POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 7613, 16 May 1888, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, May 15. Opposition Caucus. The Opposition members now in Wellington held a meeting this morning (Mr Lance presiding) at which it is claimed that forty members were present or accounted for, Mr W. C. Walker (whip to the party) stated that Sir Julius Vogel, having gone to England had tendered his resignation as Leader of the Opposition. Sir J ulius’s resignation was received with expressions of regret. The necessity for organisation was then discussed, and it was resolved that the meeting, so far as that question was concerned, should adjourn to Thursday next at noon to allow of all the Otago members being present. Considerable discussion ensued as to the constitution of the Petitions and Native Affairs Committees with respect to the preponderance of Government supporters, and Messrs Lance, Walker, and Seddon were requested to seo Ministers with a view to their reconstruction. Schools of Mines. Mr Cadman intends to introduce a short Bill amending the Counties Act, so as to make provisions for allowing local bodies to assist Schools of Mines, which they cannot legally do now. Petitions. The National Women's Christian Temperance Association have petitioned Parliament through Mr Fulton, praying that the liquor law may be so amended as to prevent drink being sold to children under sixteen years of age, and that clubs should be placed on the same footing as hotels with regard to licenses. Ex-Inspectors James ami Buckley, whose services were lately dispensed with on the ground of economy, have petitioned the House for relief, no pensions having been provided for them. The First Debate of the Session came off this afternoon in connection with the Chinese Immigrants Act Amendment Bill. The Premier, in moving the second reading of the measure, which tie carrying capacity of vessels from one Chinese to each ten tons to one Chinese to 100 tons, reminded the House that though the question was a large one, the colony was powerless to act without the concurrence of the Imperial Government. Most of the colonies had agreed to the proposal to hold a eonferenee to consider this question, and the Government had also urged that they should unite in requesting the Imperial Government to enter into a treaty with the Chinese similar to that already arranged with that Power by the United States. The stoppage of Chinese immigration to America, and praotisally to Australia, was the justification of some further legislation on the part of New Zealand. The Government hero had concluded that it would be wise, in view of the difficulties under which the Imperial authorities labored, to enact the same law which was in force in Victoria (and which had received a Royal assent), together with the enforcement of strict quarantine. He hoped that the House would not be led into panic legislation, or led by fear of dangers which were not to be apprehended to inflict injustice upon anybody. The Hon. Mr Ballance expressed the opinion that Great Britain would seek to conclude a treaty on the same basis as that with the United States. He disagreed with the Premier in saying that there was no idea of a Chinese invasion, inasmuch as the Chinese were not colonists in any sense, and only tended to the degradation of the community in which they lived. He thought that even a modified invasion was undesirable, and for that reason regretted that the poll tax had not been increased from LlO to 1.50. Mr Bruce thought that the introduction of the Bill at the present time was inopportune, inasmuch as the question was now engaging the attention of the Imperial Government. In his opinion a stronglyworded despatch to the Home Government would have met the case, and would have avoided the appearance of pandering to a popular clamor. Messrs W. P. Reeves, Cadman, Seddon, Hodgkinson, and Loughhey all thought that the measure was not sufficiently stringent in its terms, aud urged that the poll tax should be increased ; while Mr O'Callaoiian proposed that the proportion of Chinese should be limited to I per cent, of the European population. The Premier in replying pointed out that any proposal for an increase of the poll tax would require to be submitted to the Imperial Government, and urged members not to interfere with the Bill in its present form, assuring them that he was as anxious as any member of the House to prevent the country from being overrun with Chinese. The second reading was agreed to on the voices. Sir Harry Atkinson. Opportunity was taken this afternoon by the Hon. E. Richardson to offer the congratulations of the House to Sir Harry Atkinson on the honor of knighthood which Her Majesty had been pleased to confer upon him since they had last met. Sir Harry, he said, had devoted a large portion of his life to the colony as a soldier and statesman, and well deserved the distinction he had received. Sir J. Hall concurred in the remarks made, and expressed his plcasure at the fact of the first words of congratulation having come from the Opposition benches. He was sure that Sir Harry’s services as a soldier, in the protection of the hearths and homes of the Taranaki settlers, would never be forgotten. Sir Harry had shown Hie same energy and resolution which had characterised him as] a soldier in the political service of the country, and, he might say, in extracting revenue from the pockets of the people. Mr Vincent Pyke, who raised a laugh by claiming to speak as one who sat on the Independent benches, said that Sir Harry had earned the distinction conferred by his services in the field and senate. He had long deserved it. Sir Harry, when he rose, greeted with enthusiastic and general cheering. He made a felicitous reply, saying that what he valued most in this matter was the universal good will expressed by his fellowcolonists. Apart altogether from the question whether titles were desirable in a democratic country like our own, he thought that the time had arrived when men who had distinguished themselves by colonial service should be