POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 7627, 1 June 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

WELLINGTON, May 31. Departmental Expenditure. A return of expenses of maintenance of the vice-regal establishment, the Legislature, and the various departments for the different yeans, was laid on the table of the House on Tuesday. The salary and allowances to His Excellency the, Governor for the last year amounted to L9,780j the Ministerial salaries to L.7,533 ; and. other expenses brought the expenditure under that head to L 10.494, as against L 13.096 in the previous year, and L 14.712 iu 1885-86. Under-the heading of Legislative expenses there is LBJ67 for salaries, L 36.229 for honorarium, and L 7,503 for general expenses—the total being thus L 52,449, as against L 46.572 in the previous financial year, and L 46.627 in 1885-86. The expenditure on the departments of the Public Service amounted to L 2.003.302, which, with the other brandies of expenditure enumerated about, brings up the grand total shown by return to L 2,076,035. The return was obtained at the instance of Mr Barron, and the cost of its preparation was nil. The Hallway Commissioners, The position of affairs with regard to tbo Railway Commissionership is set forth in a batch of correspondence which was laid before the House to-day. The AgentGeneral cabled to the Premier on Ist May to .the effect that he and the experts who had received the applications for the post of Chief Commissioner were unanimously against taking the responsibility of recommending any of the applicants, as none of them possessed the necessary combination of qualities. It was clear that men of that kind would not compete, and he (Sir Dillon Bell) believed that the only course was to take time and endeavor to find such a man. Two days later the Premier instructed the Agent-General by cable in these words: "Endeavor to find such a man," and here the matter stands for the present. Women's Suffrage. The Temperance advocates in the House are rallying, with the object of reversing the defeat which they sustained the other evening on the Bill providing for the triennial election of licensing committees. When the Bill is in Committee Mr Goldie intends to move the insertion of a clause giving women other than property-owners the right to vote at licensing elections; Such a clause was inserted in the Bill last year; but the measure did not get through. Government Advertising.

During the year ended September 30 last the Government paid L 9.600 for advertising. Ot this amount the Working Railways Department absorbed L 3.789, and the Lands and Survey Department L 2.526. A perusal of the sums paid to each newspaper certainly does not warrant the belief that the Ministerial organs were unduly favored, which was the idea in having the returns obtained. A Fisliiiiß Settlement. Mr Bruce intends asking the Government whether they will set apart a block of land in the Tauranga district suitablo for a fishing settlement, as there is reason to believe that in the event of such inducement being offered a number of Highland crofters, skilled in fishing pursuits, might avail themselves of such advantage. The Volunteers. Some comment of an unfavorable nature ' has been occasioned because the Government have not adopted Major-general Schaw's i proposal for disbanding all the country corps. From inquiries made of the Defence Department I learn that by wiping out all the country corps, and permitting of the retention of only one company at Oamaru, Timaru, Nelson, Wanganui, Taranaki, and Napier, in accordance with General Schaw's iecommendation, would be asavingof only L 4.000, while an absolute liability of L 20.000 would bo i.eurred for uniforms, drill-sheds, etc. It has therefore been decided to retain the country corps, but the members will be required to strictly comply with tbe efficiency standard. The vote for volunteer purposes last year was L 52,000, while this year only L 28.000 will be asked for. Three schemes were submitted to the Cabinet by the Defence Minister, including Major-general Schaw's, which would cost £24,000. General Schaw, subsequent to making his report, admitted that it would be wise to retain the country corps, the members of which could bo drafted into the towns should necessity arise, and he has given his cordial approval of the Hon. Mr Fergus's proposal. The capitation for the town and country corps has been fixed at 30s, but it is probable that a proposal will be made by some private member to increase the capitation for garrison corps to 40s, provided that four extra drills arcgiven ; and the Minister is likely to accede to this desire.' In 1881 the town corps only got 253 capitation, and the country corps 20s capitation. It has varied at different times from 25s to L 3. A Hit-a Palpable Hit. Mr Buxton scored off Dr Fitchett rather heavily during the debate on the Contagious Diseases Act Repeal Bill last night. Dr Fitchett, in the course of his speech against the Bill, had taunted many of the advocates of the repeal of the Act with ignorance of the Bubject they discussed. A few minutes later Mr Buxton (who was one of the speakers alluded to) rose and made a personal explanation. He himself, he said, spoke upon what he had heard and read — that was whore he had got his information ; and if Dr Fitchett knew any more than that he pitied him. Then the member for Rangitata sat down amidst tremendous cheers, and was subsequently observed to be chuckliDg quietly to hinißelf. Freetraders Refuse to Support the Government. The following is a copy of a joint letter sent to the Premier by Messrs Macarthur, Wilson, and Bruce :—" We feel it to bo our duty as Freetraders to withdraw our support from