Parliamentary Notes.

Hastings Standard, Issue 438, 29 September 1897, Page 2

Parliamentary Notes.

[By Telegraph.]

[FROM OUR SPECIAL Ri'.PORTEK.J

Wellington, This day

Yesterday afternoon the elect of Awarua took the oath, being introduced to the Speaker by the Minister of Lands and the member for Caversham (Mr Morrison). Congratulations were tendered in his usual happy manner by the Leader of the Opposition to the Right Hon. R. J. Saddon on the distinctions conferred on him while in the Mother Country. In reply the Premier took the Opportunity to say that although a Democrat he did not deride the honors conferred by the Queen on deserving subjects who had devoted their time and attention to the welfare of the people. The Young Persons Protection Bill was introduced by the Premier. The Hon. W. P. Jennings has given notice of motion in the Upper House that the Government be asked to take steps to allow properly registered bodies, such as Friendly Societies, <tc., to have art unions for the purpose of distributing useful articles other than works nf art. The Hon. Captain Baillee was reappointed Chairman of Committees iu the Upper House. The speakers to the Address in Reply in the Council were the Hons. Major Harris, Messrs Rigg (who as an ultra-Radical had a tilt at the pomp displayed in connection with the Queen's Jubilee and the Governor's reception), Dr. Grace (who urged that the outcry against juvenile depravity was greatly exaggerated), the Minister of Education, Mr Shrimski, and Mr L. Walker. The Minister said that the University about to be established would be founded on broader lines than those in other parts of the colony and would more closely ally primary and secondary education. He claimed that sufficient attention was not givon to the efforts of the Government in various parts of the colony in the matter of technical education. Attention is being drawn by Mr Scobie Mc-Kenzie to the insufficient accommodation at Dunedin for railway station purposes, and he wants to know whether, in view of the danger to the travelling public, the Minister of Railways will give his immediate attention to the matter. On the House resuming at 7.30 Mr C. Wilson moved the Address-in-Reply. There was nothing particularly brilliant in his remarks. He waded through most of the Governor's Speech, and expressed the opinion that the colony was more prosperous than for years past. Mr W r . Symes (Egmont) seconded, congratulating the Government all round. Captain Russell made a good and telling speech, getting many of his thrusts well home. He complimented the mover and seconder of the address. The Speech, he said, was full of misstatements. He referred to the noble manner in which the colony had responded to the call of liawke's Bay for help after the disastrous Easter Hoods, and on behalf of the county thanked the people of New Zealand for their generosity. Contrary to expectations the Hon. W. Hall-Jones rose to reply to tho Leader of the Opposition. His speech was a weak one. He was followed by Sir Robert Stout, who spoke of tho discourtesy of the Premier replying to Captain Russell. l|s thought that if the Masters and Apprentices Bill became law it would have a most disastrous effect on labor, and would mean seven or eight thousand being thrown out of work. There was no policy in the Governor's speech, but there were signs that another loan was pending. Mr Hogg strongly supported the Liberal Government, after which the House adjounred. The polling for the Dunedin City vacancy has been fixed for October 18 (Labor Day). Thq Government suggests tbat

privilege commit?' c- should lomprise the Speaker. Messrs Duncan, Stevens, Joyce, Seddon avid Fisher, with fcir members of the Opposition. It was, however, distinctly stipulated that Mr George Hutchison should ilot be appointed. The Opposition claim that the matter is one outside of party and that there must be eqii&l representation of both sides. It is understood that when the committee is set up Mr Ward intends to make a short statement. Later. In the House, Mr Seddon gave notiat of the following to form the committee of priviliges n the Awarua seat •,'l<l report within ten days : Messrs Joyce, Guinness, Fisher, Montgomery, Duncan, Captain I!us sell, Hon. W. Kolleston, Sir E. Stout, Mr Allen (Bruce), and the mover. In answer to Captain Russell the Premier promised to place the motion at the head of the Order Paper tomorrow. Mr Pirani gave notice to move the addition of Mr Graham's name to the Committee. Captain Russell gave notice to move the omission of certain names not stated and the addition of others.