PARLIAMENTARY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1604, 21 August 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) "Wellington, 17th August. This afternoon begins the fusillade on the proposals for abolishing the provinces of this Island, and it is extremely doubtful that the last gun will be heard this week. Reeves, so recently a thick-and-thin supporter of Vogel's, and even his colleague on the Treasury benches, will open the debate in his solemn and measured tones. He is looked upon by the opposition as a budding Treasurer. There is an evident hesitancy in the columns of the Lyttelton Times (MiReeves' paper) at present. Its old decided and forcible- tone seems to be laid by waiting further development, and it falters and maunders in a sad way in dealing with the situation. O'Rorke's retirement from the Ministry was a rare scene for the flaneurs of the gallery, and reminded one of the old days of parliamentary licence, when fiery denunciations were no novelty. The odd part of the dramatic exhibition was that after Mr O'Rorke had denounced his chief as a political assassin and strode down the chamber with the air of a Brutus who had slain a Cffisar, the Premier put on a fine superciliary look of surprise, and after offering an apology for the unseemly conduct of his colleague, informed the House that he and the other members of the Cabinet were until that moment quite ignorant that their offended colleague was so hostile to the policy just announced. I should have added that while Mr Vogel's speech was received with loud applause, Mr O'Rorke's elicited a deafening burst, which would indicate that the opposition was rather stronger or more enthusiastic. It was also noticeable that hisses mingled with the applause. If Mr Vogel was ignorant of Mr O'Rorke's intent the news correspondents and telegraph agents were not, for the resignation was actually on the wires before the resignation scene came off. Surely this was the grossest breach of privilege of all! Taking the above with the scene between the Premier and the Wellington Superintendent, and a number of minor ones, together with those promised, this Parliament is likely to become distinguished for its scenic effects, if not for the number of its acts; and in whatever light the public—in this connexion the audience—may look back upon the Parliament of 1874, the actors —members—will keep it in good remembrance. It is the first session when that all-important question of " member's allowances " was thoroughly ventilated and approached in a truly patriotic spirit. A committee of five (few but select), undertook the onerous duty. The result of their deliberations was, that one-half the committee proposed that the honorarium should be fixed permanently—that is as far as things Parliamentary can be so fixed—at £250. The other two gentlemen could not soar beyond a paltry £l5O. The Premier being odd man, decided in favor of the smaller sum ; many had thought he would have acted differently by recommending the larger sum as an inducement to honorable members to support so liberal-minded a politician ; but here was another disappointment. Politics is a puzzle just now. Even the power of the purse seems to lack its usual potency. The mercenary element is so troubled as to baffle prognostication. Even the Cabinet heights are sending forth volcanic rumblings. Mr Reynolds appears to be in that frame of mind known in his native Doric as :/' swithering," It was confidently asserted on Saturday that he would not be a member of the Cabinet for many days, and his retirement may form a telegraphic item before the end of the week. He is some family connexion of Mr Macandrew, who is just now pulling all his secret strings. Things looked very suspicious on Friday, when, I am told, the Premier took charge of some Customs' work, while Reynolds sat silently by—sulkily some said. One thing is certain : the Premier is very defiant and in terrible earnestness to get through with the work. Mr Richardson was giving a grand party a few evenings ago, and I see by the papers that Mr Vogel took all his work (three bills) on his own shoulders, and got along very comfortably. Apparently he was never in better fettle as a political athlete; but he will want all his wind and staying power this week. He is a little unfairly handicapped too. What with his own infirmity of bearing and the shockingly weak acoustic properties of the hall, either one or the other of his colleagues is obliged to take a note of the points of the Opposition speeches; and it is more than likely that his colleagues are sometimes in as great a dilemma as the unfortunate reporters in the gallery, who half the time don't know whether their " notes" are right or wrong. At least they say so. The ne plus ultra of the Upper House are at their old recalcitrating § tricks again. They have kicked back the Wellington Te Aro Reclamation Bill, and though it would puzzle some of them to give an intelligible reason for so doing, I am not a bit surprised. There is a