POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9061, 23 May 1888, Page 5

POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—SPKOIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Tuesday. THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE. To-day Mr. Peacock interviewed the Premier relative to the San Francisco service, and he informed him that the arrangements for the San Francisco service for another year are as good as completed, and that the Government intend to ask power for a new and longer contract this year. I learn from another source, on excellent authority, that the extension of the present contract on the present terms for another year is practically settled.

MR. MONK'S FINANCIAL PROPOSALS.

To day Mr. Monk gave notice to ask the following questions at the hands of the Premier :—l. Whether the Government do not consider that the diminished revenue of our railways and the general shrinkage of our resources, arising from the lowered prices of produce and other causes, sufficiently indicate that the colony is unable to bear increased taxation for tho purpose of meeting interest upon the further unproductive expenditure of borrowed monoy ? 2, Whethor it is not their opinion that prudence demands that all works specified in Loan Acts which are not now contracted for should be suspended until" the financial condition of the colony is more elastic than at present ? 3. Will the Government bring down a proposal that all borrowed monies which can be freed from existing engagements be invested for twelve months, ana chat next session the House be invited to consider whether such monies shall remain in further abeyance or not ?

THE PENSIONER SETTLEMENT SCHEME. Mr. Peacock has taken an opportunity of seeing the Minister of Lands in respect to the proposed pensioner settlement scheme. In an interview with the Minister of Lands (Hon. G. F. Richardson) I remarked that it was the impression in certain quarters in Auckland that tho present Government are not dis{x>sed to continue tho policy of their predecessors in respect to such settlements. Mr. Richardson replied that he did not know what the policy of his predecessor was on the matter. His position was this, that the Government had the power, under tho existing land laws, to set aside laud for such settlers, and were willing to do so, but that they would givo no monetary assistance whatever. The Minister informed me that great pressure had been brought to bear upon him to open up more land under the homestead system, but he declined to do mo, as the supply at present exceeded the demand. Mr. Peacock informs me that he has communicated with the parties interested in the Pensioner Settlements scheme. He considers that the refusal of the Government to give any monetary assistance would be no bar to the scheme, as he understood the military settlers were willing to capitalise a portion of their pensions to obtain the necessary funds. PRIMARY EDUCATION RESERVES. Mr. Goldie is devoting his attention to the utilization of primary education reserves, and he accordingly asks the Minister of Lands whether he is aware that there are very large areas of land, supposed to contain, in all, over 100,000 acres, of an estimated value of £116,000, which have been vested by Act in School Commissioners for primary education still unleased. If he is so aware, will he inform tho House whether every legitimate effort has been made to lease it so that the strain upon the Consolidated Revenue for educational purposes might be relieved ? If not, why nofr? THE PUHIPUHI FOREST.

In reply to Mr. Hobbs, who asked the Government what steps they intended to take towards utilising the thousands of pounds worth of standing kauri trees in the Puhipuhi forest that have been killed by the late fires, the Minister of Lands replied that the matter was under consideration, but that no decision had vet been arrived at. Mr. Hobbs stated that the question was a most important one, and he regretted the Minister of Lands had not been able to visit the district. The forest had been valued by the Chief Commissioner of Forests at £200,000, and it was estimated by the forest ranger that the damage occasioned by the late tires was equal to a loss of one-third the bush. If some stops wero not taken, the other two-thirds would also go by fire. Unless tho timber through which the fire ran was utilised soon, it would bo lost through decay.

THE PUHIPUHI FOREST AND THE NORTH AUCKLAND TRUNK RAILWAY.

In reply to Mr. Moat, who asked the Government whether they would be prepared to devote any revenue arising from the sale of timber in the Puhipuhi and other forests North of Auckland to the construction of the Main Trunk Line of Railway from Kaukapakapa northwards, the Minister of Lands said the proceeds of the sale of timber from State forests were dealt with by statute, and nothing could be done in that way without appropriation by the House. Mr. Moat, in support of his position, said thab as there was no prospect of a further loan for railway construction in the north of Auckland, it was necessary for those interested in railway construction in that district to look out for some other source of rovenuo from which their construction could be derived. The railway to which he alluded, the North Auckland Trunk, waa admitted on all hands to be one which should bo made, and he and many others considered it more essential to the welfare of Auckland thun even the North Island Trunk Railway. Ho thought the funds for its construction could be got from the Puhipuhi forest, and the other Northern forests, and kauri gumdigging licensee. In reply to Mr. Hobbe, the Minister of Lands stated that the Government intended to grant licenses to settlers to dig kauri gum in forests in the winter months, dating from the Ist of May, and instructions had been sent to Auckland to the proper authorities to grant such licenses.

HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. The question of endowments for such institutions is being brought up by Mr. Goldie, who asks the Minister of Lands whether the Government propose to give effect to the eighty-eighth clause of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885, which requires the Governor-in-Conn-cil to set apart 250,000 acres of Crown lands, in suitable areas, in different parte of the colony, as endowments for the purposes of the said Act. THE ABSCONDING SOLICITOR FORWOOD. In reply to Mr. Taiwhanga, the Minister of Jußtico said the last communication from the Victorian Government relating to Forwood was a medical certificate, stating that his recovery was almost hopeless, owing to the diseased state of his internal organs, and that he was wholly unable to bear the fatigue of a bca voyage. Mr. Taiwhanga caused some laughter by saying the telegrams were regularly put in the papers that Forwood was in a dying condition. It appeared.that he would not die after all, and he supposed when he put his question next session Forwood would be still in a dying condition. PETITIONS.

By Sir George Grey : From Te Rangi Tutanga Tanga, re sale of his interest in the Waimarino block ; from Thomaa Loaergan, of Auckland, tailor, praying for a grant of land for military services in the Hekra war ; from Jas. Campbell, Auckland, praying for a grant of land for military services ; from T. W. P. Smith, of Kaitaia, re claim for carrying settlers and luggage from Awanui to Takahue, and still unpaid ; from John McCandlish, praying for a grant of land for military services. By the Premier : From North Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, praying allocation of endowments for charitable relief and distribution of relief by County Councils. By Mr. Goldie: From W. G. Garrard, praying for grant of land. By Hon. E. Mitchelson : Series of petitions respecting native land claims on the East Coast. By Major Jackson : From Joseph Carley, of Tβ Awamutu, cavalry instructor, retrenched, praying relief for dismissal. By Mr. Thomas Peacock: From the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, praying for suppression of gambling and glove fights; by A. J. Cadman, from John Fletb, of Parawai, for relief owing to the loss of riparian rights through the diversion of the Waikeikei Creek for the purpose of a public

water supply; from twelve workmen on Heath and Irvine's contract on the Hikufcaia and Te Aroha railway, stating that the balance of their claims were abill unpaid, and praying for relief. PAPERS. The reporb of the Conference of the Industrial Aid Protection Society of New Zealand wae laid upon the table of the House by the Hon. G. Fisher. A return was laid on the table to-day showing the amount of land still in possession of the Government, doscribed as being purchased out of loan, and valued at £1,115,644. The return shows that in Auckland district there are still 1,962,826 acres in possession of the Government, of which all, except 8705 acres, has been purchased from the natives. SIR ROBERT STOUT'S VIEWS. Sir Robert Stout, in a letter in the Times this morning, explained his part in the alleged secret history of the Loan Act. He first of all denies that his celebrated interview with the Premier at Dunedin had any political significance whatever. Ho denies the allegation that the Opposition solicited hia advice, or consulted him, or that he ever advised them. Going on to define what ho considers to be the question of the Opposition, he says no Government Bill should be opposed simply because it was a Government Bill, but on the contrary, should if possible be supported. He takes the Loan Bill as one of the cases in point, and asks why the Government should be denied the correction of a clerical blunder in a statute. He remarks, " If anyone says the loan is nob necessary, it shows he ia ignorant of the finances of the country." Referring to the insinuations made that the Loan Act was passed in the interest of the Bank of New Zealand, and to aid its financing, Sir Robert remarks :—" One word about the Bank of New Zealand. I have no interest direct or indirect in this institution. Its members, I believe, have always been politically opposed to me, and at the last election voted against me, and those who supported me. But why should this colonial institution be criticised as it had been ? Ib is, I believe, thoroughly sound and strong, and if ib were weak, ib would pay this colony handsomely to strengthen it, even if it had to give half a million or.more;butitis an institution of our own, and.hence it must be abused. I hope the colonists will Bet their face against this abuse of New Zealand and its institutions —an abuse that is to blame for half of our depression."

