PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXII, Issue 160, 9 July 1886, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(fHOM OlJlt OWN COMIESTOOTEST.), . . . . WKi.tiNof m, July 3. * The Cabinet have not' as yet come to a final decision on the important question of leprenenUtion. tt was expected that it wouM be decided at the Cabinet meeting on Monday, but, owing to Sir Julius Vogel's ill-nesp, only matters of urgently were- disouascd on that occasion, and the representation question was not reached. 1 hear to-dny that the Treasurer's complaint is cramp m the stomach, not goti*-, aa was generally reported yesterday. Sir Julius feared himself that he waa sofYeiing from gout m jlhe stomach, but it appears now that the symptoms are tho less dangerous ones of cramp, He is now recovering; slowly. . . The Committee appointed to make enifuiriea respecting the purchase by the (Government through Mr Steward^of certain rcilway debentures,' aro 'expedted to bring up their report to-morrow. It ia rumored, thai; .the evidence shows, that, although Mr Steward has not committed a breach of the Disqualification Act, the spirit of the Act has been broken. A very lively debate is. expected when the Committee's report 1 3 received. Sir George : Grey intends moving, when Ihe Civil Service Reform Bill fjetsinto Committee, that the number of Ministers should be reduced, and political undersecretaries appointed. The Bill passed Hr second reading last night by a 'large majority. The Maori King Tawhiao was the subject of another short discussion this afternoon. It arose on. a question by Mr Like; who asked the Native Minister whether any assurance, direct or indirect, either by word, telegraph, or m writing, has been given by ihe Native Minister or 'the Government to the effect that, until Tawhiao gave his consent, no Court would be held at Kawhia or elsewhere" m the Country. Mri Ballance said the Court was -to be adjourned while tTawhaio came to Wellington, hut he decided not to come. There was no such assurance given as that indicated m the qne&tion. Mr Lake said he did not consider tho reply satisfactory, and Mr Ballance repeated it. Mr Lake again demurred, but the Speaker refused, to allow the matter to proceed any further after the Minister's denial. The Reporting Debates Committee brought up their report to-day. Theyrecoramend regarding tiie Hansard staff that future reporters join the staff at £250, with a progressive increase of £10 per annum till the salary reaches £350 ; that reporters on Hie staff for five years should receive £10 per annum from the present session till £850 is reached ; that the Chief Reporter's salary of £600 remain aa at present ; and that his services be at the disposal of the Government during the year without additional pay from any other duties performed ; this is not to interfere, however, with emolument hitherto paid him for the preparation of Civil Service .examination papers, etc. ; and that the salaries of the reporters shall coverall Bervices required of them during the 'sitting of Parliament next year.