rewarded, not by such titles as had been conferred in his case, but by nominating them as Privy Councillors of the Empire. That would be a very appropriate way of recognising their services, and of drawing us, as a great colony, closer towards the Empire. Shops Closing Bill. Notice has been given of this measure, which originated in Auckland, and will bo introduced to-morrow. It provides for the compulsory early closing of shops in towns; but contains some exceptions. A great deal of support has been promised to the measure, and Mr Joyce is confident of its passage through the Lower House. Educational Reserves. The Cabinet has under consideration the question whether it will submit legislative proposals to secure that the educational and other reserves shall be so administered as to afford facilities for settlement instead of, as is said to be the case, proving a barrier thereto. No definite decision has yet been arrived at relative to the course to be pursued ; but the Government claim that their object is to give facilities in every direction for land settlement. The FuMpalil Forest. Mr Hobbs and Mr R. Thompson are actively lobbying for support for their Bill, which provides for the construction of a, railway line from Kamo to Kawakawa in the North by a private syndicate. They represent that unless the fine is constructed within five or six years the vast amount of kauri timber killed by the recent fire in the Puhipahi Forest will be uselees. It is proposed to offer the forest to the syndicate as a grant to secure the construction of the lin ° Payment to Common Jurors. The Government have had under their consideration the question of the better payment of common jurors, but in the present state of the finances of the country * he y “° not see their way to do anything. They consider at the same time that every citizen owes a duty to the State. As it is very

seldom that ho is called upon, ho should hi satisfied to undergo the hardship entailoc upon him occasionally. The Midland Hallway Contract. Mr IScddon asked the .Government, with out notice, this afternoon, if the directors o; the Midland Railway Company had nol held a meeting in London on Friday last, and if any communication had been received from them. The Premier replied that n meeting was held yesterday week, and the Goverhment had received a communication from the Agent-General. It appeared that tluro were some points of dillcrencc with the company concerning the contract laid on the table of the House last session, and the Government were now negotiating witli the company on the question raised. Ministers mill Protection. It is generally admitted that Protection will be the test question this session, and, speaking to a prominent Protectionist to-day, he said that Ministers have a very awkward work in hand. They will alienate their Frcetrade supporters if they trim, and will not make friends among the Protectionists to atone for them. On the other hand, being divided on this question between themselves, they cannot well make a decided stand cither way. The Harbor Boards, with their breakwaters, and especially Taranaki, are also ugly questions for them. Meanwhile, Ministers look fat and jolly, and better than I ever saw them before. They, at all events, have not been killed by retrenchment. The hon. gentleman added that he had heard that the Government game would be to split the Protectionists by protecting one or two of the strongest industries and leaving the others till next session, but the Protectionists would resist this to the utmost if tried on. Clove FlglitH. The Minister of Justice docs not agree with Mr Taylor relative to what the latter calls demoralising exhibitions of boxing. Mr Fergus said that the attention of the Government was urgently called to this matter ; but they found that these so-called disgraceful exhibitions were merely sparring or boxing matches with soft gloves. If, however, their attention were called to any disgraceful practice at such matches they would take the matter into their consideration with the object of putting it down, Export of I'nsortcil Gum. Mr Goldie brought this under the notice of the Government to-day. It was a matter of great importance to the industries of the North, ho said. Kauri gum was now being shipped off to New York in the rough state, and sorted and scraped there by cheap labor. Previously it was sorted into thirteen different grades before shipment at Auckland, and the expenditure in preparing it amounted to about L 3 a ton, Ihe effect of the change was that an outlay of from LIB,OOO to L 21.000 per annum in wages for preparing the gum was now lost to Auckland. The Government have promised to consider the whole matter in dealing with the Tariff, and asked that it should be postponed in the meantime. The Lords ami the Address. The Hon. Mr Pharazyn, speaking on the Chinese question, said that ho was sorry to see that the Government had to a certain extent pandered to the mob feeling. It would be more creditable for the Government to make a decided stand, and be expressed a hope that they would deal with the difficulty in a rational manner. There was no fear of this colony being overrun by Chinamen, as the climate was not favorable to their residence. It would be a good thing for the colony if the railway between Auckland and Wellington was hung up, as it was to his mind a great waste of money. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse said that Australia was justified in taking decisive action against Chinese invasion, and it was the duty of New Zealand to co-operate ; but it was premature to do anything yet uatil it was seen what the outcome of the Conference would be. As to an increase of the poll tax, ho considered such a procedure very undesirable. The colony was not prepared to bear the expense of the railway letwccn Auckland and Wellington, the work being far too premature. Sir G. S. Whitmore hailed with delight the classification of the Civil Service. He would like to see the Government devote their talents to trying to increase the exports of the colony, particularly in regard to wool.