CAUCUS OF THE OPPOSITION. A meeting was held to-day of the Opposition, 33 members being present. Mr. Lance presided. The greatest reticence is being observed aa to the proceedings of the meeting, so that it is difficult to ascertain the real truth. It has transpired that the principal topic of discussion was the statement made by the Attorney-General (Sir F. Whitaker) aa to the financial consequences of the Loan Bill failing to pass. Some indignation was expressed at the statement alleged to have been made, and it was decided to elicit the facte in the House. In the afternoon it was agreed to take a stand against the new Electoral Bill. The Opposition agreed to refrain from protracted debates, so as to facilitate matters for the bringing down of the Financial Statement. Sir G. Grey did not, as it was rumoured on the previous evening hewould do, attend themeetingtoexpress his views ;-in fact; several members of the Oppoeition state that they would not follow his load, or even agree to do so temporarily. As the outcome of the caucus quite a batch of notices of motion of a " teasing" character were given this afternoon by leading members of the Opposition. Dr. Fitchett has been appointed second whip of the Opposition, to act in conjunction with Mr. Walker.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Treasurer is now making every exertion to have the Statement ready by Friday if possible. THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE. I understand that the Premier will shortly bring down a resolution authorising tho Government to ontor into a new and longer contract for tho San Francisco mail service. The resolution, if passed by the House, will give the contractors time to arrange for the building of the new boats. The 'Frisco mail service will have a much better show this session, as the Southern members of the Cabinet will of necessity have to stand by tho measure of the Government. THE TINAKORI MINISTERIAL RESIDENCE. I understand a Bill will be brought in this session by the Minister of Public Works, authorising the Government to cut up the grouuds of the Tinakori Ministerial residence into building allotments, and to dispose of the property in lots to suit purchasers. THE FREE RAILWAY PASSES. The Opposition intend to oppose the issue of the free railway passes. Mr. Taylor asks the Government whether they think they are justified in expending a sum of £300 on free railway passes for members to hang on their watch chains, when so many of the working men of the colony are unable to obtain employment, and when the poorest of the Civil servants has to submit to a reduction in his sahiry ? One Auckland member, noted for his extreme prudence and caution, on seeing in the by-laws forwarded with the golden token that he was liable to a penalty not exceeding £10 if he lost the pass or infringed the regulations, returned it to the Minister of Public Works. Explanations ensued, and it is now on his watch chain.

PROFESSOR THOMAS' REPORT. A report has been received from Professor Thomas with respect to tho bladder fluke and liver worm disease, which he has been specially investigating. He is of opinion that neither of these diseases will prove effective means of extermination, but only auxiliaries. Although these diseases have kept the number of rabbits down, he regards careful winter poisoning and their natural enemies as the most potent agents in their reduction. TAWHIAO AND THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. Major Jackson informs me that it was his intention to have moved for a return of the chiefß formerly in arms against us, and now in receipt of pensions, and who have never taken the oath of allegiance; but he hae been dissuaded from doing so. He says that Tawhiao, in coming in without taking personally the oath of allegiance, would simply be on the same footing as other, .leading chiefs. The chiefs to whom he alludes are Rewi, Wahanui, and To Wetere. I do not think the exception made by Tawhiao in the Native Minister's proposals will prove any serious bar to a complete reconciliation with him and his people. THE RULES OF PROCEDURE. The Government were again unable today to get in the new Rules of Procedure owing to being unable to secure 64 members in tho House. The Opposition members in the early part of the afternoon sitting folded bneir tente like the Arabs and etole silently away, leaving Mr. Seddon as a rear guard picket on the Opposition benches to report progress.

THE AUCKLAND STIPENDIARY MAGISTRACY. Nothing has yefe been settled with regard to the acceptance of Mr. Baddeley's offer, or the appointment of Colonel Roberts. Indeed an unexpected phase of the affair haa been put before me, namely, that in the event of the present stipendiary magistrate retiring, it was juet on the cards that in the interests of retrenchment no new appointment would bo made. In response to my inquiries, I was informed that in Dunedin the R.M. hadio bake also the duty of outstations. In Christchurch and Wellington the same state of things prevails, the Justices of the Peace attending to the surplus business whioh the officers could not undertake. It was pointed out that in Auckland the justices who coveted the honour of having J. P. after their names mnet fulfil the duties which the title implied ; and that if Justices would nob give regular attendance, then Justices would have to be appointed who would. As the Government propose, it is said, to bring in a measure empowering them bo strike J ustices' names oft the roll for good and sufficient reasons, they will under it possess the requisite leverage for compelling the Justices bo the regular performance of their duty. THE CODLIN MOTH BILL. Messrs. Hobbs, Peacock, Monk, and R. Thompson strongly supported the second reading of the Codfin Moth Bill. Owing to the ravacres of the peat in Auckland, the

