POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 7641, 18 June 1888, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[From Onu Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, June 18. Pergonal. Captain Russell, member for Hawke's Bay, returned from England by the AoraDgi last evening. His visit to the Old Country has improved his health and he is looking snuch stronger than he was prior to going Home. During the passage out Captain Russell contributed much to tho entertain mont of the passengers by several lectures which he gave on New Zealand. Volunteer Ueffiilatlonx. Tins Commissioners appointed to revise the Volunteer regulations are Lieutenantcolonels Butts and Hume, Captains Douglas (staff officer), Coleman (Cavalry), and Falconer (Torpedo). No time has yet been fixed for tho first sitting of the Commission, but they will assemble at an early date. Wear Fruit. The fruit-growers of tho Wellington district are agitating for an increase in the duty on fruit, and Mr Pyke is endeavoring to arrange a deputation to the Premier, but the matter is delayed owing to Sir H. Atkinson's indisposition. Uannuct to Mr Bryce. The Hon. John Bryce was entertained at dinner at Bellamys on Saturday night by the members of both Houses, twenty-eight gentlemen boiug present, representing all shjules of political opinion. The AttorneyGeneral presided, and tho Miuistcr of Public "Works occupied the vice-chair. The Defence Minister was also present. Apologies for absence were received from the Premier, who was suffering from sore throat, and from Mr Scobio Mackenzie, who had a prior engagement. The health of the guest of the evening was proposed by the chairman in a felicitous speech, in which he expressed regret that Mr Brycc did not occupy a seat in"the present Parliament. Mr Bryce, in acknowledging tho compliment, expressed a hope that at some future date he would again take part in public affairs. The health of the Speaker of the House of Representatives was proposed by Mr W. P. Reeves; and Sir G. M. O'Rorke, in replying, said that in his thirty years of parliamentary experience he had never known a better Parliament. Sir Maurice referred in complimentary terms to the Young New Zealand party for their ready observance of the rules of the House. Artillery Instructors. Two artillery instructors from the Imperial School of Gunnery at Shoeburyness, under engagement for service in tho Permanent Artillery, arrived yesterday by the Aorangi. The Member for Tuaucka. Mr J. C. Brown's condition is causing his friends much anxiety. I.esal Examinations. The suggestion made by the Senate of the New Zealand University that that body should be allowed to conduct the whole of the law examinations in the colony is being favorably considered by the Judges of the Supreme Court, and it is probable that the proposed arrangement will be adopted. Tapering Off. The Government have fully redeemed their promise to taper off the public works expenditure. When they took office last October the liabilities of the Public Works Fund amounted to L 850.404, while at the end of March they stood at L 471.695, showing a reduction of nearly half-a-million in six months. The Premier. The Premier is so bad that the doctors will not allow Ministers to see him, and no businsss is permitted. An attack of pleurisy is ffiaral. __