The Hon. Dr Grace was certain, no matter what was said to the contrary, that the colony was decidedly improving financially. People were becoming more economical and industrious. The Mon. Mr M'Lean thought that the North Island Trunk Railway should be stopped at once. He referred to the Midland Railway, and urged the Government to be careful' in their disposal of the land along the line. Jottings. Mr R. Reeves is again endeavoring to get a duty of 5s per ton on coal. The Government intend to introduce a Criminal Code Bill this session. The average number of petitions presented to Parliament each session is about MO. , „ ~ Messrs Ballance, Ormond, and S. Mackenzie were amongst the members who arrived to-day. _ . The Government will lay on the table in a few days a return of the pastoral runs in the South Island, ordered last session. The Bill dealing with the old soldiers’ and volunteers’ claims was introduced to-day and read a first time. Mr T. Thompson is asking the Government whether they intend to introduce a Bill abolishing the totalisator or restricting its use. The Otago Central and Kamo-Kawakawa Railway Bills have been introduced in Committee and read a first time. Mr Joyce intends bringing in a Bill dealing with escaped convicts from New Caledonia. Sessional Committees were set up to-day, but they are almost the same as last year. Mr Seddon wishes the Government to reduce the number of local bodies, and enlarge the powers of those remaining. The Government promise to consider the question of the export of kauri gum in the rough state in framing the Tariff. The Bill making the Codlin Moth Act compulsory in its operation was introduced to day and read a first time. Mr Reeves is asking for a return of the reductions made by the Education Boards throughout the colony. The Government are considering whether they will agree to concur in a Select Committee on the defences of the colony. Mr Seddon hauled the Government over the coals this afternoon for not having work ready to keep the House engaged at the evening sitting. Mr Peacock will ask the Government if they propose to introduce an amendment of the Bankruptcy Act this session. Sir H. Atkinson considers that the best reward to distinguish colonial statesmen would be to nominate them as Privy Councillors of the Empire. Mr Seddon intends asking the Government if, in the event of a Colonial Conference on the Chinese question being convened, they will send a representative. Major Steward is bringing in a Bill to provide for the triennial election of licensing committees. Mr Taylor created a laugh by saying that he would ask the Premier to-morrow if he had promised to bring down the Budget on Thursday and the Works Statement next Tuesday. Mr Joyce is again introducing his Shop Hours Bill. The Government anticipate that their Budget proposals will he disclosed before the end of the present month. Sir R. Stout has assured his late supporters that on no account will he re-enter public life during the present Parliament. It is anticipated that Major Jackson and Mr Pearson will act again as Government A rabbit suffering from bladder fluke has been sent down from the Wairarapa, and a dissection of it by Sir J. Hector will be made to-morrow. . Up to the present no intimation has been received from Home that the Queen has assented to the Governor’s Salary Reduction Bill passed last session. The Legislative Council by sitting to-night held an evening sitting before the House of Representatives, which is a most unusual occurrence. The Californian Thistle Bill has been re introduced by Mr T. Mackenzie.

May 16. Leave of absence for a week to Mr Whyte and of a mouth to Sir J. Vogel is being asked for. Mr Hobbs is urging the Government to allow Government tenants to change the tenure of their holdings. Mr Thompson is moving for a return of the expenditure on the North Island Trunk Railway. Mr Turnbull is asking the Government from what source, and on what terms, they procured the money necessary to carry on the affairs of the colony since last session. Mr Hamlin has pointed out to the Minister for Lands a serious defect in the new land legislation. In the case of the sale of swamp lands it would be necessary for purchasers to live on the land before it is drained. This is likely to affect the sale. The Minister has made a note of the defect with a view to its rectification. The dissection of. the rabbit suffering from bladder fluke took place to-day at the Colonial Museum by Sir James Hector in the presence of Messrs Lance, Scobio Mackenzie, O’Callaghan, Valentine, and Blake and others. Mr M’Lcan, who has recently arrived from Homo, where he was employed as veterinary surgeon to the Royal Agricultural Society of England, was also present. After dissection was completed the effect of flukes on rabbits was explained, and Sir J. Hector said he would make an official report to the Government. To-morrow Mr Valentine asks the Government whether in framing the Tariff they will afford encouragement to the re-establishment of distilleries. Replying to Mr T. Tnompson, the Premi;r said the Government were considering the advisability of bringing in a Bill dealing with the use of the totalisator, but they had not yet come to a determination on the matter. The Volunteer Uesulations. Mr Valentine is endeavoring to get the Government to reinstate the unattached list in the Volunteer Department. Under the present order of things officers when required through circumstances to give up their appointments, have their commissions cancelled, and when they wish to re-enter the service have to pass an examination again. This Captain Valentine considers unnecessary, .and wants it stopped, Contractors’ Ucii Bill. Dr Fitchott this afternoon introduced the Mechanics’ Lien Bill, which gives to contractors, sub-contractors, the suppliers of material, and laborers a lien on a building in the course of erection to the amount due to them.