latter said people in thab district were buying up diseased apples to make jam, manufacturing a compound tempered largely with codlin moth. The compulsory clauses seem well adapted to stamp out the disease, as nothing is left to the option of settlers, who through a dread of taxation allowed the previous Act to be a dead letter. Mr. Hobbs suggested bhab the Police, and Sheep, and Rabbit Inspectors should be utilised in working the inspectors' clauses, so as to keep down officialism and departmental expenses. FAIR RENT BILL. The correspondence between member for Auckland City East (Sir G. Grey) and the Government relative to the proposed amendment in the law by means of the Fair Rent Bill is moved for. I understand the Premier was unpleasantly surprised when he heard that part of the correspondence had been already published in one of the Auckland journals. OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION. Sir Frederick Whitaker's statement in the Legislative Council as to the financial condition of the colony, caused a two hours' wrangle in the House in the afternoon. Sir Johu Hall said, in referring to the Attor-ney-General's statement that if it was not applicable now, there was a time when the word insolvency would pretty well have described the condition of the colony, namely, when he (Sir John Hall) came into power in 1879. This allusion nettled Sir George Grey, who said Sir John was leading the House into a matter of "ancient history." Had he (Sir George Grey) remained in office he could have, raised, the money necessary, though bhe Hall administration found a difficulty in doing so. This only proved that his credit was better than theirs. This sally caused some amusement.

THE SECRET OF THE LOAN BILL. An attempt was made by the Opposibion to get out tne secret history of the passage of the Loan Act, through Mr. Seddon, who stood upon his privilege, and asked Mr. Fulton to unfold the secret which the Premier had confided to him, and which led him to withdraw his opposition to the Bill; and led him also to implore the members of the Opposition, whom he conversed with, to vote for the passage of the Bill. The hon. member for Kumara failed to " draw the badger," Mr. Fulton, amid much laughter, saying, "There was a time to speak and a time to be silent. The time to be silent was now."

THE COLONY'S POSITION. Although the Premier satisfactorily explained the statement of Sir Frederick Whitaker, and read a memorandum from the Attorney-General, in which he more fully explained his statement, Mr. Fish has given notice for to-morrow to ask the Colonial Treasurer (1) whether there is any truth in the statement made by the Hon. Attorney-General to the effect that if the loan were not raised, and raised immediately the colony would be in a position of insolvency ? (2) Is there any truth in the statement that the financial exigencies of the Bank of New Zealand was the cause of the Government desire to pass the Loan Bill in such haste, or to raise the loan at all ? Mr. Seddon follows suit with another question, to ask the Premier whether he intends asking the House to appoint the Public Accounts Committee, —and if, when suoh committee be appointed, he will submit to it the correspondence and papers relative to the loan of £500,000 from the Bank of New Zealand, and the loan of £400,000 from the Colonial Bank, and any loans received from other of the colonial banks 1 Mr. Ward asks the Government (1): If they will consider the advisability of effecting a change in the present banking arrangements of the country ? (2) if they do not think it would be beneficial to the interests of the colony that the public accounts should be kept with the associated banks in Now Zealand, instead of with one bank as at present. 3. Are thero any reasons why a change in the direction indicated cannot with advantage be effected, and, if so, what ? There is still another motion, in order, apparently, to get by a side-wind at somebody, being a return, called for by Mr. Fitzherbert, giving the names and official fxisitions of all Government officers who iold office as directors on the Boards of the several incorporated companies in this colony. THE EDUCATION VOTE.

The attempt will be made by a section of the House, if an opportunity is given to discuss the education report, to get tho House to reconsider the resolution of last session imposing the rule of "strict" instead of " working" average in relation to the education vote. THE " FAITH HEALERS." The Government are being moved in the direction of considering the advisableness of amending the Medical Practitioners Act in the direction of subjecting to a penalty all persons who, under the designation of " faith healers," extract fees from many weak-minded or ignorant invalids.

MICELLANEOUS. The latest thing in the way of protection is a petition by Gilbert Rock of Dunedin, author of a dramatic work and a novel, who is prepared to meet the demands of the reading public if the House will impose a protective tax upon all printed books imported into Now Zealand, and grant to him such protection and other relief as to them shall seem meet.

The Government will consider to-morrow whether the House will sit on the Queen's Birthday. It is improbable that a House will be secured on that day. After the Financial Statement is disposed of, it is probable that the Government will make a Hank movement to get in the new Rulee of Procedure, by way of a resolution of the House.

The New Zealand delegates to the Chinese Conference in Australia have not yet been appointed. A further report has been received by the Minister of Lands from Mr. Bell, the New Zealand Rabbit CotnniisHioner. It indicates that much more time than had been anticipated will be required for fulfilling the scope of the Commission. An inquiry has been made of the Government as to whether they will give the House at an oarly date an opportunity of nominating a Commissioner on the Representative Commission in tho stead of Colonel Haultain, resigned. An effort is being made to get members' telegrams to Ministers, on public business during the recess, franked.