PARLIAMENTARY NEWS AND GOSSIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6763, 21 July 1883, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS AND GOSSIP.

[Br TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL OOBEESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday. MINING COMPANIES BILL. Tue Mining Companies Act Amendment Bill iias been reported from the Goldfields Committee. The committee recommend the insertion of two new clauses, allowing the extension of capital by issue of new shares, without winding up. Clauses 31 and 32 of the Act of 1873 are to remain, but shareholders are to be liable for a term of six months from the date of transfer to the company. In section 3 of the new Bill the word "six" is inserted in lieu of twelve months. The alterations were proposed to the committee by Mr. A. Porter, who was requested by the Auckland Brokers' Association to try and effect the change. NURSERY FOB, NEW PLANTS. The suggestion to establish a nursery garden for the growing of cotton, coffee, lemons, oranges, olive, lime, shaddock, and other plants for distribution, is not likely to be allowed to fall out of sight, especially as Mr. Rolleston views the proposal favourably. Mr. Hobb3 and Mr. George will endeavour to have something done in the matter before the conclusion of the present session. It has been suggested that the Auckland Acclimatisation Society should at once communicate with the proper departments in regard to assistance to procure a few thousand olive truncheons from Adelaide. OLIVE AND VINE CULTURE. Correspondence between the Government and the Agent-General is being carried on in reference to assisting a limited number of persons acquainted with olive and vine culture, etc., to como to this colony. OTAGO DUMMYISM. The select committee on the Otago dummyism question brought up the following report to-day : That in the opinion of this committee the present inquiry cannot be successfully prosecuted to a conclusion unless an indemnity be granted to witnesses who may be called oh to answer questions which they may allege would tend to criminate themselves. That the Government bo requested to take such steps by introducing such a Bill as will give the committee power to grant a certificate of such indemnity where necessary. Mr. Rolleston, in the House, said the Government had decided to introduce a Bill to effect the Object sought by the committee. Mr. Rollestou then, by leave, introduced the Bill, and it was read a first time. It in intended, on the motion i for the second reading, to ask that the Bill ba allowed to pass through all its stages in [ one day. THAMES-TE AROHA RAILWAY. It has been arranged by Mr. Shcchan and Captain Morris to interview the Government with .i view to having the restrictions on certain land on the proposed route for the Thames-Te Aroha Railway removed in order that the construction of the line may be proceeded with. NATIVE LANDS. In the House to-day Major Atkinson announced that the Government would early nexe weok introduce a Bill dealing with native lands. GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT. Major Atkinson said in the House to-day that it was the intention of the Public Accounts Committee to inquire into the workiDg of the Government liife Insurance Deportment. It was intended by the Government to introduce a Bill providing for the appointment of honorary local Boards of directors in connection with the department. THERMAL SPRINGS ACT. A petition was received from Kutene te Umanga and 204 others, statin; that whon they consented to the passing of the Thermal Springs Act they understood that only 30,000 acres should be interfered with, whereas 600,000 acres are included in the proclamation. Petitioners offer to sell the land to the Government on terms agreed on with private purchasers. Th e Native A flairs Committee report that no evidence was given

in support of the petition, and the committee have no recommendation to make on any other native petition from Kotorua. The committee reports:—"in any attempt to amend the Thermal Springs Act, ISBO, careful attention should be accorded by the Government to the evidence given by Aporo Te Tipitiae ; and would further recommend for consideration the evidence now given by Retireti Tapihana." AUCKLAND PETITIONS. Mrs. Symonds, widow of the late John Jermyn Symonds, petitioned the House in consideration of her late husband's services. The Public Petititions Committee report on the case as follows :—"The committee consider that the colony has made a fair allowancs to the petitioner's deceased husband, and cannot, therefore, make any recommendation." The Public Petitions Committee report as follows on the petition of James McCo-jh Clark and others of Auckland for a remission of legacy duty on Costley's bequest :—"The committee having carefully considered the case of the petitioners cannot see it way to recommend the prayer of th* petitioners to tho favourable consideration of the House." The Public Petitions Committee report that, "In their opinion the prayer of the articled clerks of Auckland is a reasonable one, and recommend it to the favourable consideration of the House." The petition of Henry Helleyer and others at Waiwera has been relerred to the Government for consideration.. NORTH ISLAND GOLDFIELDS. Mr. Kelly asked the Government whether it is proposed to place a sum on the estimates for the discovery of payable goldfields in the North Island. Mr. Rolleston, in reply, said the Government had considered the question, and they did not think it would be expedient to offer a reward for the discovery of goldfields in tho North Island.