WELLINGTON ITEMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9760, 24 June 1892, Page 5

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

[from OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, June 23. THE UPPER HOUSE./

The Oppositionists are in ecstaoies over what they are pleased to call the Ministerial rupture with the Governor. They say Ministers ought to at once resign, and talk scornfully about their sticking to their seats when they declare the Crown receives advice and refuses to act upon it. Thera is only one course they say for Ministers to take. On the other side the opinion is that Ministers would be in the wrong to force a conflict upon the Governor so soon after his arrival. Their view, which is probably the rounder of the two, is that no advice was tendered, that the subject was simply broached, and the Ministers, finding the Governor not in accord, declined to press the point. I have an impression that the Government has resolved upon a definite and very decided plan of action on this matter, and the Party is well content to await the development of events, THE OPPOSITION. ' Mysterious threatanings are still heard of what will take place at the Opposition caucus on Friday. Mr Edleaton, the leader of the Party, is in town, looking fit for the fray. The state of the “ Midale Party ” is not yet ascertained; still there is some speculation as to the attitude of Sir George Grey, but the rumours of the recess regarding the veteran's action seem to have vanished into thin sir. THE ADDKEcS IN-BEPLT. The Hon P. Dignan will second the Address-in- Seply in the Council. The Hon J. W. Barnicoat will bo asked to move it; in the event of hia declining Sir P. Buckley will probably move it himself. THE LAND BILL. Some Opposition critics have assumed that the Land Bill will not be pressed this session. I have good reason for asserting that the measure will be pressed. Alterations have been made which will not deprive the measure of its distinctive merit, but will make it acceptable to all sections, and ensure its being passed by the Council. NEW ZEALAND AND THE CZAB. Considerable merriment was evoked in the House this afternoon, when tho correspondence was read relating to the petition sent last year to tho Czar of Euasia relative to the persecution of the Jews. Lieutenant-General de Eichter, the Czar’s aide-de-camp, writing on Oct. 15, 1891, says“ In’ accordance with formal instructions from His Majesty the Czar, my august master, I am not authorised to receive petitions or addresses from representatives of foreign countries with reference to questions concerning the internal administration of the Russian Empire. I am, therefore, compelled to return you here? with the address from the House of Eepresencatives ot New Zealand, without having submitted the same to His Majeaty the Emperor.” The laughter which greeted this polite, but unmistakable rebuff, seemed to indicate that the representatives enjoyed being “ eat upon.” The laughter broke outafresh when Mr Ballance rose and said, u I suppose it is almost unnecessary to move that this correspondence be laid on the table.” RAILWAY SURFACEMEN. On the motion of Mr J. Kelly, a return was laid on the table showing that there are 820 surfacemen whose wages do not exceed 6s 6d per day employed on the Government railways of the Colony. unauthorised EXPENDITUK®. The unauthorised expenditure account laid on the table shows the following amounts:—Consolidated revenue, .£27,178 13s 2d; Public Works, JC5594 Is 2d; Government Life Insurance, £254812s lid; Public Trust Office, .£3271 Is lid. APPOINTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL. The loader of the Opposition evidently means to force the Government’s hand on the subject of the appointments to the Legislative Council. This afternoon Mr Bollesfcon jumped to his feet with a question which he wanted answered forthwith. He wanted to know from the Premier if it was true, as reported, that the Cabinet had on two occasions recently tendered advice to the Crown, which advice had not been acted on; anyway, would tbe Premier state what had taken place, and what the Government proposed to do? In the most suave manner, Mr Ballance submitted that this was a question of which notice should be given. Mr Rollestop demurred, indulged in talk of unconstitutional proceedings, and thought he had a right to an immediate reply; but the Premier remained firm, and tbe leader of the Opposition then gave notice of motion. I can fancy, when the question oomea up for reply, that Mr Ballance, in tho same child-like and bland manner, will inform Mr Eolleston that what took place between the Governor and his responsible advisers is not matter to be laid before the House, and as for the Cabinet’s intentions, they will be communicated when it is thought advisable. The fact that only about a dozen members of the Legislative Council were present at the reading of the Governor’s speech, as against some four dozen members of the Lower House, must surely have impressed Lord Glasgow with the necessity for reinforcing the Upper House by the addition of a score or so of members who are not helpless valetudinarians. GAMING AND LOTTERIES ACT. Colonel Fraser, who may be presumed to have some experience in the subject, has given notice of a Bill to amend the Gaming and Lotteries Act. Tho object of this measure, I believe, is to abolish the totalisator, and legalise sweeps under Government supervision. Whether or not this will meet the views of clergymen and others who have been agitating against gambling remains to be seen. THE BEYCE EPISODE. The House is apparently bent upon having another debate on the Bryce episode of last year. Mr G. Hutchison presented a long printed petition from Mr Bryce, praying for a reconsideration of the decision of August 27 last, and also asking to be heard at the bar of the House. Mr M'Guire gave notice to move—" That the House rescind the resolution passed last session.” BILLS, Among the Government Bills of which notice was given, are the following Payment of Member*, Land Bill, Electoral Bill, Native Land Purchase, Naval and Military Settlers Land Amendment, Noxious Weeds, Adulteration of Manures, North Island Trunk Railway, and Loan Allocation Bill. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. There was hearty applause ia the House when the Premier announced that if the debate on the Acidress-in-Eeply was finished he would be prepared to lay the Financial Statement before the House on Tuesday next. THE ELECTORAL BILL. The notable addition to the Electoral Bill referred to in the Governor’s speech is of course the section relating to women’s suffrage, of which I advised you yesterday. A DISSOLUTION. Persistent statements have been circulated to*day that a dissolution is certain.