good sprinkling of them who would kick Wellington into her own harbor if they knew how. Not a bit too pleasant a residence now, Wellington was sadly in want of that Bill to enable us, as it were, to trim, wash, and shave our foreshore of all its offensireness by converting ifc into quay, a thing that must be done some time, Legislative Council notwithstanding. The last few days the House was noticed to be generally very thin. Members are girding up their loins for the weeks' debate. Of course you know that two of the hum-drums of the House, just a cut above Mervyn and Murray, have given notice of alternative resolutions; but it is not likely the House will pay much attention to their " thin dribble." Even all the prejudices and partialities now aroused will not allow them to stand that. The Polynesian Island Trade Encouragement Bill "is not likely to be

doomed even to feel the axe of the " innocents." It will never come on in the present clash of parties. One good political "rally" is generally enough to knock the' wind out of a New Zealand session, so that we will have time to dream over the wealth and power to be won amongst the coral reefs of the Pacific. The breach of privilege breeze blew over without leaving anyone very much frightened or hurt, or the dignity of Parliament made more unassailable. The newspaper men didn't appear to care a snap ; for I notice by the papers that they had the audacity to telegraph the very doings of the Breach of Privilege Committee itself. This was " piling on the agony." A pleasant passage of arms, to listeners, occurred on Friday between the Hon. Mr Fox and Mr Fitzherbert—two out of three of the celebrated " F's." It is seldom that the two collide. Probably old political reminiscences induce a mutual respect and forbearance; but the Manawatu land claims brought both out—the one in defence of what he considered to be the rights of his province, the other in support of his old colleagues and the rights of the case—in his eyes. Mr Vogel stood by the Act and nothing but the Act, and insisted that as Sir Dillon Bell gave his award on a point outside of that submitted to him, Wellington had not a shadow of a claim. Mr Fitzherbert admitted that legally he had not a leg to stand upon, but urged in his strongest manner that the Colony was bound by honor and equity to recognize the claim of the province —a very small matter —£15,265. As might be expected Fitzherbert was as adroit as usual, but Mr Fox made a slashing onslaught in defence of the Government, which almost placed his old friend hors de combat; and though the particulars would be entertaining reading I am afraid I have already encroached too much upon your limited space. Strangely enough, notwithstanding the well-known hostile feeling existing throughout the Colony against "poor persecuted Wellington" (Mr Fitzherbert's words), they carried the motion against the Government by a majority of four, and several Wellington members having voted against it. So you may reckon that this much-vexed question, which has come up session after session ad nauseam, is now finally settled, unless some clever piece of ministerial jugglery brings about another resurrection of the dead. The licensing debate' was lively. There was abundance of pleasant personality. The question was one upon which the most silent could find something to say, and the parliamentary jostling and tripping up of heels was pardonable under the- circumstance as a necessary stimulant to wakefulness, for the wrangle was kept up till 3.10. One could not but admire the eloquence and force displayed by Mr Fox, as he goodhumoredly disputed every inch of his ground. Those who expected a sensational display were disappointed, unless they chose to term as sensational ah earnest and powerful appealcommenced at two o'clock in the morning against the employment of barmaids. It was all in vain. There was a foregone conclusion. As was said by the Post and the friends of the liquor trade—Mr Fox had just to take what Mr Vogel gave him, and he dare not risk an over liberality in a House which has not yet been got to see the sin and suffering which so frequently attend the drinking habits of the people. It was a pleasant sight to watch the fine feeling displayed for each other by the Premier and Mr Fox amidst the clash of argument. On one little point Mr Fox enjoyed a small triumph. You will doubtless recollect the happy suggestion thrown out by Mr Vogel in 1872 —that if taprooms and back sitting rooms, those insidious snuggeries veiled from the public eye, were done away with, and liquor allowed to be sold in open bars only, where imbibers would be exposed to the gaze of every one who passed along, the amount of drinking would bo considerably lessened. Upon this point Mr Fox Hansardized the Premier, and laughingly pushed him into the lobby before him, though he gained nothing else, for the clause was lost. Through an absurd mistake Mr Steward got a clause passed prohibiting the employment of any barmaid, not a member of the