POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 8615, 8 September 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[From Otm Repobtkb.] WELLINGTON, Skptembbb 8. Tbe Penny Postage. In the Financial Statement the Government announced their intention of establishing a penny postal system throughout New Zealand, and the Post Office Acts Amendment Bill, the second reading of which was reached after tbe snpper adjournment last night, gives effect to that proposal. Postmaster • General Ward, who had charge of the measure, mentioned that the Government did not arrive at the conclusion to propose the adoption of the penny postage without a great deal of consideration, and without having gone earnestly and carefully into tbe whole matter. The intention of the Government was to bring this Bill into operation on 31st March, 1892, at the end of the present financial year. Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the issue of postal notes of tbe value of L 5, and extends their currency to twelve months, practically giving the Issne of the notes a State guarantee. This would also allow money order offices to be opened in remote country districts. In adopting these large postal notes New Zealand was ahead of the rest of the civilised world. Clanse 5 permitted the nse of engraved stamps on envelopes in addition to the adhesive stamps which had been need hitherto, a concession which, he affirmed, would be found invaluable. When the Bill was passed the newspaper rate to the Austral ian colonies would also be reduced to a halfpenny. Dealing with tbe financial aspect of the question, tbe hon. gentleman said that in the Postal and Telegraph Department the excess of revenue over expenditure in 1891 was L 72,731, and the average for the past five years had been L 35,210 per annum, showing the extraordinarily recuperative powers of the department. It bad beenargoed that this redaction of postage wonld alone benefit the mercantile classes, bnt he invited the House to look at the matter from a broad point of view, and to say whether any such concession could prove advantageous to tbe . commercial people without indirectly increasing the benefits of the workers. It had also been said that we were giving away L 40,000 which onght to have been applied to public works or to a remission of taxation; but he contended that the redaction of postages by 50 per cent, would mean a great increase in the nnmber of letters despatched, and the revenne thus lost wonld in three years be returned to the Treasury. Canada, India, and the United States had an universal penny postage within their several territories, and the finances of their postal departments had risen since its introduction in most places. As showing the increase of letters within this colony, he mentioned that in 1880 the postages numbered 11,861,456, while in 1890 the nnmber of letters posted within tbe colony had risen to 21,501,937. The postal rate to England was new only 2Jd, and the time was not far distant when England wonld introduce an oesan penny postage. As showing how high rates operated, the Postmaster • General quoted figures to show that the telephone system had been retarded in Victoria in consequence of their excessive rates. In Victoria the avenge cost of telephones to subscribers was Lls 19s 31, while the average cost to telephone subscribers in this colony was L 7 8s 6d, Again, although Victoria started the telephone system before New Zealand, we bad twenty-eight more subscribers than they had. In conclusion, he maintained that the tendency of the age was to lower the rates of postage throughout the civilised world. Experience farther showed that to rednee postage ntea to a lower level was synonymous with an enormous expansion of business.

Sir John Hall said that the extension of the time within which postal notes wonlii be used, and the amount of their'onrrency, would prove a very great convenience, as also would the issue of engraved envelopes, but he could not agree with the PostmasterGeneral's proposal on the larger question, The figures quoted were interesting, but the existing rates had not been shown to have stood in the way of commerce or the extension of postal communication. The reduction of the cable rates with the Mother Country would undoubtedly prove of great benefit to the colony, but there was no desire for a redaction of the present postal rate within this country. Instead of a loss of L 40.000 in revenue, the loss had been estimated at L 63.000,

The Hon. Mr V\ ard : That is without any increase in the number of letters.

Sir John went on to say that this L 40.000 of revenae which was to be lost could be better applied to relieving the taxation of the working classes. The proposed concession would, he thought, almost entirely benefit the mercantile classes. He suggested that the Postmaster General might consider whether or not it was possible to reduce the rate of newspapers and book packets to England.

Sir G. Grey referred to the speech of the Postmaster-General as a very great speech. One more logical in its arguments had never been used, nor a more businesslike speech ever been made in any Parliament. For several years he (Sir George) had advocated this measure, which was now likely to become an accomplished fact. The hoc. gentleman who had the honor of conferring this great boon on the colony had deeply and fully earned that privilege and honor for the attention he had bestowed on his office. The reduction in postage would not only benefit the banking and commercial institutions, but everybody in the community more or less, Mr Fergus denied that the redaction of postage was desired by the people, or that the colony could afford it. In saying this he admitted that the Postmaster-General had the interests of the commercial community at heart, and was honestly doing the work of his department in a sterling manner. He (the speaker) was likewise free to admit that until the pressing wants of the country were satisfied by the extension of the telephone service, and more frequent inlaid mail communication, be was unprepared to vote for any sacrifice in the way of the reduction of postal rates. Colonel Fraser spoke against the penny inland postage, and said that to carry it out in the present financial position of the colony would do an immense injury to the Government. He should vote for the second reading out of pure courtesy to the gentleman proposing it, but he should use every exertion in his power to stop it when the Bill was in Committee,

Mr Fish, while congratulating the Post-master-General on his evident mastery of the subject, could not support the loss ol L 40.000 to the revenue of the colony. How the labor members could support this proposal with the present enormous taxation obtained through the Customs be could not understand.

