Wellington Gossip.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9735, 18 July 1894, Page 3

Wellington Gossip.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] [BY TELEGRAPH.] Wellington, Tuesday, A SENSIBLE SUGGESTION. Several members are moving in the direction of altering the hours of sitting of the Home for the greater convenience of members themselves, and also of the Press, It is proposed that the House shall meet in the afternoon at 2 o’clock instead of 2.30, and take tbe dinner adjournment at 5 instead of 5 30. The House would meet again at 7.30 as usual, but rise for supper at 10 p.m. instead of at 10.30 as at present. It is contended that the 10 o’clock adjournment would clear the galleries half an hour earlier, which would be a distinct advantage in shortening the debates, as very few of our legislators care to speak at any great length when the galleries are empty. The new proposals are meeting with much favor, and will probably be agreed to if they are brought down ns amendments to the Standing Orders.

THE SECOND MILLION. During tbe debate on the Banking Rills this afternoon Captain Russell referred to the two millions to be raised for the Bank of New Zealand, and said the House was entitled to some definite information about the second million. He said the Government had a most obedient majority in the House ; there was also in office at present a rash Colonial Treasurer and a very autocratic Premier, and he was afraid that before the session closed they wonld see votes brought down for all kinds of public works which tbe Ministerial majority would carry through the House by force of numbers, and it seemed to him that the second million wonld ha disposed of in that manner, notwithstanding what the Colonial Treasurer had told them. Captain Bussell also thought it was a most extraordinary proceeding that members of the Parliament of the colony, who were the principal partners in guaranteeing the two millions to the bank, should bo refused information which it was absolutely necessity they should obtain. A DRASTIC PROPOSAL. If the Hon. John M’Grcgor, one ot the latest t Jditious tolhe Legislative Council, is to have, hie way the Gaming Bill, which is now before the House, will contain a moat absurd clause. Mr M‘Gregor Intends moving when Sir Robert Stout’s hill reaches the Council the addition of a new clause lotbidding, under pain of a £2O fine and a month's imprisonment, the publication in any newspaper, pamphlet, book, or circular of tips, betting odds, or any information or advertisement as to betting or wagering of any kind whatever. JOTTINGS. Several Ministerialists are agitating for a revision of the Customs tariff this session. Mr Carnell to-day presented a petition from 48 members of the Napier Land, Building, and Investment S ciety, praying for an exemption under the Land and Income Assessment Act np to £6OOO on mortgages for land held by the society. Captain Russell is moving in the direction of endeavoring to obtain a postal delivery for Waipawa. Mr F. Piraui, the member for Palmerston North, intends bringing in a Fire Brigades Bill this session, as the Dnvernmcnt have decided not to move in that direction.