publicans' family, at any other time than between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Mr Vogel said the next best thing to do would be to legislate that their breakfasts be sent to them in bed. Apparently out of pure sympathy with Mr Fox and much to the disappointment of one respectable wholesale merchant, Mr Vogel withdrew his clause allowing a publican to obtain a licence as a matter of course; and Mr Harrison interjected a welltimed observation that no lawyers should be allowed to appear for publicans. The House fell in with tho suggestion. So between that and Mr Vogel's consideration Mr Fox was comparatively speaking well satisfied. In connexion with this question your temperance people will rejoice that distillation will be stopped in another year, although from no higher motive than the improvement of our revenue. But.it is always a satisfaction to see a mistaken piece of legislation abolished, and the encouragement of distillers was one of the most stupid this Colony has sanctioned. It is to be hoped that our protectionist proclivities may take a more sensible direction in future. I commend to your notice the recommendation of the Hon, Mr Hart that English words without Maori synonyms should be put in English instead of in the bastard idiom generally used, so as to accustom the natives to learn at least one correct version ; and to Mr Mimtell's amendment that both versions should be printed in brackets. (FROM another correspondent.) 17th August. The past week has been without doubt Ihe most important in the matter of our historical future since the inauguration of the Public Works and Immigration Policy. If that were h memorable session, this bids fair—flat

and insipid as it hitherto had been—to be equally: remarkable. It was patent to the minds of all impartial statesman that when the " Policy of Progress" was initiated, the Government should resume the control of the domain of the Crown on the security of which loans of considerable magnitude were obtained; but it is probable that had ihe battle of Provincialism then been fought, our Public Works Policy would not have been commenced perhaps even up to the present time. The Representatives of the Provinces hitherto have always been able to defeat any proposal for Provincial abolition, — and that from the number of people in the House who are supported mainly, or partially, by the emoluments derived from the existence of those institutions. The security on which the loans was obtained is fast melting away—Otago and Canterbury are selling and reserving their waste lands at a galloping pace; we fear the one-sided compact of 1856 may be ignored; the poorer and weaker provinces cry out annually for eleemosynary aid; nearly all the functions for which Provincial Governments were formed have become vested in the hands of the General Government; and the consciousness of a simpler form of Government becoming necessary, have probably been the main reasons that induced the Premier to fight out the battle this session. He proposes that the experiment shall be tried on the North Island first, and then if found to answer, be adopted by our Southern neighbors. Were he to extend the application of the principle to the South Island this ses.-ion, he would doubtless be defeated—and probably a similar result would occur on the present basis of representation, were he to appeal to the country at large. The State Forests Bill was doubtless brought in to provide security fot the repayment of our debts —an object it would doubtless have achieved—but all the gist of the bill having to Iw taken out to prevent a defeat on the part of the Ministry, after the introducer of the Bill had been entrapped into the admission that the Government intended to make it a Government measure, the Premier had no other mode of preserving consistency —if he ever hopes for such a thing in his political career—but by .enlisting the aid of the Centralist party, to carry out the line of policy that it is doubtless wise and expedient for the Colony to adopt. The telegraph wire and semi-weekly inter-provincial steamers calling at our main ports, abolished the necessity, it is maintained by many, for the existence of local government — while others, like Mr O'Rorke, consider the time has not arrived for their ceasing to exist, and that the Constitution Act should be maintained intact. These are the opinions current in Wellington. A newspaper correspondent has no right to any opinions at all of his own to thrust before his readers, but to narrate facts and reflect the views of other men. There was a full house and a large and attentive audience when the Premier delivered his able, but as Provincial ists say, most injudicious speech. The Lords mustered in numbers, and the ladies' gallery was comfortably filled. It was known hours before, that after the delivery of Mr Vogel's speech Mr O'Rorke had determined to resign his scat on the Ministerial benches, rather than abjure the convictions and political principles he had maintained during the period