your Government in consequence of their protective policy; and it is with regret that we now acquaint you with our intentions. We sympathise with you in the difficulties by which you are surrounded, and regret that at such a crisis we feel compelled to sever the connection which has hitherto existed between us." All-round Dissatisfaction. Mr Goldio has received a number of telegrams upon the Tariff which he has handed to the Premier to see how far effect can be given to the requests made. In Borne cases they are from those whose special industry has not been protected, in other cases the senders suggest an increase, but there is an evidont want of unanimity amongst the trades. For instance, in the boot trade some manufacturers aro satisfied, whilst othors want reductions in the duties on leathers, whbh, whilst benefiting them, will not protect the tanner. True to his Convictions. Mr Lawry iutimated to the Premier that if a direct issue between the Property Tax and a land and income tax should arise in the Financial debate, he will be compelled to vote against the Property Tax, independently of party considerations, The Situation Growing Critical. The situation is a critical one, and the Government fully recognise this. Before the final debate on Tuesday begins Ministers will convene a meeting of their party, and if continued support is refused the Government will resign. They naturally object to retain their seats at the aweet will of those who have been their most consistent opponents on all questions of policy. The followingarothe membersof the Government party who openly express their disapproval of the Tariff proposals, though many of them have not written to the Premier breaking off party allegiance—viz., Messrs Bruce, Anderson, Barron, Allen, Beetham, Fulton, Buchanan, Mills, Macarthur, T. M'Kenzie, Scobie Mackenzie, Rhodes, Tanner, Wilson, Marchant, Withy, and Lawry. The Mahakipawa Goldfleld. Our Wellington correspondent wires:— " A private letter relative to the Mahakipawa goldfield from a person in a position to give authoritative information has been shown to me. The writer speaks very hopefully of the prospects, and says that a lucky party showed him payable gold weighing 6 or 7dwt, and told him that they hadfoundonenuggetof 17dwt. TheHavelock registrar's office has been rushed for miners' rights, and claims are said to have been pegged out over an area of four miles along the bed of tne creek,

More Defections. It was expected that the ultra-Freetraders would not support the Tariff, and subsequent events have confirmed that idea. Yesterday Messrs Macarthur, Bruce, and Wilson sent a joint communication to the Premier withdrawing their support on accopnt _ of , the Protectionist policy embodied in the Financial Statement, and to-day. the list ,was strengthened by the withdrawal from the party of Messrs Barron, Mackenzie (Clutha), Withy, Allen, and Crawford Anderson. Mr Scobie Mackenzie has made no formal declaration of severance, but he recognises that the Government will take it for granted thai his Freetrade views will necessitate his both voting and speaking against their proposals. lie fears, however, that should a change take place, a Government from the other side of the House would propose even greater pioteetivc duties, and says ho recognises that in the proposed abolition of the Public Works Department the present Ministry are attempting a most useful reform. Sir CI Grey's Altitude. Sir George Grey will await the rault of the Opposition meeting, which, howj.'cr, he does not attend, before deciding on his course of action. He says he is not sure that he will not move hiniself, even if the party decide to remain inactive. Our liriau Prospect*. i The following appears in to-day's 'New Zealand Tithes':— "A rumor was current last night that a telegram had been received from London representing the prospects of floating the new loan as very unfavorable at the present time, and advising the postponement of any operation on the London money market for several months at least." I do not pretend to vouch for the truth of this report, which, however, reached me from two different (Quarters, both likely to be well informed. . I am, however, pleased to learn from the Premier that there is no truth in the above. On the contrary, he assured me that he has cable advice to-day to the effect that the figures he sent Home recently will aid materially in placing the loan. Ministers have just (3 p.m.) informed me that the loan will be floated in London within the next fortnight. Very favorable information as to its prospeots has been received by the Premier. The minimum has been fixed at L§6 10s. The Chinese Conference. The Cabinet to-day decided to ask the Hon. R. Oliver to represent New Zealand at the Chinese Conference, and have no doubt that he will accept. The Premier intends this afternoon submitting a resolution dealing with the Chinese question. The Tariff. Messrs Goldie and Moss arc endeavoring to arrange a meeting of Protectionists, including those on the Opposition side of the House, to-night or to-morrow morning, to endeavor to secure united action on the Tariff. The Northern Express. Mr Allen is again moving the powers that be with a view to getting the express train to stop at Pclichct Bay, and the Government will agree to its staying on the way to Duncdin, but not on leaving for Christchurch. This will not satisfy Mr Allen, who is awaiting the receipt of a petition from Dunedin before taking action in the House. Educational {Retrenchment. Mr Pearson is moving that where the average attendance in the public schools exceeeds 100, the age shall be raised. If this is carried, a saving of L 25,000 a year will be effected. Hudson and Co.'s