J. Vogel severely to task for retaining possession of the Tiriakori road residence for six weeks after the late Government went out of office. Sir J. Vogel explained the matter in the House this afternoon, and was borne out by the Premier, that he had offered him the residence, and was told that he might remain in it till it was reqnired. He also referred to the expenditure for furnishing, aud called on Mr Mitchelson to vouch for the necessity of it. Mr Mitchelson admitted that the carpets required renewing, and other things required attention, but he would not justify the expenditure for alteraetc. Half-caste Land Claims, The Government propose to introduce a, Bill during the present session to provide for the half-caste land claims reported on by Commissioner Mackay, They will give an opportunity for the inclusion in the schedule of other haif-castes who may be shown to he entitled to land grants, but whose claims have not yet been submitted to the Com,missioner. Reduction qf the IJpner Hous.e. Tfoe Attorney-General moved his resolution in favor of reducing the number of members of the Legislative Council at the afternoon sitting of that Chamber. He said that the duty was not an agreeable one, bat -the country had demanded the reduction. If his proposals were carried out, the reductions in the two Houses would amount to L 8.190. It would be propsed to bring the number of members of the House of Representatives down to seventy-five, and it was not likely that under such circumstances the representative Chamber wonld consent to the Council remaining at its present number. The increases in the number of members of the Council from time to time had not added to its efficiency, and he thought that the reduction could be made with considerable advantage. The duty of devising how the scheme was to be carried oat would be left to the Committee to be appointed. The reduction could not take place until after a dissolution—probably not for three years; but Parliament, having just been returned, could consider the matter calmly and dispassionately. The course to be taken in the event of a disagreement between the two Houses need not be con* sidered until hereafter. The Government estimated that by the saving in honoraria! printing, and other legal expenses'which would result from this retrenchment in both Houses, a saving of L 20,000 would be effected.' Seeing that such substantial'sums would be saved, and that there would be ho loss in efficiency to the country, he asked thej Council to consider the matter from a public point of view. The matter would probably come before the Council'again in the form of a Bill from tne House of Representatives,' reducing the number of its members, and it would then be convenient to add' a clause reducing the number of the Legislative Councillors. " . '.' "' '.

The Hon. Mr puvEs complimented tho, Attorney-General' 6u his able ippeoh, bu> could not consent, on such short notice, to shch an important constitutional change. If the number of the members of the Council were fixed, an enormous amount of power, Buch as would not be desired by either the country or the Council, would be given them. He estimated that the saving in the honoraria that wonld result from the Government scheme would not exceed L 4,000. If the circumstances demanded it he was sure that the Council would rise to the ocoassion and make a much greater sacrifice than was now demanded. For his own part he entirely disapproved of the payment of members of the Upper Chamber.

The Hon. Major Richmond thought that time should be given for the matter, and moved the adjournment of the debate. The Hon. Colonel Brett thought- that three years hence, on the eve of a general eleotion, would be the proper time for the consideration of the proposal. He moved as an amendment that the debate be adjourned for three years.—(Laughter.) The debate was adjourned for a week. Chinese Immigration. Mr R. Reeves made an appeal to-day to the Government to place a check on Chinese immigration, and referred to the steps taken by the Premier of Victoria as proof of the necessity for protecting ourselves against an invasion from Celestials, The Premier admitted that the question was one of very considerable importance, and it was possible, and he might also say thafc'*£e should have to protect our civilisatfen against the civilisation, of the Chinese, which we tbink inferior. He did not see any reason to fear an. invasion, but. the Government would carefully look into the matter and take measure* to p-tvent any possible ohance of *' permits '.'• returning with other and strange Chinese. If they failed to devise a means to -check this practice they- would stop the issue of " permits'' altogether. _ ■ • i Tribute to an early Premier. The decease of Mr Alfred Ocmett, formerly Premier of New Zealand, and intelligence of which reached here since the last meeting of the House, was referred to this afternoon by, the Premier, who. said that Mr Domett, was a very, old colonist, and was distinguished for his character, his ability, and his l nigß intellectual quaUtieß,

He was one of those early settlers who had left his stamp upon the Colony, which was thoroughly :>>:d justly proud of him ; and it SCCUI..-.1 lUl ly ix-.i:-oiial)ie that this Houso should rcß'?:.;nisc on his posing away ttio many exeelltmt qualities' of one of tins pioneers of settlement here—a man who had left his mark not only upon our legislation, but also upon our civilised life. He therefore moved—" That this House desires to take the earliest opportunity of recording its sincere sympathy with the widow, family, and friends of Mr Domett in the great loss they have sustained in the death of that gentleman, who not only during many years rendored valuable public service to this Colony, but also in his admirable poetical writings has preserved interesting and valuable pictured of this country in its early state and of its aboriginal race which will be of value and interest to New Zealanders in all times."