heliad taken a pait in the political life of the Colony; but scarce anyone was prepared for the impassioned declamation with which he denounced the motion, his castigation of his leader, the asset tion which he mide that he had told his colleagues he could hold no part in the administration of the affairs of the Colony were those resolutions brought down; and, after his leaving the House, to hear the Colonial Treasurer declare positively that the announcement took him entirely by surprise, and attempt to apologize for what he evidently considered an unseemly exhibition on the part of his colleague. We shall doubtless leai n one of those days how tho matter stood, and which of the gentlemen were fencing with the truth. It was a relief to all when Mr Reeves moved the adjournment of the debate until this morning's sitting. It is impossible to stale what the result of the debate may be, but the New Zealand Times this morning has a singular concluding paragraph in its leader. "If it can be shown during the debate that they have wrongly diagnozed the disease, the change will not take place; but if they are demonstrated to be right, the clays of the Provincial Governments in the North Tslaud are numbered." Of the nine Superintendents of the various Provinces only six will in all probability vote in favor of the resolutions. The Premier has launched his boat on the waters of an unknown sea—has lost h-ilf his tried and faithful crew—has obtained volunteers m their place who will mutiny on the first provocation, so that whatever skill the captain in the boat may possess it will be taxed to the utmost. The defection of Macandrew and his Southern followers has been the severest blow the Premier has sustained during the present session of Parliament. I believe he wishes to force a dissolution. The thing can be easily done. The Stafford party and Provincialists, after the carrying of these resolutions, on some other matters will combine, the Ministry be defeated, and an appeal to the country will ensue. There was another interesting and significant debate this week " to consider tho Reports of the Speakqj' of tho House of Representatives on the Mana-watu-Rangitiki claims." It was significant in this way—the Pfovincialists combined and -carried the motion that the Province of Wellington 'should be reimbursed £15,260, by a majority of four, although the Ministry put out all its strength. That was on the day following Mr O'Rorke's resignation. There was a battle royal on this question between the Hon. Wm. Fox and

the Superintendent of Wellington; both of the gentlemen were thoroughly well up in the subject under debate—one of tbe most involved and compli catcd of all native disputes—but looked at it from a different standpoint. The general opinion among those who understand the question is that Mr Fox and the Provincialista are right, but the combination ofthe Provincialista carried the day, many of the Premier's whilom strong supporters voting with the opposition. You get all .the gist of Parliament by wire and exchange, so a correspondent has no need to repeat or narrate the transactions of the week in detail. In fact, nothing here is considered of sufficient importance to occupy men's minds at the present time, save this question of consolidation. The four-million loan ; the Ward-Chapman scandal case; the adjournment ofthe Committee of Supply—all are dwarfed beside this question. There is very little gossip little scandal—a little line weather—the first we have had this session. 3 p.m. The ladies' gallery is crammed, so that many are unable lo obtain ailmissipn. Almost every member who happens to be in Wellington is found in his seat, the Lords are in force, while O'Rorko denies with much warmth that the Premier knew not his intention of resigning, and appeals to his other late colleagues to confirm the truth of his assertion. Vogel replies at Borne length in a casuistical manner—stating that, Mr O'Ptorkc should have resigned, and then made the statement from his seat in the House. Reynolds and [McLean confirm Vogel, saying they knew of his repugnance, but not of his intention to resign. The whole matter is a grave scandal. [by electric telegraph.] 18fch August. In answer to Mr Ormond, who asked if the railway from Napier to Pakipaki would be open by next November, Mr Richardson said that It ought to have been done twelve months since, especially when under contract from Brogden. The works had been a great annoyance to the Government, but they had been assured that the line would be opened by the Ist November next. In the matter of the Wailemata election, a Select Committee has been appointed, Mr Walter Johnston being the Chairman, to examine and inquire into the objections raised by Mr J. S. Macfarlane, the defeated candidate, against the election. The other members of the committee consist of Messrs Buckley, Creighton,and Reader Wood. Mr Macandrew spoke with great warmth against Ihe consolidation ofthe North Island. He said the North Island wanted to sponge on the