The Hon. Mr Mitchelson hoped Mr Ward would not consider him a pessimist because he opposed the Bill. He regarded it as inopportune, When the late Government decided to reduce the ocean postage to 2£d, the present proposal was also before them; but the late Colonial Treasurer, after very careful inquiry, found that the colony was not in a position to afford such a reduction. He quoted figures to show that the proposed redaction would not be recouped to the colony for a considerable time, and he corroborated Sir J. Hall’s statement that it took England twelve years to recover the revenue lost by the establishment of a penny post in that country. The present proposal wss to his (Mr Mitchelson’s) mind practicable, but the colony could not afford it at present. Mr Ward would find that if the deficit were greater than be anticipated the House would not be likely to agree that the postage should be raised. He wished to say that, from the figures supplied to him when he held the position of Postmaster-General, he found the loss to the revenue by the proposed reduction wonld be from L45.0C0 to L 50,000, even allowing for the increased number of letters that would result from the reduction. He should not propose any amendment to the Bill, but would content himself by voting against it. Mr Mills (Port Chalmers) saw no reason why they should not accept thin proposal, as the Government had taken the responsibility of it. The Government by their taxation proposals had increased burdens on the mercantile classes, and he looked on the proposal as a concession to those classes. Messrs Moore and Dutbie opposed the Bill, while Messrs Rhodes, Macdonald, Harknees, and Saunders supported it

Mr Fisher said a majority of those who wonld vote foi the Bill would do so because of their respect for the Postmaster-General; and he, out of loyalty and admiration for that hon. gentleman, wonld vote for it also if he could see his way to do so. The proposal was not asked for, and should not be given effect to.

Mr Dawson supported the Bill, and submitted it would be a concession to the commercial and mercantile classes. At the same time, those classes were already taxed pretty heavily by the income tax, and this slight concession would make up to some extent for that.

The Hon, Mr Ward said that Sir 0. Grey’s advocacy of the measure was a strong argument in its favor, as that hon. gentleman was persistently striving to help the workers of the colony. The motion was carried by 26 to 4 ; and the House rose at 2 a.m. Jottings.

Mr Dawson will this afternoon ask the Premier whether, daring the recess, he will consider the advisability of constructing a branch railway from Burnside np the Kalkorai Valley, a distance of about two miles. Quite a disposition was shown by the House last evening to forward the remaining business on the Order Paper; and the short crisp speeches made proved more than words can express the desire of a number of hon. gentlemen to get to their homes at an early date.

Exception was taken to the Crown Lands Restriction Bill, the object of which is to prevent any persons from claiming the right of light over Crown lands, on the ground that it gave the Government privileges not enjoyed by private individuals; but the second reading was assented to by 32 to 19, The second reading of the Lyttelton Harbor Board Land Bill, to vest the Gladstone sheds and other property at Lyttelton in the Railway Commissioners, was agreed to without discussion.

Now that permanent rifie ranges have been secured in the neighborhood of Wellington, Sir John Hall wants to know whether the Government will provide competitors with free transit to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association.

Mr Bucklond thicks he has scented an improper expenditure on the part of the Government, as the following question, which he has tabled, will show:—“ Whether the pamphlet containing the speeches of the Hon. J. M'Kenzie, the Hon. Mr Seddon, and the Hon. Mr Balance, coupled with a map of Sir John Hall’s properly, has been printed at the Government expense, and whether it is true that the seme arc now being distributed post free throughout the colony on behalf of the great Liberal party.” Ou Wednesday the “slaughter of the innocents” will probably be announced in answer to Mr Taylor, who will ask the Government what Bills they think it will be necessary in the interests of the colony to pass during the present session. Captain Russell is inviting the Premier to facilitate the setting up of a select committee to inquire and report this session into the allegations made in the petition of Mr W. B. Edwards, and whether his position, in being called to the Bench and not getting a salary voted, demands relief.