Sir J. Vogel, in seconding, said that the distinguishing features in Mr Domett's public career were the sacrifice of bis natural inclinations to a private life and literary pursuits in order to render services which were at that time imperatively demanded of him on behalf of the Colony. He was noted for his high culture, his generous manner, and especially for the great judgment with which he was able to discriminate between conflicting opinions, and to take a sound, practical view of affairs brought under his notice. Few public men had passed through life with so few enemies and so many friends. Mr Kerr referred to Mr Domett as an early colonist who had borne the burden of the day when the Colony was in great straits.

Sir J. Halt, said the distinguishing features of the deceased gentleman were his perfect straightforwardness and his fearlessness. There was nothing like concealment or insincerity in the whole of his composition, and for those reasons he never forfeited any hon. member's goodwill or confidence. Mr W. I' Reeves said that Sir George Grey had taken a very keen interest in the matter before the House, aud it was with the deepest regret that he found himself unable to attend that afternoon on account of illuess. New Mills. Amongst the new Bills given notice of today were the following : —South Island Native Reserves (Major Atkinson); a Bill to repeal the Triennial Parliaments Act (Mr Samuel), Industrial School Act Amendment (Hon. Mr Fisher), District Courts Act Amendmdnt (Hon. Mr Hislop), Bill to provide for the triennial election of licensing committees (Major Steward). Items. Mr Seddon has given notice to ask the Minister for Public Works whether he will, so far as practicable, and with a view to reducing the Public Works departmental expenditure, place in the hands of Harbor Boards, County Councils, and Borough Councils that have competent engineering staffs, the expenditure of the votes for railways, harbor works, roads, and minor works situate within such harbor districts, boroughs, and counties ? Sir J. Vogel asks the Minister of Education—(l) What has been the result of the investigation by the local authorities into the case of a little girl flogged at school at Newton (Auckland) ? and (2) does the Minister or the Government propose to take any further steps in this matter ? Volunteer Capitation. The question of capitation allowances to country Volunteer corps was brought under the notice of the Government to-day by Mr R. Reeves. The Minister of Defence said that changes in connection with the Volunteer and Defence forces were contemplated. The Government had requested MajorGeneral Schow to make a general report on the defences of the Colony, and thought it inadvisable to anticipate that report by any explanations. Codlin Moth. Mr Jones and Mr J. B. White have brought the question of the codlin moth pest under the notice of the Gouemment, and have obtained an assurance that the Act will be made general and compulsory, instead of optional as heretofore. Sir G. Grey also intends to make the Act applicable to counties, and place it under the Crown. The Act, so far, has been almost useless, for the reason that it is in force in some counties, and inoperative in counties adjoining. Midland Railway. The Premier says that the Government have been informed that the syndicate of persons who are finding the money for the construction of the Midland Railway have limited the time for which this offer is open; and if the matter is not settled within that period, they wjil not be prepared to advance the money. He does not know what the limited period is, but the Compuny have postponed their meeting till the 28th inst. Deep-level Prospecting. Mr Peacock brought under the notice of the Government to-day the importauco of reinstating the vote for deep - level prospecting of goldfields. The Minister of Mines said that the regulations now provide for assistance to a certain extent, and Government do not see their way to go further. Steam diamond drills were now required, and would cost L 2,100 each, so that a large amount of money was involved. Mr Reeves pointed out that steam was not necessary, and that electricity (at one fourth the cost) served the purpose admirably. Children in Factories. The question of hours of labor for children in factories was brought up in the Honse to-day by Mr Moss, who said that he saw by an article in an Onehunga newspaper (which had been forwarded to him by an Auckland association interested in these matters) that sixty children were to be employed in the Onehunga Woollen Factory. While first employed they were not to be paid wages, and while under tuition the girls were to work forty-eight hours per week and the boys fifty-five hours. The Premier said that he had not seen the report in question, but, if true, there was very considerable ground for complaint, which had the sympathy of the Government, and they would make inquiries. If it were found that the children were called upon to work the hours named, it was quite time that the House proceeded to further legislation in the matter. Pushing: on the Business.