to take place before the close of the session. So far‘as I have been able to trace these, they have foundation in the a-sumption that the Governor hag declined to act u,npn the advice tendered by Ministers, and ‘haft the Council will throw out the principal policy Bills of the Government. Such an assumption being premature, conclusions! based upon them are of the unsubstantial order. If there is a dissolution this session it will be a surprise to the Government Party. POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK. The returns of the Post Ofii■>.« Savings Bank, laid on the table of the House, shots that there were 311 offices open at the close of 1891, with a total at the credit pf depositors of £3,685.447; amount deposited! during the year, £1,843.987; withdrawn, .£1,693.515; excess of deposits, £ 149,473. Tbe detailed figures show Christchurch ia a favourable light as compared with other centres. During the ye*r 23360,481 wail, deposited at Cbristchuich against £270,93$ at Dunedin, .£359,020 at Wellington and £341,797 at Auckland. The sums at credit of depositors at the end of the year were: Christchurch £563 485, Dunedin £448,894, Wellington £428,406, Auckland £358,654. THE LICENCED VICTUALLERS. The publicans’ patty is at work to obtain an alteration of the law in its interest. Th# Chairman of the Licensed Victualler#*' Association is inviting members of the House to a meeting on Monday next to consider the draft of the proposed amendment in the Licensing Act providing for the payment of compensation on the line# of the Victorian Act. The meeting will also choose a member to take charge of ths Bill. CATHOLIC CLAIMS. Mr Taylor has hit on a method for giving an instalment of justice to Catholic# in educational matters. Ue has given notice of motion to have certificates granted to pupils of Catholic schools, eo that Catholic youths may be eligible for engagements in tho Civil Service, etc., when# a certificate is necessary. THE MIDDLE PABTT. The Middle Party has prepared it# thunderbolt, which is to fall on Minister# to-morrow. Mr George Fisher is to mOV9 for a return givijg microscopic details of the travelling expenses of Ministers, Secretaries and attendants, house allowance, cost of special trains, and cost of sending the Hinemoa to and from Sydney. questions. Mr Rhodes is to ask the Premier on Tuesday whether Sir James Hector ha# lately reported on the coal formation of the Upper Waihao, and, if so, what ia the nature of such report. H B will also ash the Minister for Lands whether ha is aware of any reserves in South Canterbury suitable for small settlements, and, if 80, whether he proposes to acquire the same.