Aid* to Winning Constituencies. I The motion for the third rending of the 1 Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill, c which enables the Government to spend 1.50,0C0 a year in opening up land for settlement, gave rise to a lengthy debate, iu the J course of which nearly every member of the * Opposition took exception to the proposal, < on the ground that the money could be raised by the Minist?r of Lands without ordinary appropriations. Afler the measure had passed its final stages, Sir J. Hall 1 jokingly suggested that the title of the J measure should be “a Bill to enable the • Government to expend L 50.000 per annum | on local public works without ordinary - appropriation of the General Assembly.” ‘ The Llbrarlanshlp 1 The Library Committee recommend that r Colonel De Quincey be appointed librarian, j in addition to tho sergeantship-at arms. The Direct Mall Service. i The Postmaster-General has informed a J deputation of Southland members that, while personally he would like to see the j direct mails landed at the Bluff, he could not hold out any hopes of this being done. It was a matter for the contracting com- ] panics to consider. If the Government i demanded it to be carried into effect, the subsidy would have to be materially increased. Certain to be Killed. A large majority of tho Council are opposed to the Law Practitioners Bill. The Hon. J. N. Wilson, if he is sensible, will keep it at the foot of the Order Paper. Leader of the Opposition Chosen. i An Opposition caucus for the appointment < of a leader was held this forenoon, Sir John 1 Hall presiding. Captain Russell moved and ' MrMitchelson seconded that Mr Rolleston ] bo chosen leader, which was carried nnani- ' mously. On Dr Newman’s motion it was > decided to set up a committee to watch tho t interests of the party during the recess, and 1 to organise. What was required was a 1 patty to support law and order. Mr ' Mackenzie pointed out the necessity of having i a meeting of the Opposition party at Christ- ’ church during the Agricultural Show week, 1 when a basis of organisation could bo agreed < on. The Opposition would appeal, he thought, to fanners’ clubs, co-operativo i clubs, and to agricultural clubs. 1 The Defence Force. • Iu his report on the New Zealand forces J Lieutenant colonel Hume says that the per- I manent force have proved them- ' selves accurate shots, but the limited amount ! of ammunition fired, on account of expense j attending practices with service ammunition, is calculated to interfere with efficiency. I It is, however, hoped that ere long the Morris tubes which have been ordered from Home will arrive for the 6in and Sin breechloading guns, by which means a considerable saving should be made annually. It is intended to use these tubes for ordinary target practice of the recruits, who have joined both the artillery and torpedo oranohea during the past year. Colonel Ilame says that they havo been mostly colonials, and the greater portion of them are New Zealand born. They are robust, active, intelligent, and subordinate ; are calculated to make good soldiers ; and, as a rule, are anxious to become efficent. As to the volunteer force, its total strength on 31st December last is stated to have been 6,700 of all ranks, as against 7,719 at the close of the previous year, and of those numbers 4.939 earned capitation, last year as against 5,758 in 1889, With respect to mounted corps, the colonel says that what seems to be required for a country like Now Zealand is mounted rifles, who should be instructed both in cavalry and infantry drill, equal attention being given to mounted and dismounted drills. This kind of training should produce a body of men and herses whose services must be most valuable in time of war. All mounted infantry corps, as well as some of the cavalry corps, have recently been made mounted rifles ; and it is hoped that the few hussars, etc., that remain will shortly become mounted rifles, and make themselves proficient in both mounted and foot drill as quickly as possible. On the subject of equipment, dress, etc., Colonel Hume says: Karkee uniform has been sanctioned, and will probably be shortly adopted throughout the force, Ithasbeen chosen for service rather than for display, and is of colonial traditional aspect. It will serve for both full and undress by difference of the head-dress, the glengarry being worn as undress and the soft felt hat as full dress. If this uniform were universally adopted by mounted rifles, artillery, engineers, and infantry, and capitation guaranteed for three years, all corps should be financially sound. The keeping up full and undress uniforms is unnecessary, and hampers acorp’sfunds considerably. New belts are much required throughout the force, but it will probably bo wise to defer purchasing these till a decision baa been come to as to what magazine rifle the Government intend adopting.” With regard to capitation, he says: “ The system of giving all branches of the service tho same capitation appears to fie somewhat unfair, as it is manifest that the mounted corps, field batteries, and engineers are put to much greater expense in wear and tear than the infantry. It must be recollected that in mounted corps there is a man and a horse to be taken into consideration; in field batteries the gnus to be kept dean and in serviceable order; and in the engineers a

large supply of tools and appliances has to be kept np; and these corps, for the above - stated reasons, require more capitation than infantry. But an adjustment is not insurmountable. It is suggested that the amount of capitation decided upon should be guaranteed for three years, the men being enrolled for a like period. This would put au end to the uncertainty that prevails from year to year in the force as regards the amount of capitation that will be passed by the House of Representatives; and in order to do away with theinjustioe'now existing, under which regular attendants oannot count many parades they attend, in consequence of twothirds of the total strength not being present, the capitation should be divided into so many parades. Say a L2 capitation is divided into sixteen parades of 2j 6J each, then every man present wonld be credited with 2s 6d for each parade he attended, and absentees would be lined a like amount; 2s 6d being credited to those present irrespective of whether two-thirds of the corps were present or not. As soon, therefore, as a regular attendant bad put in his sixteen parades he would have earned his capitation, and would not be required to attend several extra parades, as he has to do under existing regulations to enable casual attendants to obtain the capitation,” The End draws Nigh. Supply is the third Order for to-day, so that the Estimates will be under review all to-night. Ministers confidently talk of proroguing not later than Friday week. Widening the Breach. Mr Bryce’s speech has widened the breach over the privilege question, and has effectually prevtnted any action with respect to expunging the resolution cf censure being taken, The Female Suffrage. Mr Fulton takes charge of the Female Suffrage Bill in the Council, but is not sanguine as to its prospects of passing. The Postal Bill. The Penny Postal Bill passed through committee unamended. , Intercepting Supply. The House is now debating a motion favorable to a trial of Vaile’s system in Auckland, as an amendment to the motion for going into Committee of Supply.