Grievance. Members are being swamped with telegrams asking for Tariff alterations. R. Hudson and Co., Dunedin, have wired to the member for Roslyn :—" Wo have two large biscuit machines on the way out from Home, of a special kind that could not be made here. Please provide] for their free admission if possible." Mr Ross, iu bringing the matter under the Premier's notice, pointed out that Hudson and Co. were a very enterprising firm, and he represented the hardship of heavy duties being imposed on machines which had been ordered for some time, and M'cre now in transitu. The Premier replied that he could hold out no hope of a remission of the duty in this case. He admitted that there were some hard cases, but feared they could not be helped. It is understood that in other matters the firm had got a good deal of help. Jottings. The Hon. R. Oliver is moving in the Council to have the school age raised to six, and for the abolition of Education Boards. This afternoon's sitting of the House was chiefly devoted to local"Bills, n ne of which have any interest for your readers. The Council are to be asked, at the instance of the Hon. It. Hart, to affirm that in the present depressed condition of the finances of the colony the totalisators should be taxed. The ' Evening Press' speaks of the Financial Statement as tho "Black Budget." The Opposition are likely to meet tomorrow to consider the Statement. Mr Goldie has presented a petition from 357 residents of Auckland in favor of tho maintenance of the proscnt system of education. The Government have not yet decided whether to to send for another shipment of Scotch salmon ova. Mr Seddon is asking the Government if they will introduce an Auctioneers Amendment Bill. The petition of tho Teviot fruit growers asking for an increase of the duties on fruit has been referred to the Government for consideration. An extraordinary petition is that of W. G. Garrard, of Auckland, who has repeatedly petitioned the House, without success, for a grant of land in consideration of military services. He has broken out badly again. Mr Goldie on Thursday presented another petition of an extraordinary naturo from him. Its tenor may be gathered from the following extract : " Your petitioner prayed for honesty and justice, and no more random recommendations on this subject. Ho is full up with it. Your petitioner is au honest man, not a rogue and vagabond. Your petitioner declines to have anything to do with the new commission, unless independent gentlemen sit, who have nothing to do with the Government. If you drive your petitioner to stump the country on the subject, ho will show up through the whole placo the dirty transactions of your appointed Commissioners and servants; how they try to humbug the people out of their honest rights. If tho same Commissioner sits it will be the same old four and ninepence—hoping no offence at this—and your petitioner will he truly thankful, and ever pray at your command," etc. Mr Barron will move this afternoon that last night's debate be not reported in 'Hansard.' Some very strong speeches were nwdc. An Ultimatum. Latest. A meeting of fifteen Freetraders, who have formerly supported the Government, is just over. They appointed a deputation to wait on Sir H. Atkinson and ask him to reduce the Tariff proposals generally, otherwise they will leave him. Stopping Public Works. In the Council to-day Mr "Waterbouse gave notice of motion that in the present financial condition of the colony it is undesirable to proceed further with the North Island railway, except that portion from Woodville to Paltnerston North. Clutha's Member Speaks Out. The following is Mr M'Kenzie's (Clutha) letter to the Premier:—"l am not satisfied with many of the proposals contained in the Statement. Granting that an increase of revenue is absolutely necessary, and that Customs must be the channel for collecting at any rate a portion, I consider that the Tariff as submitted all through and in many instances is ridiculously absurd. For example placing a duty of 20 per cent, on butter and cheese when the country is flooded with these products. The Tariff will bear unduly upon the industrial classes generally. Watches escape entirely, and silks are only increased 5 per cent., whilst prints, calicoes, hollands, and shirting for workmen —all articles in daily use in families —are increased by 20 per cent. Again, many of the duties, whilst appearing heavy will not be revenue-producing and will only raise the cost to the user. The position at preacnt is exceedingly

serious. To balance the accounts, further retrenchment is necessary, and it ought to be boldly faced. The direct mail service can Btand curtailment; the Education vote can bo reduced by raising the school age in cities, say, to six or seven; and several other items can yet be cut down. On the other hand, duties can be levied on many articles which will not weigh hardly upon those able to bear them, and will, without increasing the cost of goods to the consumer, be revenue - producing. I greatly approve of a primage fund. Nothing will bring home the effects of extravagances so forcibly to the people as asking them to pay at the time any deficiency that may occur. I also commend the Premier for facing the deficit instead of funking it. I still hold an independent position." The Latest. Mr Orinonrt's Suggestions. Mr Ormond moves that the school age be raised to six; that subsidies to local bodies be abandoned, thus obviating the necessity for raisins the tea duty J that the primage duty.be abandoned j and the deficit funded. The Government accept this, and invite discussion before the Tariff is debated. The Opposition are chagrined, and say that the resolutions are inspired.