WELLINGTON ITEMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9761, 25 June 1892, Page 6

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

[FEOai OUE OWN COKEESFONDENT. ) WELLINGTON, June 24. THE AETKENOON SITTING. I The House to-day was not particularly interesting or amusing, but there was sufficient of each element to cause the proceedings to be listened to attentively by a large attendance of the public. After the usual shoal of notices, motions, questions and Bills, the Speaker announced, amid sighs of gratification, that the Mauawatu Railway Company had extended the usual privilege of free passes to travelling members. Then came replies to questions, some of which deserve passing notice. Mr Ballanca gave a guarded answer to Mr M'Guire regarding the relief _ it was proposed to afford settlers within the New Plymouth harbour rating •district. Mr Fisher’s long string of questions relating to nautical examinations gave him an opportunity of lecturing the House, and be had to bo stopped by the Speaker warning him not to introduce debatable matter. Mr Fisher informed the House that nautical examiners in England received £BOO a year, against £SO in New Zealand; also, that whereas the other Cblonies had only one examiner, this Colony had six. Alter Mr Seddon, as Minister for Marine, had read a reply to the questions, Mr Fisher put what seemed an insulting query, “Is that the Minister’s own reply ? ” Beyond Mr Seddon’s curt retort that it was, no notice was taken of the remark.

The Premier’s reply to Mr RoUeston’a question regarding the Council appointments was dignified and effective. With perfect candour, Mr Ballance admitted that advice had been tendered to the Governor, and not acted upon. As to tho future. Ministers’ action would largely depend upon developments during the session. This was received with a chorus of “ Sear, hear ” cheers and Opposition laughter. The number of additions asked for, it seems, was twelve ; and with that number the Government would have been content. A little skirmish took place over a proposal by the Premier to delay certain notices of motion, including those relating to the Bryce Incident, until after the debate on the Address-in-Reply. Mr George Hutchison took exception, and was suppeutad by Messrs Rolleston and Scobie Mackenzie.' A division seemed imminent, but the Speaker's decision that the Ayes had it was not challenged, and the Government carried tho point. Mr W. M’Laan immediately rose to move the Address-in-Reply. At the outset he apologised for, not appearing in evening drees. He wore along overcoat,and looked weak, but spoke strongly for nearly three-quarters of an, hour. His utterance was occasionally monotonous, but the matter was well arranged and delivered. Mr Sandford, who seconded the motion, spoke exceedingly well, making a good impression. THE .dissolution kuuoub. Tho question of dissolution has been exercising the minds of the Ministerial supporters to-day. Some positively assert there will bo a dissolution, but these are palpably not ia the confidence of members of the Government, who are not likely to appeal to the country over a disagreement with Lord Glasgow as to the Council appointments, since they would have a much better cry if the Council again rejected the policy measures, which rejection is not probable, in view of tho alterations made in the measure:?. The Opposition caucus was ia session about three hours this morning. Mr Rolleston, of course, haa been re-elected leader, but nothing has transpired as to a plan of campaign. [Feb Peers Association.] WOMAN SUITKAUE. At the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, it was stated that the petition shortly to be presented to Parliament ia favour of female franchise will contain between 15,000 and 20,000 signatures. THE KINO COUNTRY. The Government having instructed Mr Wilkinson, Government Native Agent, to sound the chiefs as.to the reasons for their change cf view regarding the introduction of tho liquor traffic into the King Country, Mr Wilkinson has seen the chiefs and reported by telegraph :—“ Ngatimaniapoto had a meeting here (Otorohonga) on Tuesday to consider the Premier’s questions as conveyed by telegram to them on Monday. The decision will be conveyed to tho Hon Mr Eallance by Wahanui and Tekauamo,. and is in effect that when Eotepotai was formed they wished to prohibit tho selling and licensing of land, and also tho introduction of spirituous liquors, and stated at that time that should they deriro to have any of these restrictions removed it should be done., Seeing therefore that land selling bas been allowed, they have decided to allow the selling cf liquors, bub only at Otorohonga, and that more with the view of accommodating visitors and travellers than anything else. They considered it bstter th at it sh ould he done openly and nnd er tho eye of the law than in a surreptitious way as at present.” The Premier has received a telegram from the chiefs to this effect. The word “ Sohapotai ” signifies outer ■ boundary, and raters to tho closing of the King Country.