WELLINGTON ITEMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9488, 10 August 1891, Page 5

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

[from our own correspondent.] WELLINGTON, August 8. ASSOCIATION OF JOURNALISTS. A meeting of journalists (convened by Mr Mark Cohen) was held in the lower .preas-room. Parliamentary Buildings, today. Some thirty members of the profession attended, and Mr C. Eous-Martea was (in the absence of Mr T. Morrison, Chairman of the Gallery) voted to_ the chair. Mr Cohen explained the objects and scope of the proposal, which was to establish an Institute on the lines of the parent Institute in England, for the conservation of professional interests, the relief of professional distress and the certification of professional qualification. Some discussion of a conversational character ensued, and it was resolved —“ (1) That an institute be formed; (2) that Mr George Humphries be Secretary pro tern ; (3) that a Committee consisting of the HonW. P. Beeves, Messrs Marten, Cohen, Spragg, Carncross, Eeid, Parkinson, Morrison, Nolan and Weston (with power to add to their number) be formed, and instructed to draw up a constitution and submit the same to a general meeting on Monday, August 24. It was unanimously agreed that an institution of this kind was needed, and those present entered into the project with enthusiasm. Mr Carncross, M.H.Ii., pointed out that one of the objects, that of promoting the fraternisation of journalists, was of special importance, and ou general grounds he warmly "supported the movement. So did Mr W. J. Steward (the Speaker) and the Hon W. P. Beeves. PRIVATE BILLS. I understand that the Government intends to give up Thursday, August 20, for private members’ business. G. Grey will taka that opportunity for bringing forward his Law Practitioners Bill. “ HOUSEHOLDERS.” What is a householder ? Hr Saunders has defined it in an amendment to the School Committee Election Bill, as any person, male or female, who has resided for Che immediately previous sir mouths iu the district, and also any parent or guardian of children attending the school in the district. He also proposes to graduate the number of members of Committees at five for schools of 250 attendance. seven for less than 300, and rune for over 300. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND TAXATION. The Minister for Public Works and Messrs Fisher and'T. Thompson strongly urged that Friendly Societies should be exempt from the operation of the Taxation Bill; but Mr Fish opposed the idea. Mr Earnahaw subsequently did the same, though both gentlemen are prominent members of Friendly Societies. Mr Fish hold that Friendly Societies need no comuensation from the State. Two of his opponents pointed out that the Auckland and Wellington Societies had already asked for relief from taxation; but Mr Fish held steadily to his contention, and contrasted the weakness displayed by the northern Societies with the self-reliance of the Dunedin branches, tracing the difference to climatic influence. The exemption was agreed to, however. THE AOENT-GEHSRALSHIP. Yet another canard about the AgentGeneralship; this time Mr Ballance is to take the position, the inventor having discovered that the Premier is tired of tho cares of office. He states further that Sir Boberb Stout is to be called to the Upper House, and that Mr Saddou is to lead the Lower House. I need scarcely add that the fertile imagination of the chronicler is again responsible, and that there is absolutely no ioundatioa for the story. LABOUR BILLS. I feel justified in saying that the amendments suggested by tho Upper House in the Employers’ Liability and Truck Bills will be accepted by the Government: one of them (in the Truck Bill) abolishing payment by crossed cheques, being recognised as an excellent provision. The Truck Bill was very fairly and favourably discussed in the Upper House. POLICE. The Minister for Public Works, replying to Messrs W. Hutchison and Earnshaw, has promised that the single young men of tho Police Force shall bo drafted on street duty in the cities, and that married men shall be given charge of country stations. (Pkb Press Association.) It is understood that the Government will nob proceed with the Civil Service Bill this session.