WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7197, 24 June 1885, Page 3

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

(FROM OtTR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) [BY TELEGRAPH. 1 Wellington, Tuesday. The tariff question ia still the chief subject of discussion in the lobbies, and the Free Traders protest as loudly as ever as to its objectionable character. It is questionable, however, whether anything will at present eventuate from their opposition, as even supposing them strong enough to defeat the Ministry on a distinct issue they have no reoognised leader. Major Atkinson's speech at Hawera, in which he plainly advocated Protection, at once puts him out of the running as leader of a Free Trade party pure and simple. It ia also evident from Sir Julius Vogei's remarks this afternoon that Ministers will trim their sails to suit the majority of the House, but there is unmistakeable proof that their financial proposals have fatally weakened their influence over their party. It ia reported that the proceedings at the "Waste Lands Committee this morni ing were of a somewhat stormy character. The committee met for tho first time this session for the election of a chairman, aud it was fully expected that there would be no opposition to .Mr Pulton's re-election, as Mr Steward had retired from the committee. Mr Rolleston proposed Mr tfulton as chairman, but Mr W. 0. Smith got up and proposed Mr O'C&Haghan, whose chief I qualification for the office is that he is a warm supporter of Ministers. On the question being put Mr O'Callaghan was elected, by 7 against 5, Mr Maeaudrew, who waa looked on a 8 a safe vote for Mr Fulton, quietly giving his voice with the ayes. The appointment is likely to cause much, dissatisfaction, and rumor has it that Mr Rolleston intends resigning his seat on the committee in consequence of it. Mr Steward's action in retiring from the committee when he found he was to b 9 nominated in opposition to Mr Fulton ia generally commended, but our present " Liberal " Government felt no doubt that as Mr Fulton waa patriotic enough

last year to return the cheque tor £100 to which he was entitled as chairman, the taxpayers' money should be paid to somebody. The result ia that Mr Pulton, after his long experience on the committee, ia rejected, and a prominent Government supporter put in his place. A large meeting of the representatives of local and foreign insurance companies was held this morning for the purpose of considering the Fire and Marine InHiirance Companies Bill now before ] Parliament. Mr Pierce, of the Liverpool, London, and Globe Company, was in the chair. The principal objection to Sir Julius Vogel's bill was Ihe clause compelling foreign insurance companies trading iv New Zealand to deposit securities to the amount of £'20,000 with j the Government as a guarantee against probable losses. It was pointed out at the meeting that this proposal would have the effect of completely stopping I the transactions of foreign companies in the colony, and it was decided to represent to the Colonial Treasurer that from this standpoint alone the measure was objectionable, as the revenue of the colony would suffer severely owing to the Jo9s of stamp duty and licenses. It was also resolved to point out that in no single instance had any foreign company failed to meet its engagements in New Zealand. A series of resolutions protesting against the bill was adopted, and a deputation was appointed to interview [ Sir Julius Yogel on the matter. The School Committees Election Bill, introduced by Mr Steward, fixes the annual meeting of householders for April in place of January, and repeals the cumulative roting power given under the Education Act, 1877. The voting power of each elector is limited to one vote in respect of each candidate. The Adoption of Children Act Amendment Bill, introduced by the Hon. Mr Tole, gives to Resident Magistrates the jurisdiction as to the adoption of children that is now granted to a District Judge under the Adoption of Children Act, 1881, but does not take away the jurisdiction of any District Judge under the Act. The Fisheries Encouragement Bill, introduced by Sir Julius Yogel, provides, inter alia, that the Governor may set aside Crown lands upon the coast line for fishing towns, and that the Colonial Treasurer may during the nest seven years give bonuses as follows : —

(1.) In respect of the first 200 tons of fish cured and canned with or without oil, the Bum of one penny per pound, the weight of cans not to be included in the tonnage upon which such bonus is paid. (2.) In respect of every ton of fish cured and canned as aforesaid beyond the first 200 tons, the sum of one halfpenny per pound, the weight of the cans not to be included in the tonnage upon which such bonus is paid. The total tonnage upon which the Treasurer may grant bonuses as aforesaid under this Act shall not exoeed six thousand tons. 11 p.m. According to lobby gossip Sir George Grey is preparing a very warm speech against the Ministry, which he means to deliver when the House is moved into Committee of Supply. I hear he will specially single out Sir Julius Yogel for attack. The Native Lands Disposition Bill was expected to come on for discussion tonight, but it is unlikely now that Mr Ballance will move the second reading till Friday. Mr Ormond arrived to-night and took his Beat in the House.