POLITICAL NOTES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume C, Issue 11724, 31 October 1898, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

[Prom our Correspondent.! WELLINGTON. Oct. 29. MIDLAND BAIL WAY. The meeting of Canterbury. Westland and Nelson members, held this week to consider the Premier’s reply to the deputation which waited upon him in connection with Midland Bailway matters proved, so far as any practical results are concerned, abortive. Those who were present were— Messrs Guinness (chairman), Lewis, Meredith, R. M’Kenzie, O’Eegan, Taylor, Wason, Steward, Smith, Joyce, Tanner, Graham, Platman, and Rolleston. The Press were not admitted, but it is understood that the following was the business put before the meeting:—The Hon W. J. Steward moved and Mr Guinness seconded —“ That, in view of the delay which appears likely to occur in connection with the completion of the Midland Railway, it is desirable that the Government should ascertain upon what terms the company and the debentureholders will surrender their claims, so as to release all the lands now reserved, such inquiry to be without prejudice to the rights of-, the colony under the contract.” A discussion ensued, and the motion was negatived by 9to 2. Mr Smith then moved—- “ That this meeting urges upon the Government the absolute necessity of getting the lawsuit in connection with the Midlandßailway decided at the earliest possible date, so that the rights and position of the colony in connection with the railway may he known and the lands at present looked up opened for settlement.” After discussion, this found seven opponents and four supporters. The Hon W. Rolleston moved a final motion in the following terms That this meeting, after due consideration of the information kindly afforded by the Premier, does not feel competent to express an opinion as to the course which should be pursued, the responsibility for which must rest with the Government.” This was, after discussion, rejected by seven to four, and the meeting terminated. lam given to understand from one member who was present, that the discussion on the respective motions was largely on party lines, but another member, who was also present, informs me that the general feeling of the meeting was against doing anything to weaken the Government’s position with respect to the lawsuit between the Government and the; company. The opinion was also strongly expressed that the lawsuit should be settled early and amicably if possible. BUSINESS POE THE REMAINDER OP THE SESSION. Despite the fate which usually overtakes the prophet who prophesies before the event, there are not wanting several members who are willing to take all risks in this respect, and speculations are being made as to the business which will be dealt with before the end of the session. In 'addition to the Public Works and Supplementary Estimates, the following Bills may be passed:—Law Practitioners Act Amendment (doubtful). Companies Winding Up, Railways Authorisation, Juries Act Amendment (doubtful); Public Revenues Act Amendment, Native Reserves Act Amendment and Reserves, Endowments and Crown and Native Lands Exchange, Sale, Disposal and Enabling. The question of the Lyttelton and Wellington steam service will in all probability be discussed on the proposal to renew the San Pranciseo and Vancouver mail services. Provided these speculations are anywhere near the mark there appears to he no reason why Saturday next should not see the end of the session. The chances of the Slaughtering and Inspection Bill passing are said to he small, as there is very determined opposition to it by a section of the House. THE MEMBER FOR MOTUEKA’S POSITION. Up to the present time there are no indications of any intention on the part of Mr R. M’Kenzie to withdraw his resignation, but there is a general impression that when the House meets on Monday evening an arrangement will have been arrived at. The Opposition Party, it is understood, are willing to allow a motion rescinding the motion of suspension to be passed provided Mr M’Kenzie, on his readmission, expresses regret for his actions. Oct. 30.

The member for Motueka informs me that he is awaiting developments, and Las, at present, no intention of withdrawing his lesignation or making apologies to the House.

MR HUTCHISON’S ALLEGATIONS,

It is understood that the proceedings at the meeting of the committee to inquire into the allegations of the member for Patea on Friday were of a somewhat startling character. According to one account, a witness, who, it had been stated, was dead, put in an appearance, or intends putting in an appearance, and to submit evidence in support of Mr Hutchison’s remarkable Bun Tuck story. Another sensational occurrence was the presentation by two accountants, appointed by the committee, of their report on the finances of the Borough of Kumara, which practically went to disprove Mp Hutchison’s allegations in that respect, .but Mr Duthio had also been investigating these finances and submitted his report on them, which was in exactly the opposite direction. The upshot of the matter was that the report of the accountants was referred back to them, with instructions to reconsider and correct it. If the report of this committee, and the reports from the Public Accounts Committee and Public Petitions Committee, which is considering the Wrigg case, are to be presented, the session will probably be lengthened a day or two. NATURALISATION.

During the discussion on the Kauri Gum Industry Bill on Saturday morning, Mr Lewis brought under the notice of the House the difficulties with which he has had to contend in connection with an application from an alien in Christchurch, who desired to be naturalised. It appears that before papers of naturalisation are granted a Stipendiary Magistrate must, of his own personal knowledge, certify to the good character and repute of the applicant. In the case mentioned by MiLewis, the Magistrate obtained reports from the police as to the character of the applicant. which were satisfactory, but which he could not of his personal knowledge certify to. On account of this a long correspondence ensued between Mr Lewis and the Colonial Secretary’s Department without matters being any further advanced. Mr Carson mentioned that he had had a similar difficulty to that experienced by Mr Lewis, but another side was given to the matter by Mr J. Hutcheson, who asserted that he had found the certificate of a Justice of the Peace sufficient for granting papers of naturalisation. Ultimately, the Premier promised to personally look into the cases mentioned by Mr Lewis and Mr Carson, at the same time pointing out that the Government had no desire to render naturalisation difficult.