POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 10705, 18 August 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[Kaon Oms Pabluioscast Bavosnt*.] WELLINGTON, Avattn 18. Enehrlaf Uie OppetlUesu I am informed on good authority that the Minister of Railways, being assured that the general feeling of the House approved of bis proposals as oontained in the annual Railway Statement, and being assured, farther, that the proposal to devote a farther sum of £200,000 out of the proposed half-million loan will be agreed to by Parliament, gave instructions some days ago to the superintendent of the railway workshops to re-engage, pending further appropriations by the House, eight artisans whose services had been dispensed with. Most of these men were at work on Monday last. Mr Cadmsn would have informed the House of this fact had the debate on Captain Russell's amendment been prolonged, bat he will do so at a later stage of the present debate, when be proposes to reply to the criticisms of his department. Osage Petitions. In the House yesterday the Petitions Committee, on the petition of W. A. Chambers, of Donedin, praying for compensation for the loss of office, recommended that the petition be referred to the Railway Committee. The petition of James Peterson and ethers, of Waikawa, praying for a reduction of rent, was referred to the Government for consideration. The Bankruptcy Law. Some time ago I advised you that it was the Hon. Mr Lee Smith's intention to introduce a measure dealing with amendments of the bankruptcy laws. The Bill has now been circulated, and contains only three operative clauses. These make special provisions as to order of discharge and as to liability to prosecution in the case of fanners. Clause 2 provides that where the bankrupt if a farmer the Court, in determining whether his order of discharge should be granted, suspended, or refused, shall have regard to these facts: (1) That a farmer is justified in expendtog money so that his farming operations will result in an average harvest; and also (2) that a farmer, not being a trader in thf ordinary meaning, is not expeoted to keep such full books of acoount in respect of his farming operations as would reasonably be required in the case of a trader. Clause 3 qualifies the foregoing provisions by enactlag that they shall apply in determining a farmer's liability to prosecution under any of the following subsections of section 137 of the Bankruptcy Act, 1892 I'll) Subsection 2, relating to contracting of

debts ; or (2) subsection 4, relating to failure to keep usual books; or (3) subseotion 9, in so far as the same relates to rash and hazardous speculations. It is also provided that in no case shall the bankrupt's order of discharge be suspended or refused for a longer period than twelve months, oomputed from the date of bankruptcy. A Useless Debate. Last night's debate was stale, flat, and unprofitable, in proof of which it may be stated that there were only sixteen members in the Chamber during the greater patt of the time Mr Hemes occupied the floor. The discussion may be brought to a close this week unless Mr Scobie Mackenzie, who is to speak this evening, manages to stir things up. Want* to Bear the President. I learn authoritatively that while not opposing the Banking Bill Mr Ormond will move to have it referred to a committee of the Legislative Council for inquiry, with a view to having President Watson examined. Jottings. Petitions, numerously signed by Natives, are to be presented to the House to-morrow against the passage of the Noxious Weeds Bill this session, as it affects Maori lands, and has not been interpreted into the Maori language and circulated, as enjoined by the Standing Orders. Three weeks' further leave of absence have been granted to Mr Hone Heke, and a further extension of leave to the Hon. Lee Smith in consequence of sickness' in his family. The Hon. Mr Scotland, being a share* holder in the Bank of New Zealand, will npt speak or vote on the Banking BilL Mr Mostfs Successor. Major Gudgeon, ex • Commissioner of Police, is likely to receive the appointment of British Resident at Raratonga. It is anticipated that his knowledge of the Native race and habits would serve hitn admirably in dealing with present difficulties with the Arikis.

Tlie Financial Debate.

Mr Flatman has jutt resumed the Financial Debate, and will be followed by Messrs Hunter and Meredith. At the evening sitting Mr Scobie Mackenzie will lead cff, and the Minister of Lands, Mr George Hutehison, and Mr Ward are likely to speak. There is not the slightest chance now of plosing the debate this week.