South. He complained of the prodigality of the Colonial Government, and said that if the provincial governments had had the expenditure of the borrowed money, double the value would have accrued to the Colony from the expenditure it had incurred. Mr Reynolds replied at considerable length. He controverted Mr Macaudrew's assertions, and showed how inconsistent his policy was now with what it was in 1861 and in later years, as manifested by his public utterances. Mr Moulgomery made his maiden speech, which was not aßUccess. He supported tbe previous question, and maintained that the people should be appealed to before organic changes like these were made. Mr Steward supported the Government in a well-digested and convincing speech. He compared provincial institutions to the tree that cumbered the ground, and maintained that it should be cut down and burned. Mr Sbeehan opposed the Bill violently. He said it was a kind of cometary legislation—that Mr Vogel was the sun around which the other members of the Ministry revolved; that the Bill was brought in by the Premier in a fit of spleen, and that as there were already so many departments under the Government, another might be added with advantage, and a Medical Inspector appointed to prevent bilious legislation. 19th August. In answer to a question by Mr Stewart as to what progress had been made during the year with Mr Colenso's Maori Lexicon, the Native Minister read a long note on the subject. Mr Colenso had received no pay since 1870, and not one page of his woik was yet ready for the press. His health had broken down, and prevented such progress being made as was anticipated, but the Government would use every exertion to obtain value for the largo sum already expended upon this object. In answer to Karaitiana Takamoana, who asked what steps if any had been taken to compensate native owners for lands taken by the Government for ' railway and other purposes under the Public Works Act, Mr Richardson said that the same course of action had been taken in the case of both European and native proprietors--the lands had been surveyed aud valued, and the owners compensated. If the hon. member had any specific complaint, he should bring the subject before the House. Mr Vogel made a personal explanation on two subjects—the short-dated debentures, and precedents bearing on Mr O'Rorke's resignation. He said that the Hansard reports would bear him out in Ids statement that he never made a pledge to reduce the amount of short-dated debentures. He read from reports of the debate? in the Imperial Parliament, showing the course adopted l»y Carnarvon, Peel, and Cranbovne when they resigned out of the Derby Government in 1867. In these cases their resignations .were accepted before they made any explanation—and further, the explanation came in the first instance from the head of the Government. * Mi McGla'shan defended the course adopted by the Premier, and said the opponents'-of-the measure were those interested in Provincial institutions.

Mr Cuthbertson followed in the same groove. Mr Hunter followed, and opposed Mr Vogel's policy in a quiet staid speech. Messrs C. Parker, Richmond, Tolmie, and Webb have been added to the committee on the Wailemata eledtion. The names of the following members may be added to the list of Government supporter's:—Messrs C. E. Brown, T. Kelly, Kenny, McGillivray, O'Neill, Seymour, and Shcphard. The Post denounces Mr Reader Wood very harshly. 28th August. Mr White (Hokitika) last night convulsed the House with laughter for an hour. He spoke of the Premier as "a whale at work,"a and "Julius Sccundus," after the manner of Caesar. He strongly opposed the resolutions. Mr Kelly (Taranaki) said the North Island provinces were unable to carry on their functions, and a change should be made. Mr Harrison objected to the resolutions being passed. He spoke badly, and with hesitancy, under difficulties and a sense of responsibility, as though feeling that he might be making a mistake. Mi" Richardson replied in an able and exhaustive speech. After commenting on the subject-matter of the preceding speeches, he stated his belief that the General Government were as well able to obtain its value for a pound as the provincial authorities. A simpler form of government was neces sary. There was a double staff of officers almost all through the North Island, and the sooner they were abolished the better. This day Mr Richardson was followed by Mr J. Brown (Canterbury), who addressed the House in favor of the abolition of provincialism. He made a long and telling speech, exhibiting some of the absuses connected with* provincial institutions in Canterbury, Mr Shepherd (Nelson) supported the Government. Taiaroa said he would vote for the Government on this question. He was very glad that Mr Vogel had introduced this resolution, and he wished all Provinces to be abolished. If provincial governments had not existed, his claims would not have been so long ignored or pending. When the General Government promised anything to