Our legislators seem to be anxious to push on the business of the country with as little delay as possible, and have therefore refused, to adjourn over the Prince of Wales' Birthday. Mr Guinness, with a desire to loyalty, moved that the r|ouse, on i\» rising, do adjourn till Thursday afternoon, apd the resolution was seconded by Mr MiGregor. The proposal was opposed by Mr Peacock, who urged that members should try and advance the business of the country. Messrs Kelly, Cowan, Sir J. Vogel, and Mr Turnbnll spoke in a similar strain. Major Atkinson pointed out there was little private members' business on the Order Paper, and said that if the House met he proposed to continue the Financial debate at the evening sitting. The motion for adjournment was withdrawn, and the usual sitting will therefore take place. Shop Hours Bill. Mr Joyce is introducing a Bill under the above title, which makes it penal for all retail premises (except licensed houses, refreshment houses, and newspaper offices) to be open except during the hours of from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and till 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Chemists and druggists may supply medicino at all times, but their shops shall not be open for the sale of anything else. The Midland Hallway Difficulty. As might have been expected after Friday night's debate, the Midland Railway question has been referred to a Select Committee. The Premier said that, in conformity with the wishes of certain members, the Cabinet had decided to refer the matter to a Select Committee, instead of to a Committee of the whole House. The matter was one of considerable importance, and he wished to get the decision of the House as early as possible. He moved—" That it be referred to a Committee to considerthe proposals made for amending the contract between Messrs Chrystall and others, signed ' The Midland Railway Company,' for the construction of the Midland Railway, anfl to obtain their opinion whether all (or any) of the amendments should be adopted ; the Committee to consist of fourteen members, five to be a quorum, and to have power to call for persons and papers, and to report on Or before Wednesday, November 16." ' Sir J. Vogel could not disguise his belief that it would have been better for the Government to have got the question settled by the Committee of the whole House, but possibly the Premier's motion was made in conformity With the wish of a majority of members. ' Mr Reeves (Inangahna) censured the Premier for want of backbone in relegating this question to a Select Committee. , .An hon. member wanted.the Order of Reference altered so that the Committee

might have power to report whether it would not he advisable to stop the contract at Rci-ft.'T!, I'U- ill.- Prt-ini«r declined.

The iiiOiii,i: c ■■'.-: Hi. i; «i; lied. Major Atkin

Sfii nrrwiTsinir to f-v.biuit the names of the (J..in'iiiitteuat 730 p in. in ai.cidance with this promise the following Committee was appointed at 7 30 :- -Messrs Barron, Fulton, Sir John Hall, Sir G. Grey, Captain Russell, Mr V. Fyke, Hon. E. Richardson, Hon. G. F. Richardson, Mr 0. Samuel, Sir J. Vogel, Dr Hodgkinson, Mr Seddon, Mr Levestam, and Major Atkinson.

The Employers' Liability Act, An amending Bill introduced by Mr Downie Stewart, is intended to prevent employers entering into agreements by which servants are unable to recover compensation. It It gives the Court authority to allow an action to proceed, although no notice may have been given within the time prescribed. Compensation may be allowed in excess of three years' wages up to L 30 0; and it is further enacted that an employer cannot get rid of his liability by entering into subcontracts. Officials Dispensed With.

A return laid on the table to-day shows that the following officials in the Stock branch of the Public Service have been dispensed with or under notice of dismissal: — P. B. Boulton, Chief Sheep Inspector, Christchurch, from June 30, 1887 ; R. H. Johnson, do, at Dunedin, from June 30; and F. C. Lewis, do, at Auckland, from September 30. Also the following sheep inspectors :—Messrs E. Robson (Tauranga), D. Edwards (Thames), A. Bonar (Helensville), C. Reynolds (Westport), J. Thomson (Port Chalmers), all from June 30 last; B. Clapcott (Auckland) and W. Simpson (Foxton), from September 30; and J. L. M. Carey (Blenheim), clerk, from June 30. The Catlin Itlver Railway. Mr Mackenzie asked : (1) Is it the intention of the Government to charge the full cost of the outlay in connection with the unemployed on the Catlin River Railway against the sum voted for the Catlin River line ? (2) Will the Government see that the works be valued by competent men, aud the difference between cost and value (if any) of the work done charged, not against the Catlin River Railway vote, but against Charitable Aid ? Mr Mitchelson said that with reference to the first part of the question, if the work done was fair value for the money it was right to charge it against the vote; and with reference to the second part, the Government thought that if the value of the work done was not what it ought to be, it must be the fault of the engineers, and if the work was not equal to the expenditure he would see that the vote was Bot burdened with the loss. The Otaffo Harbor Hoard's Bill. The Local Bills Committee have reported that the Otago Harbor Board Amendment Act is a local Bill; that the Standing Orders have been complied with ; and that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the biennial elections being held on the second Monday in February, instead of in November as proposed in the Bill. The Financial Debate. The debate on the Budget proposals was exceedingly dreary, and the attendance of members was limited. Sir J. Vogel spoke for two hours and a-half in a labored style, evidently recognising that the Statement did not offer many points for attack. The Minister of Education followed, but has often been heard to greater advantage. He, however, scored a point in declaring that by reducing their own salaries nearly 50 per cent., ministers had set an example to others whom the retrenchment policy must affect. Ilnw the Cat Jumps. Judging by the general demeanor of members yesterday the Legislative Council are not favorably disposed to the proposal to reduce that Chamber to thirty-five members. There will also be strong opposition in the House to the proposed reduction of its number to seventy ; but the Government will make a determined effort to carry their Bill for that purpose in the Representative Chamber. Mr Kryce's Petition. In Chamber to-day application was made by Mr Travers to have the Bryce-Hutchison petition taken off the file on account of its not sufficiently stating the grounds of the charge. The judge refused the application, but petitioners were by consent ordered to give particulars of the chargts in detail, specifying the names and dates; such particulars to be delivered to the respondent seven days before the day to oe fixed for hearing. Mlscel'aneous Jottings. The Financial debate is expected to extend well into next week. Petitions from the Auckland unemployed have been presented by Mr Goldie. Mr Joyce has given notice of a Shop Hours Bill. The Midland Railway question has been referred to a Select Committee.

