Parliamentary Notes.

Hastings Standard, Issue 293, 9 April 1897, Page 3

Parliamentary Notes.

IN HOUSE AND COUNCIL. [By Telegraph] (t i'nii Our Spirial I 'uriv.fi">nih iit). ' Wellington, This day. The Lords met yesterday afternoon when the Address-in-Reply was moved by the Hon Mr Pinkerton in a short speech in which he said nothing brilliant. Another of the newly-elect, the Ifcn Mr Kelly, seconded making a f"w hints as to the composition of the proposed bodyguard of the Premier. Sir George Whit more appeared overwhelmed with loyalty, and warmly supported the colony's representation on a scale befitting the occasion. The Hon J. D. Ormond ridiculed the holding of the short session, and thought Parliament should have been called together at the usual time and that the work of both Houses should not have been postponed for the convenience of the Premier. The Hon Mr Walker thought it was never advisable in the interests of legislation to hold a sessidn in the absence of the Premier.

Several other members spoke, and the Address was agreed to. Captain Bailee has been appointed Chairman of Committees in the Upper House.

Although Mr Joyce has been an-nounced-as a candidate for the Chairmanship of Committees in the House it is pretty certain that the honor will again fall to Mr Guinness. Mr H. S. Fish took the oath and his seat yesterday. The member for Dunedin City has not recovered from his recent illness.

In the House yesterday a question of privilege was raised by Hir Robert Stout as to the manner in which Government business had been given preference on the Order Paper, but it was overruled by the Speaker. On the II ou.~e resuming yesterday afternoon, the Hon. -John M'Kenzie moved—" That the House heartily appreciates the opportunity for the colony being represented at the celebration of the <>Oth anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, and cheerfully approves the Premier's acceptance of the invitation of the Secretary of State to take part in such celebrations." He spoke very earnestly to the motion, pleading that the cost of the trip should be voted by Parliament. A lengthy debate followed, the motion being ultimately carried on the voices. The lengthened debate is put down to the desire on the part of members who lost their opportunity of speaking to the Address-in-Rtniy of taking the earliest chance of airing their eloquence. The discussion certainly went beyond the terms of the motion, and trenched largely on the Public Revenues Amendment Bill. The next order, which is to determine the period for which supplies shall be granted and the sending of a military contingent, was also dealt with, notwithstanding the Premier's declaration that the matter was covered by the motion. " There is talk of bringing Mr Pirani forward as a candidate for the Chairmanship of Committees. A social is to be tendered Mr Seddon on Saturday in Bellamy's. It will be entirely devoid of political color, and both sides have entered heartily into the propo-al to J.rive this send-off to the Premier.

By arrangement the financial debate is to be taken at half past seven to-

night. of contention will be the time to-wliieh extension of supply will be granted—October 11th. as requested by the Premier, or September ttOtU as the Opposition wi>h.

A caucus of Ciovcrnir.i i t «uppotu retakes place at noon >. the eontmtrent. If it goes Home it will I. by tlie aid of the votes of the Opposition, a larce majority of whom >rt the pr. i •