Mr Harata will aek the Government _oa Tuesday what steps it proposes taking with regard to Commissioner M'Kay’a report OE the Middle Island Native claims. petitions. The commercial travellers of the Colony have presented a numerously-signed petjtion in favour of an alteration of the law bo as to allow them to vote wherever they may be on an election day. A petition was presented by Mr M‘Laaa from the curriers and tanners, asking for increased duty on American tweed or bug kip, and East Indian kip. In view of what I have already wired, that the Government will not interfere with the tariff this session, the petition is certain, to be shelved for a year. A petition was presented from Thome# Hamilton, o 2 Halswell, and others.-asking the Government to open for sale the lands known as Lake Flats, about sixteen mile# south-east of Christchurch. George Tibbs, fish dealer, Christchurch, petition® the House, through Mr Taylor, for relief ill connection with his conviction and fipe' for having exposed for sals one fioundef less than nine inches long. Hr Sy denham Taylor, with a rubicund face, relieved by a spotless while hat, is aa jolly as ever, aad was very much in evidence at to-day’s sitting. Among th# batch of petitions presented by him were no fewer than three from widows, praying for consideration. The ladies whose cause was upheld by tho gallant member were Mrs Charles Wa»d, whose lata husband was thirty-four years in the Customs Department at Wellington, Lyttelton and Dunedin; Mrs Newrick Meycell, whose husband, after thirteen years’ service on the railways, met with an accident that hastened his end in April last; Mrs S. M’Guire, widow of a constable, who entered the Westland Police Force in 1867, and in the discharge of his duty su.tsdaed an injury resulting in paralysis and death. In the last-named case the widow asks iaj a continuance of the £\ weakly allowance her husoaud received. Mrs Meynell prays for compensation allowance, and Mrs Ward for consideration. As this is leap year, and woman’s rights are in fashion, the ladies may expect generous treatment. Mr Taylor was, however, unmercifully chaffed outside upon his new reU of guardian of widows. MISCEiIiAHEOUS. The usual Sessional Committees were proposed, and will probably be appointed to-morrow. Sydenham Taylor gave notice of a Bill to provide for the payment of jurors engaged in coroners’ inquests. Further representations were to Ministers to-day with regard to finding work for the unemployed in Christchurch. It is understood that a promise was obtained for works to be started at once. Mr Rhodes has a notice of motion on the paper with regard better police accommodation at Temuka. Mr M’Lean gave notice that he would to-morrow move the Addresa-in-Rsply.... _ The Hon J. M Kenzia has given notice to introduce the Land Boards Election Bill and Land for Se tlements Bill. Mr Guinness moves to-morrow for a return showing the quantity of coal raised at Bruanerton during the last five years, the amount of royalty paid for the same period under the Grey mouth Harbour Board Act, and the quantity of coal and coke carried by railway from Brunner to Greymouth for tho same period. A question was put by Mr Mill®* designed to obtain information regarding the negotiations between the Government and the Midland Railway Company for th® relinquishment of the land grants. Before the business of the House opened, Mr Rolleston referred to the death of Mf Maoarthur, of Eangitikei, and eulogisqd the late member for his private virtues and public services. The Premier joined in the expressions of sincere regret at the loss. M , The Offensive Publication Bill, of which notice has been given by Mr George Hutchison, is doubth ss calculated to suppress Deeming literature aad Dead Bird garbage. Dr Newman wants the Government to acquire Native blocks at Horowhenaa, and Awarua for small settlers. Colonial harbours, with their endowments, rates and loans, are early to .the front. Mr Swan will introduce the Napier Harbour Board Loan Bill and Napier Harbour Board Further Empowering Bill; Mr G. Hutchisou has the Patea Harbour Endowment Bill; and Hr M’Guire ask# what steps the Government' proposes to take- to give justice to settlers within the ..New Plymouth Harbour rating district. A meeting of the Press Gallery, held this afternoon, unanimously re-elected Mr Morrison Chairman and Mr A. Cohen Vice-cbairmain. A vote of thanks was passed to the Speaker for improving tho accommodation of the gallery.