Mr Samuel intends to introduce a Bill to repeal tbe system of triennial Parliaments. The Minister of Works says that there will not be money available to comply with the North of Auckland demands.

The Government say that the most important problem of the day is how to attract Btnall farmers with moderate capital and practical skill to our shores. M r Monk is asking what retiring allowance was paid to Mr W. T. Lewis, jun., and by what right it was paid. The Wesleyan Methodist Church Property Trust Bill has been read a second time.

Mr Guinness is introducing legislation in the direction of abolishing coroners' juries. Several petitions from Otago in favor of Bible-reading in the schools were presented to-day. The Government expect to effect a saving of L 20,000 per annum by the reduction of the members of the two Chambers.

The cost of replacing the torpedo lost during the recent defence works display here is L 250.

The Government have given notice in the Legislative Council of a Bill to amend the Pharmacy Act. Petitions for State aid to Catholic schools have been presented from Whangarei, Tauranga, Rotorua, Manawatu, Parnell, Kumara, Wellington, Waimea, and other places. Mr Larnach is anxious that one of the University Professors and the Inspecting Engineer of Mines should go to America to report on the means in use there for saving gold. The Government Bill for the reduction of members of the Lower House to seventyfive was read a first time to-day. Mr Goldie is asking for a retufn which will go exhaustively into the whole question of Ministerial residences,-tenure on which they are held, and the cost of their maintenance.

The Government have no intention of substituting twenty-five words for ten in delayed telegrams at existing rateß. Mr Guinness has given notice of a Bill to amend the Coal Mines Act. Mr Moss's Bill to amend the Cemeteries Act, in the direction of giving boroughs power to authorise the opening of private lands as cemeteries, has been read a first time.

Sir G. Grey was too unwell to attend the sitting of the House this afternoon. The Government will decide before Friday whether to take steps with a view to secure the representation of the Colony at the Melbourne Exhibition next year. The • Evening Press' thinks that it will be a miracle if the report of the Midland Railway Committee does not make confusion worse confounded, and that it is a blank look-out for the railway. The Public Petitions Committee referred tha aid-to-Catholic-schools petitions to the Education Committee, The Minister of Works refuses to make railway crossing-keepers a special allowance for Sunday duties. ■ Mr Larnach is asking the Government if they will continue monetary assistance to the schools of mines and open other schools. Mr Monk is now asking a return of expenditure on roads and bridges in Auckland and Wellington districts from the North Island Railway loan. The Premier does not intend that the House shall sit on Mondays yet, but will probably take Wednesday and Thursday (private members' days) for Government business next week.

The Financial debate to-night drew crowded galleries, but little more than onehalf of the members were present. The ' New Zealand Times' thinks it is of the greatest importance that the Midland Railway contract shall be oarried out, and does not see any grave objection to the majority of the Company's demands. Major Steward's Educational Vote Bill prevents a householder giving more than one vote for each candidate at the election of school committees.

. Another Bill introduced by Major Steward provides for the utilisation of the education reserves for settlement purposes. ; The Government are considering whether it is not advisable to adopt a cheaper system

of dealing with Native titles than by the present Native Lands Courts. Legislators are so anxious to push on publici business that they refused to observe the Prince of Wales' Birthday as a nonsitting day. The friends of Mr Napier Bell have succeeded in getting a Select Committee appointed to inquire into the alleged mismanagement of the Westport Harbor Board. The total amount spent on the formation of special settlements within the provincial district of Auckland is L 4.065.

The Midland Railway Committee consists of ten South Island and only four North Island members.

The Government promise to see whether they can possibly apply the principle of retiring allowances to teachers under the Education Act. Mr Ballance says that the Opposition will practice rigid impartiality in criticising the Government Financial proposals. The Bill providing for State aid to Catholic schools was introduced to-day by Mr Pyke and read a first time.