Maoris, the Superintendents and Secretaries opposed giving them rights to which they were fairly entitled. Later. There is just a chance of the debate coming to a close to-night, after Stafford and Filzherbert have spoken. Vogel intends to speak after the latter, and by so doing will forfeit the light of reply, unless he introduces new matter. Probably no one will follow him; but if he is very vicious T. B. Gillies will reply to him. The Waiteniata Election Committee met today. The fact of Von dor Heyde's being an alien was proved from his own application for naturalization since his election. His counsel urged the passing of a short Act to validate the election ; but 'the opposing counsel contended that the committee had no power to recommend any such course. The committee after hearing the evidence, deliberated in private; but it is understood that they decided to recommend the House to validate the election in the manner suggested. The Government are sure of a majority of upwards of fifteen, several having ratted from the other side. The Council is now amending tho Licensing Bill in committee. Amongst other matters they have carried an amendment that new licences shall only be granted at the annual meeting in June. The House is not likely to agree io their amendments. Latest. On the House resuming, Mr Cracroft Wilson waived his right to speak, and a division was called, resuhiug as follows: For the Eesolutions... 41 Against 16 Majority 25 DIVISION LIST. Ayes. Noes. M'Lean J. 0. Brown Bradshaw Curtis Yogel Fitzherbert Gibbs Hunter Jackson Macandrew J. E. Brown May Tolmie Eceves' Luckie Eeid Steward Sheehau Monro Eolleston , Mervyn Swanson Seymour Williams Fox. Williamson Cuthbertson Bunny Tribe T. B. Gillies O'Conor Montgomery ' ■ Andrew Stafford Studholm Katene M'Gillivray J. Shepherd Eichmond Kenny O'Neill Taiaroa Webb Buckland Bryce Bluett W. Kelly Keyuolcls Creighton G. B. Wood Parker Ormond M'Glashau Wilson T. Kelly Atkinson Eichardson PAIRS. For. Against. Parata Karaitiana Inglis Brandon C. Parker Mnrray T. L. Shepherd J. L. Gillies Carrington Thompson The following are the members who were within the precincts of the House, but who did not vote:—O'Rorke, Pearce, Harrison, Johnston, Wakefield, White, and Von der Heyde,

The Rev. J. S. Smalley, Wesleyan Minister, will (LYV.) conduct religious services in the Odd Fellow's Hall on Sunday next at'll a.m. and 7 p.m. In consequence of the break-down of the San Francisco service, there will be nooutwardmail this month by that route. The next Suez mail leaves Wellingtou on the 28th inst., and letters to go by that opportunity must be posted per Rmgatira, which leaves tomorrow nioining. The postage on American letters has been increased to Bd. We have received a copy of the " Evening Post," a recently-established journal, published in Sydney. It is wellwritten, and contains a summary of general news, something after the style of the London " Figaio." The Auckland Evening Star recently published an article to the effect that Mr Vogel, being an alien, and not naturalized, held the office of Premier illegally, and that all his public acts were void. All kinds of terrible results were predicted. The ai tide was so obvious a burlesque on Macfarlane's objections to Mr Von der Heyde's election, that we have been surprised to see a number of our contemporaries solemnly walk into the trap, and gravely refute statements never intended to be taken in earnest; An accident is reported as having occurred on Tuesday, to Mr D. Ross, contractor, at the Waipawa bridge works. A portion of the pile-driving framework gave way, and in its descent struck him on the head, causing unconsciousness. Two medical gentlemen were soon in attendance, and later accounts report that Mr Ross is progressing favorably. In the Resident Magistrate's Court, on Tuesday, James M'Dermott sought to recover from Allan M'Loan ,£ll Bs, wages alleged to be due to his son. The plaintiff showed that he had advanced to the lad, clothing, cash, &c; to something like 12s over the amount claimed. J udgment for defendant. Linklater v. Doyle aud Adams.—Claim of £lO for demurrage. A copy of the charter party was in possession of plaintiff, but this was held not sufficient to proceed upon, and in the absence of the original a non-suit was accepted. Doyle aud Adams v. Kinross.—Claim of £45 for detention of certain timber, and £5 damages sustained by such detention. Defendant had not absolutely refused to deliver the timber, but Capt, Linklater, the master of the Forest Queen, had refused to give it up without a proper receipt, which plaintiff would not give. Defendant had stated that he would claim demurrage, upon which plaintifl alleged that the quantity of tin- timber was short. It was not alleged that the timber was deficient in number of pieces, but in measurement, for which the defendant declined to hold himself responsible. The Resident Magistrate considered the defendant entitled to a receipt, and accordingly nonsuited the plaintiff. Solicitor's fee, £3 3s, allowed.